Based on our own experience and the many tips we have received from enthusiastic holidaymakers, it is our pleasure to present one of the UK’s most popular cultural tours!²
We will land in Ercan on the wonderful northern half of the island. Our friendly English-speaking guide will meet us at the airport. We travel together in our modern and air-conditioned travel coach to our star hotel in the Famagusta area, where we will spend the first three nights.
Welcome to the labyrinth of tranquil narrow streets in Nicosia – Europe’s last divided capital. In the exciting northern part, we visit a magnificent Ottoman caravanserai. It once served travellers as an inn and here we still feel the oriental flair of One Thousand and One Nights (admission included). We will continue on foot across the ‘border’, the so-called Green Line, to the southern section of the city. There, you will have plenty of time for your own activities. We immerse ourselves in the exciting bustle of the picturesque alleys and stroll along the Venetian Wall. It was once meant to protect Nicosia against expected attacks from the Ottomans. We will then travel to the wonderful former Roman city of Salamis, situated directly by the sea, a spectacular ruin site (admission included). There we will marvel at the ruins of the gymnasium, the forum and the thermal baths. To finish our eventful day, we will visit the nearby St. Barnabas’ Monastery (admission included) to stand quietly in front of the sarcophagus of St. Barnabas’ the Apostle, martyr and patron saint of Cyprus.
Today, we undertake a panoramic trip to the untouched part of Northern Cyprus towards Karpaz. We first pass by the picturesque fishing village Dipkarpaz and continue on to the fascinating St. Andrew’s Monastery (admission included). This was dedicated to the Apostle Andrew, the patron saint of travellers and the sick. It is considered one of the most significant pilgrimage sites on the island. We then arrive at the Golden Beach, probably the most beautiful beach in Cyprus. On a leisurely walk, we might, with a bit of luck, spot the tracks of the well-known sea turtles ‘Caretta Caretta’ in the sand. As a final highlight, we visit the impressive Agios Afksentios Church in Büyükkonok (admission included), which an EU cultural project has restored.
The next highlight of today’s discovery tour: the majestic St. Nicholas’ Cathedral in Famagusta (admission included). After the conquest of the island by the Ottomans, it was converted into today‘s Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Then, in the port of Famagusta, we will encounter a fascinating, centuries-old handicraft in a modern rug production business. We will then head towards the Miniature Park (admission included) where we can look forward to miniatures of the 15 most important highlights offered by the island. We will spend the next four nights with star comfort in the Kyrenia region.
After a restful breakfast, we set off for a drive through the mighty Pentadaktylos Mountains. We travel up to 766 yd in altitude and experience the famous Bellapais‘ Monastery (admission included), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, established with the aid of the crusaders. During the 13ᵗʰ century, countless Christian pilgrims visited the monastery where a fragment of the Holy Cross was stored. We will walk between cypress trees and enjoy a breathtaking panorama view of the coastal town of Kyrenia, which once inspired the author Lawrence Durrel to write his famous book titled ‘Bitter Lemons’. After that we will set off for the old harbour in Kyrenia where white boats bob peacefully in the turquoise water. We will stroll along the promenade as far as the castle (admission included), the city’s landmark. Its walls tower an impressive 23 yd in front of us. Not far away, we admire an ancient shipwreck from 300 BC. In the museum (admission included), we can admire the well-preserved original parts of the ancient ship. The great craftsman tradition will shortly afterwards take us to a jewellery and leather gallery. While we are there, you will also have the opportunity to purchase a personal souvenir of your holiday. Back at our comfortable star hotel, there will be time left over in pleasant company to reminisce about this eventful day.
