Itinerary Expand all Fly to Larnaca; transfer to KyreniaThe group flight usually arrives into Lanarca in the early evening and the group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. The transfer takes approximately 1.5 hrs and includes crossing the border to North Cyprus. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening our guide will hold a short meeting to discuss the plan for the following day, to give advice on the local area and to answer any questions.Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similarComfortable Hotel Day 1 Start KyreniaThe group flight usually arrives into Lanarca in the early evening and the group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. The transfer takes approximately 1.5 hrs and includes crossing the border to North Cyprus. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening our guide will hold a short meeting to discuss the plan for the following day, to give advice on the local area and to answer any questions. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similarComfortable Hotel Day 2 Transfer to Catalkoy; walk to Bellapais and visit the monastery; afternoon Kyrenia Castle visitAfter the Welcome Briefing, we will have a short 20 minute transfer to Bellapais village and the beautiful 12th century Bellapais Abbey, set in the mountains to the south. There will be some free time to explore the beautiful village and the abbey before starting our short walk to Cattalkoy village where we get the transfer back to Kyrenia. The walk today is mainly along an old dirt track; it is fairly undulating, with views out towards the coast along the way. Kyrenia is a pretty harbour town and a great base from which to explore North Cyprus. Archaeological excavations show the area was first settled as far back as the 10th century BC, and today historic buildings and winding lanes offer a glimpse of the past, sitting side by side with more modern additions. Our tour also takes in a visit to Kyrenia's Crusader Castle, which features in English history as far back as the third crusade, when it was taken by Richard the Lionheart. Since then the castle has been updated and used by civilizations as diverse as the Ottomans, the Venetians and the British. As well as glorious views and fascinating architecture, the castle also houses the Shipwreck Museum, home to a 4th century Greek merchant vessel and its cargo. Walk: Distance 5 km Ascent 153 m Descent 145 m Max Altitude 350 m Time: 2 hours Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similarComfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 3 Transfer to the ancient hermitage site of St Hilarion Castle; visit the site and walk to Malatya village via KaramanToday we transfer approximately 25 minutes to the Saint Hilarion Castle, a former stronghold of the Kyrenia mountains. Originally a hermitage site, the monastery and church were built in the 10th century and later fortified. The site consists of three main parts, linked by steep staircases; the lower section was for the stables and men of arms, the middle section was home to the church and the upper section was for use by only royalty. The stunning views from the upper level are well worth the climb! We will spend some time exploring the castle and enjoying the magnificent views of Kyrenia, before starting our walk through the hills to Malatya village. The first part of our walk is through the forest, following an old riverbed with some loose rocks underfoot. We then reach an old dirt track which we follow into the village, with stunning views of the coast ahead of us and the impressive Saint Hilarion Castle up on the hills behind us. We will walk through several small villages today, getting a good sense of local life along the way. We’ll stop for lunch in a square in one of these villages. We will transfer back to the hotel this afternoon, stopping en route to enjoy a drink on the seafront if time allows. Walk: Distance 14 km Ascent 205 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 900 m Time: 4 hours Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similarComfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 4 Head to the Karpas peninsula; visit the Incirli caves and crusader castle at Kantara; walk to beautiful Kaplica beachWe head east approximately 1.5 hrs today, towards the Karpas peninsula. In the morning, we will visit Incirli cave, the largest on the island, which contains an amazing collection of stalactites and stalagmites, before heading to the crusader castle at Kantara. Kantara Castle is one of three mountain fortresses built by the Byzantines along the Kyrenia Mountains along with Saint Hilarion Castle and Buffavento Castle. It was used as a beacon station, communicating with Buffavento Castle with the use of fires. The castle boasts an incredible 360 degree view of the region. On a clear day you can see not only both coasts of the Karpaz Peninsula but also the mountains of Turkey! After a picnic lunch near the castle, we will walk down the slopes of Five Finger Mountains to the beautiful Kaplica beach. If time allows, there will be a chance to swim at Kaplica beach after our walk, before we transfer (approximately 1 hr) back to Kyrenia. Walk: Distance 8 km Ascent 50 m Descent 450 m Max Altitude 740 m Time: 3.5 hours Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similarComfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 5 Free day to relax or take an excursion to FamagustaToday has been left free for further exploration of the island. Of the many options available, of particular interest is a trip to the ancient city of Salamis and the historical city of Famagusta. This trip starts with a visit to St. Barnabas Monastery, followed by a tour of the Ancient city of Salamis, which remains the biggest Roman site on the whole island of Cyprus. There will be a lunch break by the sea before the tour continues to the ghost town of Varosha, which is closed to the civil life since 1974. The trip finishes with visiting the old walled city of Famagusta, where the St. Nicholas Cathedral is located. This tour can be arranged locally (please note that you may be joining a larger group on this tour). Of course you could choose to spend the day relaxing, or explore under your own steam. