• Buyuk Han - Cyprus’ finest example of Ottoman caravanserai architecture. Originally constructed to accommodate travelers from Anatolia and other regions of Cyprus, the Great Inn has been revitalized as a vibrant arts center, featuring numerous galleries and workshops. It has once again become the lively heart of North Lefkosia’s Old City. Visitors can enjoy folklore dance performances, piano recitals, and drama displays within its historic walls, making it a must-visit attraction in Nicosia.
• Selimiye Mosque - Explore Lefkosia’s most iconic landmark, the Selimiye Mosque, which uniquely combines elements of a French Gothic church and a mosque. Its captivating history dates back to the 13th century. Formerly known as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, this Roman Catholic cathedral was transformed into a mosque. It stands as the largest surviving historical building in Lefkosia, with some sources suggesting it “may have been the largest church built in the Eastern Mediterranean in the millennium between the rise of Islam and the late Ottoman period.”
• Medieval Venetian Walls - Discover the Venetian walls that encircle the Old City, creating a distinctive border. Their unique design is unforgettable once seen on a map, symbolizing the ancient fortification’s unique shape.
• Kyrenia Gate - Experience one of the three gates within the Venetian walls that surround the old city of Lefkosia, offering access from the north. For over a millennium, Lefkosia was a fortified city, from the Lusignans to the Ottomans. During the Renaissance, the Venetians reconstructed formidable walls around the capital in response to the looming threat of the Ottoman Empire.
• Kumarcilar Han - Known as the Gambler’s Inn, this caravanserai was built towards the end of the 17th century. Although smaller and more modest than Büyük Han, it remains a typical example of an Ottoman inner-city commercial inn. The entrance features a monumental carved gate predating the Ottoman conquest, and experts believe it stands on the remnants of an earlier structure, possibly a monastery. Today, the fully restored Han serves as an attraction with arts and craft shops.
• Bedesten - Eski Ayanikola Kilisesi - Stroll around the Bedesten, one of Lefkosia’s most significant historical buildings, showcasing the city’s multicultural heritage and diverse history. With a history spanning over a thousand years, it was initially constructed as a church in the 6th century, expanded and rebuilt between the 12th and 16th centuries, and later converted into a covered market during Ottoman rule.

• Tea and Coffee

This guided tour provides a distinctive exploration of the divided city, connecting its Greek and Turkish regions. The journey begins in the UN-controlled area, where the renowned Ledra Palace Hotel stands as a silent testament to history. Once a beacon of luxury, this building, now marked by bullet holes, serves as the headquarters for UN peacekeepers.

The tour continues along the “Green Line,” the UN-controlled buffer zone that divides the city. Participants will observe daily life along this historic boundary, a compelling reminder of the city’s multifaceted history.

The route then takes visitors to the Selimiye Mosque, formerly the Cathedral of St. Sophia, a stunning edifice that reflects the city’s intricate heritage. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Buyuk Han caravanserai and the bustling indoor market, offering insights into the daily life and culture of both communities. This experience is a profound reflection of the city’s past, present, and the promising signs of a future reunification.

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