There will now be plenty of time for relaxation and new discoveries. Some will relax by the pool, some will take a relaxing walk on the beach or visit a traditional steam bath (hammam). The picturesque cafés in the port town of Kyrenia also offer the perfect opportunity to linger and enjoy. There is also the opportunity to explore natural and cultural treasures in the surrounding area on your own. The imposing Geçitköy dam, for example, fed with fresh water by a spectacular fresh water pipeline from Turkey, is truly thrilling. The visit to the ancient city of Soli, with its floor mosaics and ancient theatre, is also great. Also worth exploring on your own is the beautiful monastery church of St. Mamas – a legendary martyr. The sight of the magnificent frescoes there will delight you!
Today, an unforgettable week of holidays draws to a close. We have experienced a lot together and made plenty of friends, many of whom will doubtless be saying ‘We hope to see each other again on the next trip!’.
Package includes:
This package includes half-board, i.e. delicious buffet every evening with international specialities: until May 2025 only £139* per person, from September 2025 only £149* per person.
Single room surcharge: £ 350 per person (subject to availability).
example hotels
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikosia | 16 | 17 | 19 | 24 | 29 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 33 | 28 | 23 | 18 |
| London | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking before your trip. Please check the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
The island of Cyprus is in the eastern Mediterranean and is the third-largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia. Geographically, the island belongs to Asia but is regarded as European both politically and culturally.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974. The internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus only controls the southern section of the island, not the northern section which is delineated from the South by a demarcation line (Green Line). Only Türkiye recognises the northern section of Cyprus as an independent state. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus comprises just over one-third of the island.
Hand-made carpets, jewellery and leather goods are an integral part and in some cases a centuriesold tradition of oriental culture – which is why our tour also includes a visit to a jewellery maker, a leather merchant and a traditional carpet weaver. Here you will discover some fascinating facts about the art of carpet weaving and see how hand-woven carpets have been made throughout the generations. In interesting demonstrations, you will learn more about preparing the silk threads, natural wool dyeing and very intricate and elaborate knots. You will then get to spend an hour or two in the respective factories looking at the works of art and products.
Bartering is a typical Turkish custom. If you are not interested in buying anything, the traders will also accept a clear no. No bartering takes place in department stores and supermarkets, or at markets where local farmers sell their vegetables.
In Cyprus, it is customary to give tips. Similar to the USA, this forms part of income for people working in the service sector. Moreover, it symbolises recognition for the service provided. One can tip chambermaids £1 per night. In a restaurant or taxi, tipping around 10% of the billed sum is customary. Tips are not given in shops. On group trips, the suggested tip for a tour guide could be £2 per person per day, while for bus drivers the appropriate tip is around £1 – 2 per day per person. Of course, everyone may decide for themselves whether and how much of a tip they wish to give.
In the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus‘, traffic drives on the left.
The supply voltage is 240 V, 50 HZ. An adapter is necessary.
The time difference between the UK and Northern Cyprus is plus two hours throughout the year.
The country code for Northern Cyprus is 0090 with the zero cancelled before the area code. For telephone calls to the UK, please dial the country code 0044 first.
British citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, less than 10 years old and should have a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps. As a visitor, your passport will be stamped when you enter and exit Cyprus. Border guards will use the passport stamps to check you are complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays.
Please note: All travellers travelling from Northern Cyprus to the UK must officially enter Türkiye before flying on to the UK. All travellers must pass through the entry checkpoint at the Turkish airport and then check in again for the connecting flight.
Nationals of other countries are advised to inquire at the Turkish Embassy about the entry requirements applicable to them.
Regulations in respect of passport and visa requirements for Cyprus are the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whose website is http://mfa.gov.ct.tr/consular-info/visa-regulations/. Whilst we endeavour to provide guidance where necessary, we can not be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied.
Crossing the ‘Green Line‘: Travelling between the northern and southern sections of Cyprus does not generally present a problem with valid travel documents at the designated border crossings. Usually, there are no waiting periods.
Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information on the country, people, history, culture etc., and offer advice and assistance in organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape and learn all about the country and its people.
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Gourmet package: The package includes half-board, i.e. delicious buffet every evening with international specialties: until May 2025 only £139* per person, from September 2025 only £149* per person.
