Full-Day Famagusta, Ghost City of Varosi, and Salamis Tour From Paphos

Set out on a captivating journey to uncover the rich history and intriguing modern-day intrigue of Famagusta and Salamis. This full-day tour from Paphos promises an immersive experience, blending ancient ruins with haunting tales of a ghost city. Explore the UNESCO-listed remains of Salamis, dating back to the 12th century BC, before delving into Famagusta’s landmarks and the enigmatic Varosha. With expert commentary guiding the way, this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the juxtaposition of past and present.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Paphos explores the ancient ruins of Salamis and the historic landmarks of Famagusta, including the ghost city of Varosha.
• Visitors can discover the 12th-century BC ruins of Salamis, as well as the Saint Nikolaos Cathedral and Venetian walls in Famagusta.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned coach, with a professional driver and licensed guide.
• Confirmation and passports are required for crossing into Northern Cyprus, and the tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues.
• The tour is rated 4.6 stars based on 233 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and the varied ancient and modern experiences.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day tour from Paphos takes visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Salamis and the historic landmarks of Famagusta.

Travelers will wander the ruins of Salamis, dating back to the 12th century BC. In Famagusta, they’ll visit Saint Nikolaos Cathedral and the Venetian walls.

The highlight is experiencing the ghost city of Varosha, a poignant example of Cyprus’ recent history.

The tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and round-trip transport in an air-conditioned coach.

With a professional driver and licensed guide, visitors can expect an engaging and informative day uncovering the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Logistics

A professional driver and licensed guide are provided for this tour, offering expert commentary and ensuring a smooth journey. Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned coach for comfortable travel to the tour destinations. Pickup and drop-off services are offered from Paphos city center hotels, providing convenient access. While meals and drinks are not included, ample free time is allocated for lunch. Confirmation and passports are required at the time of booking for crossing into Northern Cyprus. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers and infant seats are available upon request.

| Tour Inclusions | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Air-conditioned coach |

| Guide | Professional, licensed |

| Pickup/Drop-off | Paphos city center hotels |

| Entrance Fees | Included |

| Meals/Drinks | Not included |

| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |

Tour Schedule and Accessibility

This tour operates from January 4, 2024, to December 31, 2025.

Pickup times commence 30-60 minutes before the tour’s start, with exact times communicated post-reservation.

Pickup times commence 30-60 minutes before the tour’s start, with exact times communicated post-reservation.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller and infant seats are available.

With a maximum group size of 50 travelers, the tour is suitable for most participants, though not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Key accessibility details:

• Tour departs from Paphos city center hotels
• Pickup and drop-off service provided
• Stroller and infant seats available
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for most participants, excluding those with mobility challenges

Exploring Ancient Salamis Ruins

Exploring Ancient Salamis Ruins

The tour starts with a visit to the ancient city of Salamis, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Cyprus. Dating back to the 12th century BC, the ruins offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history.

Visitors can wander through the remnants of the once-thriving city, including the gymnasium, amphitheater, and ancient baths. The guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the site’s storied past to life.

Exploring the expansive ruins allows travelers to imagine the grandeur of this ancient city and gain a deeper understanding of Cyprus’s ancient heritage.

Discovering Famagusta’s Landmarks

After exploring the ancient ruins of Salamis, the tour proceeds to the historic city of Famagusta.

Here, visitors discover a remarkable fusion of the past and present:

• Saint Nikolaos Cathedral, a stunning 14th-century Gothic structure
• The imposing Venetian walls, a testament to the island’s strategic importance
• Varosha, the ghost town frozen in time, offering a sobering glimpse into Cyprus’ recent history
• Bustling marketplaces where local crafts and delicacies can be found
• Serene plazas and promenades that evoke Famagusta’s vibrant cultural heritage

These landmarks provide a multifaceted understanding of Famagusta’s enduring significance.

Experiencing the Ghost City of Varosha

Although often overshadowed by the ancient ruins of Salamis, the ghost city of Varosha remains one of the most haunting and poignant experiences on the tour.

Abandoned in 1974 during the Turkish invasion, the once-thriving resort town sits frozen in time, its decaying buildings a stark reminder of the conflict’s impact.

Wandering through the empty streets and overgrown landscapes evokes a sense of eerie desolation, as if the very life has been drained from the city.

Wandering the eerie, abandoned streets, the life of the city appears drained, leaving an unsettling desolation in its wake.

This powerful and unsettling encounter offers a profound glimpse into Cyprus’ recent past, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

The Famagusta and Salamis Tour has been widely praised by travelers, earning a solid 4.6-star rating based on 233 reviews.

Travelers highlight several key aspects of the experience:

• Knowledgeable guides who provide engaging historical narratives
• Interesting and varied sites, from ancient ruins to the eerie ghost town
• Well-paced itineraries that make the most of the day
• Scenic journeys that complement the cultural and historical discoveries
• Overall sentiments of a long but worthwhile day, with informative and eye-opening experiences

The tour’s excellent organization and ability to offer in-depth insights into Northern Cyprus history make it a highly recommended option for those seeking a comprehensive cultural excursion.

Recommendations and Additional Information

For those interested in exploring the history and culture of Northern Cyprus, the Famagusta and Salamis Tour is highly recommended. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible option. Travelers are advised to bring water, as food is not permitted on the coach. The contrast between the ancient ruins and the decay of the ghost town of Varosha is a notable highlight, providing an eye-opening experience. Previous participants have praised the tour for its depth of information and cultural insights, making it a worthwhile day trip from Paphos.

| Recommendation | Additional Information |

| — | — |

| Explore Northern Cyprus history | Free cancellation up to 24 hours |

| Bring water, no food on coach | Contrast of ancient and modern decay |

| Informative cultural insights | Highly recommended by previous guests |

| Flexible cancellation policy | Notable and eye-opening experiences |

| Suitable for most participants | Not recommended for those with mobility issues |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Languages Are Spoken During the Tour?

The tour is conducted primarily in English. However, the guide may be able to provide some assistance in other languages such as German, French, or Russian, depending on the composition of the group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior or Student Travelers?

There are no senior or student discounts available for this tour. However, the tour is competitively priced and provides excellent value for the range of historical sites and experiences included.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include More Sites?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer an option to extend the tour and include more sites. However, travelers can inquire about customizing the itinerary or booking a private tour for a more personalized experience.

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

No, travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the coach. The tour includes allocated free time for lunch, but meals and drinks are not provided. Participants are advised to bring water, as food is not permitted on the coach.

How Extensive Is the Walking Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking around the ancient sites. While some locations have paved paths, there are also uneven surfaces. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for light to moderate walking during the tour.

The Sum Up

Uncover the captivating history and haunting beauty of Cyprus on this full-day tour. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Salamis, the impressive Venetian walls of Famagusta, and the eerie ghost city of Varosha. With expert commentary and ample time to explore, this tour offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern-day intrigue, making it a must-do for any visitor to Paphos.