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similarComfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Visit Buffavento Castle for magnificent views; walk to Bellapais villageWe start our day with a 45 minute transfer to the magnificent Buffavento Castle. Standing at 970m, it is the highest Crusader castle on the island and a highlight of the week. Buffavento was built in the 11th century as a part of the island's defences against the Arabs, and also controlled an important mountain pass. The dramatic location offers glorious views over Kyrenia and the Five Finger Mountains. This afternoon we will walk from the castle taking the footpath which leads us down to Bellapais village. We will have our lunch at the top of the mountain where you will see the both sides of the Five Finger Mountain. Our route takes us along a narrow path, which is a bit rocky underfoot, passing between the mountains, and offering us stunning views in both directions. The vehicle meets us in Bellapais village, and we will transfer about 10 minutes back to Kyrenia. Walk: Distance 16 km Ascent 300 m Descent 350 m Max Altitude 970 m Time: 4 hours Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similarComfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 7 Spend a day in the Five Finger Mountains; walk includes visiting Kyrenia Rock and Sourp Magyar Armenian monasteryToday we transfer approximately 30 minutes to the start of our last walk, the Five Finger Mountains. The walk takes us on a path up towards the Herbarium of Alevkaya (currently closed for renovation), where we will stop for lunch. This afternoon we will walk to Sourp Magyar, the only Armenian Monastery in the mountains, and on to Kyrenia rock, which offers excellent photo opportunities. Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 100 m Descent 120 m Max Altitude 650 m Time: 4 hours Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similarComfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Transfer to Larnaca; fly to LondonOur adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group flights will be transferred back to Larnaca for the flight to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End KyreniaOur adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group flights will be transferred back to Larnaca for the flight to London. Meals included: Breakfast
North CyprusBritish and other EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit North Cyprus.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
North CyprusThere are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A.
Hotel Pia Bella We usually stay at the 4-star Hotel Pia Bella, a short walk to the bars and restaurants of atmospheric Kyrenia harbour. All rooms are en suite with satellite tv, telephone and air conditioning and Wi-Fi access in communal areas. The property boasts two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi and tranquil gardens.
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Reviewed June 2019 Katy MacDonaldFabulous North Cyprus is an overlooked destination. The history, castles and scenery are amazing. The walks are of reasonable difficulty due to the terrain, and for May the heat made it worse, but a fabulous holiday nonetheless.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The castles built into the mountains with all round views.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Water can be collected at breakfast so take enough bottles for a day plus one to leave in the room fridge. Gluten free diet was catered for but you have to double check everything as it is not well understood. I was served cous cous after they did a special GF starter for me... The walks can be done in trainers. My boots were delayed for 2 days by BA and I managed the most technical one in my trainers. Walking poles definitely help.Is there anything else you would like to add? The extra options for Wed and Sat are well worth it. There is so much to see on the island. Take some cat biscuits, they will join you for every lunch and although looked after by the villages appreciate a snack. For mobile coverage Vodafone include Turkey in the deals.
Reviewed May 2019 Deborah LonglandA wonderful week walking in Northern Cyprus This was my first trip with Exodus having traveled many times with some of the competitor companies, and I was not disappointed. From start to finish the trip was wonderfully organised, problems which cropped up handled very well and everyone on the trip was well considered by our tour leader. A great base in Kyrenia from which to explore the island with some simply lovely walks high up in the mountains. The optional excursions were well planned and interesting and I took full advantage of these too. I would highly recommend the trip and hope to return to undertake another excursion with Exodus in the not too distant future.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The longest day walking was on the Thursday where we did a 600 step up walk to see the island from 3000 feet up, 600 steps down followed by a fairly challenging 4.5 hour walk. Beautiful scenery, interesting plants, wonderful views and a slightly faster paced walk than on other days. The optional trip to Famagusta was super as we stopped along the way to see old roman ruins, a monastry and then our tour of the old city. Well paced, interesting and lots of fun.What did you think of your group leader? Gizer is a lovely man, very knowledgable in respect of history, plants, nature, the environment and the island which is his home. A considerate person as we were of mixed ages and abilities. He certainly made the trip fun and enjoyable for all. A great ambassador for Exodus.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If people have knee, hip or joint problems then they will most likely struggle as some on our trip did. Not sure why some came along as it clearly was difficult for them and then this is tiring for others who have to wait, often in the heat. The days we went out in smaller groups, as some opted not to go, for me were better as we were all of the same ability.
