Day Tour to Famagusta, Ghost Town & Ancient Salamis

Discover ancient Salamis, historic Famagusta, and the eerie ghost town of Varosha on this unforgettable day tour. Unearth Cyprus’ rich and haunting past.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Paphos - Pick up guests from the hotels
  • Choirokoitia - Drive to Choirokitia for a quick coffee break.
  • Strovilia - Drive to Strovilia check point. All customers are required to show their passport.
  • Salamis - Drive towards Salamis and experience the Salamis Ruins an extensive archaeological site showcasing the ancient city of Salamis. Steeped in history, these ruins reveal the remnants of a once-great city, including a well-preserved amphitheater, gymnasium, and intricate mosaics. Visitors can explore the grandeur of Roman and Byzantine architecture while immersing themselves in the fascinating tales of Salamis’ past glory.
  • Famagusta - Drive to Famagusta old town, visit St. Nicholas a Cathedral that promises a journey into medieval splendour. This Gothic-style cathedral, now repurposed as the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, showcases stunning architecture and historical significance. Free time for lunch (not included)
  • Varosha (Maras) - A guided tour to Varosha in Famagusta offers a unique opportunity to witness the frozen-in-time urban landscape that was once a bustling resort town. Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors can explore the eerie streets, abandoned hotels, and homes within the fenced-off area. Gain insights into the complex history of Varosha, which remains deserted since the 1974 conflict. The tour provides a poignant glimpse into the past, offering a sobering reminder of the impact of geopolitical events on communities and their landscapes. At the end you’ll end up at the famous Constantia beach.
  • Paphos - Cross the check points again and drive back to Paphos with a short coffee break
What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

Embark on a captivating journey as we cross the UN buffer zone into the northern part of the island. Explore the ancient city of Salamis, a Hellenistic marvel dating back to the 12th century BC, boasting ruined temples, a remarkable theatre, and a sprawling gymnasium. Immerse yourself in Famagusta’s rich history within its city walls, visiting the Venetian Castle, Othello’s Tower, and the iconic St. Nicholas Cathedral. The highlight awaits as we take a guided walk through the hauntingly preserved ghost town of Varosha, frozen in time since the events of the Turkish invasion in 1974, revealing a poignant chapter of Cyprus’ history.

Location
Paphos
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(9 Ratings)
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William_g
Aug 3, 2024
very educational - very informative and educational on the history of cyprus and the turkish invasion in 1974. hearing eva’s story was very sad and has opened our eyes on the issues that the cypriots have faced.
Review provided by Viator
Matt_l
Jun 25, 2024
Incredible experience - Have visited Varosha previously but never expected to get anywhere near the ghost town. Amazing how quickly these things can progress. Our guide Eva was amazing all day. Her very personal experiences relating to the Turkish invasion are clearly still very raw and this made it a truly compelling, if sometimes emotionally draining, day. Absolutely recommend doing this trip before Varosha ends up being redeveloped
Review provided by Viator
Annsw9807rh
Apr 30, 2024
Everything about today was fabulous 👏 - Absolutely loved today.. Nic our tour guide was the best 👏👏very informative & friendly … Micheal our driver was lovely too 👍🏻
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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