From Paphos: Tour Nicosia – Larnaca (North Cyprus Walk-In)

This tour from Paphos offers a captivating glimpse into the divided island of Cyprus. Visitors will cross the UN-patrolled Green Line, exploring the contrasting realities of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Through guided walks and culture, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the island’s complex history and ongoing reunification efforts. Beyond Nicosia, the tour also showcases Larnaca’s remarkable landmarks, including the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and the Larnaca Salt Lake. With a balance of cultural insights and scenic wonders, this unique experience promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to unravel the captivating story of North Cyprus.

Key Points

• The 8-hour tour includes crossing the UN-patrolled Green Line and exploring the northern part of Nicosia with a guided tour and sightseeing.
• The tour visits the iconic Salt Lake and Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca, as well as the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque.
• Participants have the opportunity to engage with local residents and gain a deeper understanding of Cyprus’s complex political and social dynamics.
• The tour provides 1-hour of free time in Northern Nicosia for lunch and independent exploration of the Turkish Cypriot quarter.
• The tour has limited group sizes and offers pickup from Paphos or the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This comprehensive tour from Paphos provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the historically and culturally significant cities of Nicosia and Larnaca in North Cyprus.

Over the course of 8 hours, you’ll have the chance to cross the Green Line and discover the northern part of Nicosia, where you’ll embark on a guided tour and sightseeing.

In Larnaca, you’ll visit the iconic Salt Lake and the Church of Saint Lazarus.

The tour also includes a stop at the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and free time in Northern Nicosia for lunch and exploration.

With limited group sizes and pickup from Paphos or Hala Sultan Tekke, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the highlights of North Cyprus.

Nicosia Visit

The tour begins with a visit to the divided capital city of Nicosia, where you will have the opportunity to cross the UN-patrolled Green Line and explore the northern part of the city.

This guided tour provides a glimpse into the history and culture of both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Visitors will spend 30 minutes each in the southern and northern sections of Nicosia, learning about the island’s complex political landscape and the efforts to reunify the city.

The contrast between the two sides is striking, offering a unique perspective on Cyprus’ complicated past and the ongoing search for a peaceful resolution.

Crossing the Green Line

Crossing the United Nations-patrolled Green Line dividing the island’s capital of Nicosia represents a unique opportunity for participants to experience the contrasting realities of Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities firsthand.

This brief venture into the northern half of the city allows visitors to:

1. Observe the physical barriers and checkpoints that separate the two sides.
2. Take in the distinct architectural styles, signage, and cultural influences present in the Turkish Cypriot sector.
3. Engage with local residents and gain a deeper understanding of the complex political and social dynamics shaping life on both sides of the divide.

This immersive experience provides a thought-provoking glimpse into Cyprus’s troubled history and ongoing efforts towards reunification.

Guided Tour in Nicosia

Once participants have crossed the Green Line, a guided tour of Nicosia’s historic city center awaits, providing insights into the island’s cultural heritage and the ongoing efforts to bridge the division between its Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. During the 30-minute tour, visitors will explore the vibrant streets, discover ancient landmarks, and learn about the city’s rich history. The guided experience offers a unique perspective on the island’s complex past and present, fostering a greater understanding of the island’s cultural diversity.

Nicosia Sights	Duration
Ledra Street Crossing	10 minutes
Venetian Walls	5 minutes
Selimiye Mosque	5 minutes
Büyük Han	5 minutes
Arasta Bazaar	5 minutes

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Larnaca Highlights

After exploring the historic sights of Nicosia, the tour then ventures to the coastal city of Larnaca, where participants get to experience two of its renowned landmarks.

They first visit the Larnaca Salt Lake, a unique natural wonder that attracts migratory birds and offers stunning views.

Next, they head to the Church of Saint Lazarus, a 9th-century Orthodox church that serves as an important religious and cultural site in the city.

The Larnaca highlights on this tour include:

1. Spending 15 minutes at the Larnaca Salt Lake, admiring the serene landscape and observing the diverse birdlife.
2. Exploring the Church of Saint Lazarus for 30 minutes, learning about its rich history and architectural significance.
3. Enjoying a break and free time in the Northern Nicosia region.

Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque

The tour then makes a photo stop and visit at the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, a significant Islamic site located near Larnaca. Visitors get to spend 20 minutes exploring this historic mosque, which serves as an important pilgrimage destination for Muslims.

The mosque was built in the 4th century AD and is believed to be the burial site of Umm Haram, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. Visitors must follow the proper dress code to enter the mosque.

This brief stop offers a chance to learn about the influential role of Islam in Cypriot history and culture. The tour then continues on to Northern Nicosia for a break, lunch, and free time.

Break Time and Lunch

The tour then provides participants with a generous 1-hour break for lunch and free time in Northern Nicosia.

During this respite, they can explore the city’s vibrant Turkish Cypriot quarter, sample local cuisine at their own pace, and enjoy some independent sightseeing.

The options for lunch include:

1. Dining at a traditional Turkish Cypriot restaurant and savoring authentic dishes like kebabs, meze platters, and baklava.
2. Visiting a bustling local market and picking up fresh produce, pastries, and street food for a picnic.
3. Stopping by a café for a cup of aromatic Turkish coffee and a light snack.

With ample time to recharge, the tour group is then ready to continue their journey to the next destination.

Tour Policies

Moving on to the tour policies, travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning. The tour also offers a reserve now, pay later policy, catering to those who prefer to secure their spot early.

However, it’s important to note that the experience may not be suitable for certain groups, including children under 13, pregnant individuals, those with mobility impairments, and people over 95 years of age.

Proper attire is required when visiting the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, ensuring participants respect the cultural and religious significance of the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Payment Options for This Tour?

The tour offers a "reserve now, pay later" policy, allowing customers to book the tour without immediate payment. Customers can pay at a later time before the tour date.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a lunch break is provided in Northern Nicosia, so it’s recommended to enjoy the local cuisine during this time.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Sites?

There is a dress code for visiting the sites on this tour. Proper attire is required to enter the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, which includes covering shoulders and legs. Other sites may have similar dress guidelines.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. All participants pay the same rate regardless of age or student status. However, the tour is not suitable for those under 13 or over 95 years old.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour if I Want to Spend More Time at a Site?

The tour duration is fixed at 8 hours, but customers can’t extend it to spend more time at a site. However, they may be able to customize the itinerary within the given timeframe by communicating with the tour operator.

Recap

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the divided capital city of Nicosia and the coastal city of Larnaca in North Cyprus.

Participants can cross the UN-patrolled Green Line and discover the contrasting realities of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, gaining a deeper understanding of the island’s complex history and ongoing efforts towards reunification.

The tour also includes visits to cultural and historical sites, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here: