A trip to the occupied northern part of Cyprus is a great way to learn about the turbulent history the island. This varied tour takes in a clutch of historical highlights, from Famagusta old town and Salamis archaeological site to one of the oldest shipwrecks in the world. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Kyrenia shipwreck is one of the best preserved anywhere. It's housed in an impressive castle, and the museum also contains many other unusual exhibits, including some of the oldest olives, grapes, figs and lentils ever found.'
To kick off, you'll explore the walled old town of Famagusta with a guide to bring all that history to life. Famagusta is known for its dramatic ensemble of medieval architecture, and was once a glittering gem of the eastern Mediterranean. Afterwards, we'll continue to nearby Salamis, a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Salamis is one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites in Cyprus, and it provides a glimpse into the island's classical past.
The charming harbour town of Kyrenia invites you to linger a little longer. You'll take a guided tour of the castle and visit the shipwreck museum, before enjoying some free time to explore at your own pace. Next up is a visit to the ruins of the Gothic Bellapais Abbey. The setting on a mountainside is as beautiful as the views down to Kyrenia and the Mediterranean. It was in the village of Bellapais that Lawrence Durrell lived and wrote his novel, Bitter Lemons.
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