Reviewed April 2019 Leslie SmithWonderful experience! We enjoyed an interesting week of hiking and learning with a fantastic guide, Gizer, and a very friendly group. The distances and terrain were different each day and all very interesting and well thought out. Late March is a terrific time to go as not too hot and an abundance of wildflowers in bloom. Our guide was a true professional and we feel went above and beyond to make our trip interesting and enjoyable. The extent of his knowledge in all things, flora, fauna, history, and food was so helpful. The staff at the center based hotel was excellent, as was the food! The history and beauty of North Cyprus is not to be missed. We’re so glad we went!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Can’t pick just one moment. It seemed every day we saw something more beautiful and learned something more interesting than the day before. I guess THE most inspiration came from learning the history of this country, particularly in recent years, and to see both North and South living in apparent harmony.What did you think of your group leader? Excellent! Could not have asked for a better guide! Also would like to give props to our driver. We always felt safe with him at the wheel.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? GO!! You will not regret it!
Reviewed February 2019 Helaine SelinInteresting I was happy to go to a place that is pretty much free of tourists, certainly in February. The hotel was lovely, the food was good and the walks were scenic if not too varied. At least one was really a bit more than moderate. The guide, Gizer, was fantastic, filling us with more than enough information about everything. North Cyprus has an interesting and pretty sad history.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I think I liked Salamis, on our day off!What did you think of your group leader? He was knowledgeable and careful with all of us.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I would say it's not leisurely but quite moderate as a rating. Nothing difficult though.Is there anything else you would like to add? Worth a visit. Also, in February, it's the start of Spring, and we saw tons of beautiful flowers.
Reviewed January 2019 Mark SargeantSuper week's walking in North Cyprus An excellent week's walking in North Cyprus with a great group and a superb guide. The guide's commentary on the history of the sights we saw including the ancient castles, churches, mosques, monastries really added to the trip.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The views of the island from the ancient castles, gorgeous scenes of the coast and island environmentWhat did you think of your group leader? Gizer was a superb guide and represents the very best of Exodus guides. He managed the pace of the walks superbly (no mean feat given that there were 16 in the group), gave very insightful commentary on the sights we saw including history, fauna and flora and was an extremely engaging and helpful chap - his recommendations for dinner in town were very good.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go! This is an excellent walking trip and the addition of the guide's commentary on the sights we saw really was a bonus. Christmas is good time to walk given that it is warmer in Cyprus than almost any other part of Europe. Consider staying on for a few extra days in the South of the island to get a full flavour of the country. The optional trips to Famagusta and Salamis were very good.Is there anything else you would like to add? If you want an excellent and slightly different Exodus walking trip then I would highly recommend!
Reviewed January 2019 Mark SargeantExcellent walking in North Cyprus An excellent week walking exploring North Cyprus at Christmas with a very pleasant and friendly group. This is not just a walking trip for you get an excellent overview of the history of the ancient castles, monastries etc that you see that really adds to the quality of the holiday. A very good variety of walks across different landscapes but mostly having views of the sea - expertly led by a superb guide.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Any view of the isalnd (north and south) from the three ancient castles we walked to.What did you think of your group leader? Gizer was a superb guide and represents the best kind of leader Exodus regularly has on its books. He expertly led the pace of the walks (no mean feat with 16 in the group), provided very interesting commentary on the history of the places we were walking, the fauna and flora, and gave some fine recommendations for dinner. Top class.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go on the optional Salamis & Famagusta tour, very good. Christmas is a great time of year to go with the sun shining (most of the time!) and temperatures much better than home and pretty much anywhere else in Europe. Consider spending a few extra days in the South to enjoy all of the island.Is there anything else you would like to add? Another great holiday and a touch different to other Exodus walking trips for wholly positive reasons.
