Ancient civilization, holy apostles & world famous crusaders

Nicosia – Ancient Salamis – Golden Beach – Famagusta – Bellapais Monastery – Kyrenia

Your itinerary

Look forward to a fascinating study trip to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Follow in the footsteps of the apostles and crusaders to the most famous natural and cultural monuments on the island.

Day 1:Arrival in Ercan and transfer to the hotel

We land in Ercan in the wonderful northern part of Cyprus. At the airport our German speaking tour guide will meet us. Direct transfer to our star hotel, where we spend the first 3 nights.

Day 2: Nicosia, Ancient Salamis & St. Barnabas Monastery

Welcome to the labyrinth of the tranquil streets of Nicosia – Europe’s last divided capital. In the exciting northern part we visit a magnificent Ottoman caravanserai, where we feel oriental flair (entrance included). Our visit to the Selimiye Mosque (admission included) is very impressive for everyone. The largest building in the city is considered a Gothic masterpiece. We continue on foot across the “border”, the so-called Green Line, into the southern part of the city. There you have enough time for your own activities. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the picturesque streets and walk along the Venetian Wall. Afterwards we drive to the wonderful Roman city Salamis, which is located directly at the sea (entrance included). There we marvel at the ruins of the high school, the forum and the thermal baths.

Day 3: St. Andreas Monastery, Golden Beach & Agios Afksentios Church

Today we go on a panoramic trip in the untouched part of Northern Cyprus towards Karpaz. We first pass the picturesque fishing village of Dipkarpaz and continue to the fascinating St. Andreas monastery (entrance included). This was dedicated to the Apostle Andrew and is considered one of the most important places of pilgrimage on the island. Then we reach the Golden Beach, probably the most beautiful beach in Cyprus. With a little luck we can see the traces of the well-known sea turtle “Caretta Caretta” in the sand on a leisurely stroll. To top it off, we visit the impressive church of Agios Afksentios in Büyükkonuk (entrance included), which has been restored by an EU cultural project.

Day 4:St. Nicholas Cathedral & miniature park

Today’s exploration tour takes us in Famagusta directly to our next highlight: the magnificent St. Nicholas Cathedral (entrance included), renamed by the Ottomans to today’s Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Afterwards, we encounter fascinating, centuries-old handicrafts in a traditional knotting workshop. The variety, style and color of the hand-knotted carpets inspire us. Then we visit the miniature park (entrance included), see the 15 most important sights of Cyprus in miniature. We spend the next 4 nights relaxed in the Kyrenia area.

Day 5:Bellapais Monastery, port city of Kyrenia, fortress & ship museum

We drive through the mighty Pentadaktylos Mountains to an altitude of 700 m and experience the famous Bellapais Monastery (entrance included) – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that was built with the help of the Crusaders. In the 13th century, numerous Christians made a pilgrimage to the monastery, since a fragment of the Holy Cross was probably kept here at that time. We walk between cypresses and enjoy the fabulous view down to the port city of Kyrenia. This enchanting panorama inspired the writer Lawrence Durrel to write his famous work “Bitter Limonen”. Then we head to the old port of Kyrenia. Here white boats swing in the turquoise water, in the bars visitors can relax and enjoy their coffee. We stroll along the harbor promenade to the mighty fortress (entrance included), the symbol of the city. Its walls tower up to us an impressive 21 m. Not far from there we admire an ancient shipwreck from 300 BC. In today’s museum (entrance included) we see many of its well-preserved original parts. The great craft tradition soon leads us to a jewelry and leather factory. There you also have the opportunity to purchase a personal holiday souvenir. We end the evening in the hotel.

Day 6 – 7:Kyrenia

There is plenty of time for relaxation and new discoveries on these two days. Some relax by the pool, stroll along the beach or visit a traditional steam bath. The others explore natural and cultural treasures in the area on their own: Worthwhile are the Gecitköy Dam and the ancient city of Soli. You will also be impressed by the impressive Mamas church with its fantastic frescoes.

Day 8 – 15:Vacation extension in the exclusive 5-star luxury hotel directly on the beach for FREE

Relax in the next 8 days in your modern 5-star luxury hotel directly on the beach. The comfortable rooms are luxuriously and modernly equipped. Relax in the dreamy wellness area of ​​the hotel including a sauna. Take a break by the pool or stroll along the beach. On the 15th day there is a direct transfer to the airport and the return flight.

