Salamis Ancient Kingdom and Famagusta from Paphos: Explore Classical Ruins and a Ghost Town
3.6
21 Ratings
Paphos
Discover the ancient city of Salamis, the old town of Famagusta, and the 'ghost town' of Varosha. Explore classical ruins, intact defensive walls, and the surreal experience of walking through abandoned streets.
Duration:
11 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Salamis - Visit Salamis Archaeological Site, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea from Cyprus east coast. Salamis was the most brilliant ancient city in Cyprus and the capital of the island for more than thousand years. The archaeological site of Salamis, culture and history is considered as one of the most important not just in Cyprus but also in the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the archaeological site of Salamis as your guide shares with you the rise and fall of this Great Greek Kingdom
- Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque - Visit the originally known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. The cathedral is the largest medieval building in Famagusta, Cyprus.
- Othello Castle - Outside visit of Othello Castle in occupied Famagusta town.
- Ghost Town Famagusta - Enjoy a panoramic view of the ghost town of Famagusta
What's Included
- Professional guide
- All fees and taxes included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels
What's Not Included
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Souvenir
Additional Information
Embark on a journey to the historical city of Salamis, the quaint old town of Famagusta and the abandoned enclave of Varosha.
Your voyage into history commences in classical times at Salamis. You’ll meander through its dilapidated temples, the partially revived theater, and more.
Following a leisurely lunch, you’ll explore Famagusta, where the old town is safeguarded by preserved fortifications constructed by the Venetians hundreds of years ago. Your tour guide will present attractions such as the fortress and the Gothic church that has been converted into a mosque. Elpida has shared, ‘An ancient fig tree planted by the Crusaders who erected the cathedral stands at the main entrance – it is considered the oldest living entity in Famagusta.’ Concluding the excursion, there’s a walking tour in the derelict ‘ghost town’ of Varosha. This former bustling beach resort has lain deserted since the Turkish incursion and was made accessible to tourists only in 2020. Wandering through the overgrown streets of decaying façades with oxidized shutters and shattered windows is an uncanny experience.
- Passport or EU ID card required
- Please note that the operational program is subject to change.
- When we receive your booking we will contact you to confirm the exact pickup time and place so please check your email. If you haven´t heard from us at least 48 hours before the activity start time you should contact us
Location
Paphos
Pick up is provided from selected hotels in Paphos town. Participants are required to contact the local service provider at least 48 hours before excursion date to confirm their exact pick up location and time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
3.6
(21 Ratings)
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Pamela_b
Oct 30, 2023
Eye opening tour - We were picked up from our hotel and driven in a comfortable coach . It’s a long day but well worth it. The tour guide Katerina was very knowledgeable and passionate about the places we went. For us the tour to Famagusta was an eye opener and quite emotional actually.
Review provided by Viator
Zoltanandras_h
Oct 1, 2023
Many things to see - The whole trip was very good. The guide talked a lot about the history of Cyprus and of the tourist sights.
In the morning we received half an hour coffee break but I used the time to run through the UNESCO world heritage site nearby.
Review provided by Viator
Patrick_b
Dec 5, 2022
Great tour, packed with history - One of the best day trips I've done recently with a very knowledgeable tour guide (Eva Voss), absolutely recommendable. I loved the all the places we stopped.
Review provided by Viator
Luke_g
Sep 30, 2022
Educational and touching trip - Our tour was amazing. Our tour guide (Eva) was incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip, answering all questions and engageing with all participants. Eva truely brought the tour to life, as well as bringing a personal touch.
Review provided by Viator
Karenholyer
Jul 9, 2023
Very interesting tour - Tour guide was very informative and knew lots of information on all of the locations we visited.
Lots to see and history to be told
Long day but worth it
Review provided by Viator
Hollypgadd
Apr 2, 2023
Go Prepared - The guide, escort and driver were all fabulous. Be prepared this was a 12 hour trip door to door - a LOT of driving. The border was slow and the passport checks took a while. The ruins were amazing (50c fee to use toilets) and the Venetian walls were impressive. We never really had time to eat and food is not provided. It was a very very long day. The north is not nearly as nice as the south.
Review provided by Viator
Tia_l
Jul 1, 2022
Good excursion, needs improvement - The trip overall was good. There was however an issue with the passports at the border which resulted in us having to take a different route back to a different border crossing and added 3 hours onto our excursion time. This could have been avoided if prepared beforehand. Also, our lunch was planned incredibly late at 14:30 and since we were on the coach since 07:30 we were extremely hungry by around 12:30-13:00 and we couldn’t eat for a while. While in Othello Castle we weren’t given much time and was only able to see two rooms which was disappointing. I felt the guide was very useful with her information however the information could’ve been provided at a different time so we could have enjoyed the sights we paid to see for longer. Overall a good trip if you’re wanting to see various parts of Cyprus in one day.
Review provided by Viator
Krassimira_k
Oct 18, 2023
Never book it - They did not show up. This is the first time when the company did not show up. They clams that I was on a different hotel, but my pick up is set in-front of another hotel, which is not through because they sent me a confirmation mail. Never book this company. My initial mistake was that I disregarded similar experiences described by another tourists. This is a shame if a company. Totally untrustful.
Review provided by Viator
Resort57409098497
Jul 28, 2023
Don't join this tour if you want to skip go back - Too bad.
I was refused to join tour when I met guide. I asked tour opperator about skip to go back way.
However I can't contact opperator everytime by email.
Refuse could accept but I asked about refund they didn't reply until now.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luc_g
Jun 11, 2023
The pick up location... - The pick up location given wasn't appropriate at all. I requested to change it. I was answered it was ok. So I confirmed the new address, and got no further assistance. So that I couldn't take part. That wasn't serious at all.
Review provided by Viator
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