Reviewed December 2018 Mavis WIlliamsFantastic walks, amazing scenery, great food and a fantastic guide Walking in North Cyprus was a lovely surprise. The trip was very well organised by Exodus and we had a fantastic guide called Gizer who was very knowledgeable, kind and professional. The trip was a hotel based walking trip at Christmas time. The weather on the whole was perfect for walking and showing off the amazing scenery. (just one afternoon of rain) The walks were varied, quite tough at times but very rewarding. We mostly visited castles and monasteries during the walks. The hotel was a good standard with nice big rooms and very friendly staff. The group were amazing and inspirational. The Guide was fantastic and organised great restaurants with really good food at very reasonable prices for us all. He was the perfect host to show off this beautiful part of the world and he ensured all of us enjoyed our holiday.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walks and amazing scenery. The Manastir abbey was one of my favourite places so pretty and peaceful. The lunch spot on the walk on day 5 was amazing and will live long in the memory. Oh yes and the christmas eve dinner - lots of dancing yayWhat did you think of your group leader? He was excellent, going out of his way to make sure everyone was happy and enjoyed themselves. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history and area and had a calm easy manner which made the trip so enjoyable. I would describe him as the perfect exodus guide.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Ensure good walking boots as terrain can be a bit tricky. Layers are needed in the winter particularly in December when it can be all sunny, warm, cold or some rain.Is there anything else you would like to add? This trip was very enjoyable. The whole experience was amazing.
Reviewed October 2018 Bob SelbyTEU - Walking in North Cyprus Another great holiday organised by Exodus. The beautiful countryside of North Cyprus was well highlighted by this tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and kept the group together well. The weather was a bit hotter than I expected (the eastern Mediterranean was suffering from a hot summer and the temperatures were in the mid-80s whereas I was expecting a few degrees cooler. However, by keeping well hydrated the walks did not provide me with any problems.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The final walk through the pine forest and down to Sourp Magyar was exhilarating and the view at our final location of Kyrenia Rock was amazing.What did you think of your group leader? Geetha was excellent - knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about his area. He always spent time getting to know his guests and knew who to trust to lead the way while assisting the members of our group who may have been struggling. Gave us a good advice on the creatures of the area and was not phased when we ran into a couple of snakes! He provided us with some great recommendations to eat in the evenings and where to go on our downtime.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The arrival and meet at Larnaca Airport seemed a bit chaotic but once Geeta became involved things calmed down and we arrived at our hotel in Kyrenia through the border controls in Nicosia without problem. Make sure you bring water bottles with you and good stout walking boots as there is quite a bit of walking on scree and boulders.Is there anything else you would like to add? Have already booked my next Exodus holiday!
Reviewed October 2018 Wendy PowellWalking up to the castle and down again You actually have to be quite fit for this holiday. There is a fair amount of walking, especially up to the many castles. In the heat it can be tough especially on the higher climbs. Also some of the terrain can be compared to walking in a dry river bed with a lot of boulders and stones. You will be visiting a fair amount of castles and the odd monastery. You can also see the ghost city of Famagusta. The weather was fabulous, and the group were great fun. Our group leader Gizer was amazing; he was courteous,punctual, and very caring. He was also extremely knowledgable about the various flora and fauna. It was a joy to walk with him. If you stay at the Pia Bella hotel, hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did. The rooms are spacious and modern with a fantastic bathroom. Also the breakfasts were truly delightful with an incredible choice. Yon can sit outside and enjoy the kittens frolicking in the gardens, or inside the large restaurant area. There are two pools, one quite a bit larger where the sun stays all day long. Enjoy.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing Nicosia; the green line and the very pretty old town.What did you think of your group leader? Gizer was fabulous in every way, I couldn't fault him. Punctual, thoughtful, funny and caring.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to walk up 680 steps to one castle, possibly in the heat, and then continual walking for the next couple of hours. Wear strong walking shoes or boots, definitely take walking sticks.
Reviewed May 2018 Henry MarriottMay walking Arrangements were efficient, the hotel was lovely, the reception and meal on arrival was most welcoming. Walking was as brochure said and the town/suburbs was abundant with flowering plants. Evening meals easily available at very reasonable prices. The guide was full of interesting information about the historical context of the island. As ever the greatest fun was meeting the excellent other holiday makers! The hotel were very attentive to providing me with "gluten free" meals.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The visit to the roman remains at SalamisWhat did you think of your group leader? GreatDo you have any advice for potential travellers? NoIs there anything else you would like to add? No
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