Explorer package: The package includes the day trip ‘Big Island Tour‘: Crusader Castle St. Hillarion (admission/guide incl.), Church of St. Mamas & Nature Museum (admission/guide incl.), Gecitköy Dam & Orange Plantations as well as the ancient city of Soli with the oldest olive tree on the island (admission/guide incl.): until May 2025 only £75* per person, from September 2025 only £79* per person.
* Package prices may vary when booking on site.
Since 1 January 2009, the currency has once again been called the Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange rate (as at September 2024): 1 GBP = 44.90 TRY; 1 TRY = 0.02 GBP.
Euro cheques and travellers’ cheques are accepted by most banks, hotels and bureaux de change. Cash can be exchanged at the banks during business hours: Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to noon in summer and Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in winter.
ATTENTION: Caution is advised when paying with bank or credit cards as criminals may try to copy the traveller’s bank card and obtain the relevant PIN code without being noticed to then withdraw cash from cash machines using fake cards. Travellers are therefore advised to keep an eye on their bank card when paying with it and to enter their PIN number with discretion. Care should also be taken when using bank and credit cards with PIN code in exchange offices.
The following regulations apply for tourists: import of foreign currency is unlimited. As for exporting currency, a total amount of 5,000 USD or the equivalent in TRY is permitted.
Travellers may import and export personal jewellery to a total value of 15,000 USD. Any value higher than this must be declared when entering the country. Documentation is required for purchases made in Cyprus. Otherwise, the following goods per person may be carried upon entry into Türkiye (does not apply to transit travellers): personal belongings as items for personal use, incl. medical articles (devices) and medicine as well as giftware. Please visit for further information: https://www.ercanairport.net/traveling-to-cyprus/customs-duty/. The purchase, possession and export of ‘cultural and natural properties‘ is severely punished (prison sentence of up to 10 years), as this property is regarded as state-owned assets. In case of violation, several months of custody and high bail fees (currently approx. 7,540 GBP) are common procedure for tourists, too, even if they hold antiques or old objects of supposedly small value. In individual cases, prison sentences are imposed. You are therefore urgently advised not to acquire or take along antiques, old coins, fossils etc. from retailers.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-intouk- personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.
Photographs may not be taken near the buffer zone and military facilities throughout Cyprus. Such bans may not always be indicated.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries). Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Every traveller should be sufficiently protected against tetanus and polio as well as hepatitis, if needs be. Caution is advised when eating uncooked food, unpasteurised dairy products (e.g. fresh milk, ice cream) and fruit that can not be peeled. Please avoid drinking tap water and ice cubes in drinks! Rule of thumb: do not eat anything that can not be cooked or peeled!
The costs of medical treatment in the northern part of Cyprus are not generally covered by British health insurance companies. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. Make sure you have private travel health insurance. Such policies usually also offer benefits not covered by state health insurance companies, e.g. the costs of repatriation. Customers should ensure that they are physically and psychologically fit for undertaking the selected trip and make the necessary queries concerning the level of physical and psychological fitness required. Please observe that the excursions are accessible by foot only and that the buses used for the roundtrip are not customised to transport wheelchairs or similar devices.
All information is subject to change/Last updated: September 2024
“This is the third holiday we have had with you, and will proceed to book a fourth.”
Christopher L., travelled, 23 May 2023²
“I recommend the trips to all those out there give it ago.”
Fred M., travelled, 5 April 2023²
“A very interesting and well organised tour”
David S., travelled 17 Mai 2023²
“Great Value and have booked our next holiday with you.”
William C., travelled, 10 Mai 2023²
²RSD Travel Ltd. and RSD Reise Service Deutschland GmbH belong to a European group of tour operators that organises tours for customers from a number of European countries. The survey focused on tourists who travelled with RSD in 2023. These comments were made by customers who have travelled with our group of companies.
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