Including spectacular excursion program + admission!

Nicosia & Selimiye Mosque

Famagusta

Golden Beach

Ancient salamis

Bellapais Monastery

Kyrenia

Your cultural highlights

Kyrenia

The city of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, is located in the region of the same name and is often referred to as the highlight of every trip to Northern Cyprus. The city is located in the idyllic northwest of the country, which is one of the most original parts of northern Cyprus. One of the most famous sights of the city is the old port, which, framed by mountains, is the center of tourist activities in Kyrenia. St. Hilarion Castle, one of the most famous crusader castles, towers over the city of Kyrenia. Originally a church, it was first converted and expanded into a monastery and then into a castle.

Nicosia

Nicosia, the country’s capital, is another highlight of this tour. In Nicosia there are still numerous witnesses of the country’s eventful past. There are numerous museums where you can learn more about the history of the divided capital. Other sights include the Girne Gate, the Ottoman caravanserai and the Selimiye Mosque. In addition, the old town with its labyrinthine alleys, lined with numerous shops where you can buy traditional sweets such as fresh Halva, offers a further insight into the rich culture of the country.

Your inclusive services

• Round-trip flight with renowned airline¹ to Ercan
  incl. Airport surcharges & hotel transfers

– 7 nights in a double room in selected 4 and 5-star hotels (national category )
– 7x rich breakfast buffet
– Round trip in our modern and air-conditioned coach with a specialist, German-speaking tour guide with a university degree
– Spectacular excursion program + admission (according to the program), including the highlights:
• Nicosia
• Ancient Salamis
• St. Barnabas
Monastery • St. Andreas Monastery
• Golden Beach
• Agios Afksentios Church
• Famagusta
• St. Nicholas Cathedral
• Miniature Park •
Bellapais Monastery
• Kyrenia
• Ship museum

YOUR GIFT: 8 days of relaxation in a 5-star luxury hotel directly on the beach

– 7 nights in a double room in an exclusive 5-star luxury hotel (national category)
– 7x rich breakfast buffet
– free use of the hotel’s own facilities:
attractive outdoor pool, heated indoor pool, private beach and wonderful wellness area with sauna

24 hour medical on-call service

¹ e.g. Freebird Airlines (well-known charter airline), Turkish Airlines (best European airline 2011-2016 according to Sky Trax World Airline Award) with a stopover in Antalya

Your additional services

Indulgence Package:

The package includes half board, ie a rich buffet in the evening with international specialties during the 7-day study trip: only 139, – €

Our 4 and 5 star study travel hotels!

Here you will find impressions and pictures of selected sample hotels.

Holiday extension:
8 days of relaxation in an exclusive 5-star luxury hotel!

Country information (Northern) Cyprus

Comparison of maximum temperatures

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Nicosia	15	16	18	24	30	32	35	35	32	30	24	18
Berlin	2	3	6	13	18	22	23	22	19	14	7	4

Cyprus:

The island of Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean and is the third largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia. Geographically, the island belongs to Asia, but is politically and culturally part of Europe.

Cyprus has been divided in fact since 1974. The internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus exercises actual control only in the southern part of the island, not in the northern part, which is demarcated from the southern part by a demarcation line (Green Line). Only Turkey recognizes the northern part of Cyprus as an independent state. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus covers just over a third of the entire island.

The carpets, jewelry and leather goods are solid, sometimes centuries-old components of oriental culture. For this reason, we will also visit a jewelry factory, a leather trade and a traditional carpet knotting workshop on our tour. Here you will learn interesting facts about the art of carpet craft and experience how a hand-knotted carpet has been made for generations. In the course of interesting demonstrations, you will learn more about the preparation of the silk threads, the natural dyeing of the wool and the delicate and very time-consuming knotting. In the respective factories you then have 1-2 hours to look at works of art and products.

Acting is one of the customs typical of the country. If you are not interested in a purchase, the retailers also accept a clear no. There is no trading in department stores and supermarkets. This also applies to markets where local farmers sell their vegetables.

It is customary to tip in Northern Cyprus. Similar to America, it is part of the income in service occupations. It also symbolizes a recognition of the achievement. For the housekeeping you can leave around € 1-2 per night. About 10% of the invoice amount is customary in a restaurant or taxi. You don’t tip in shops. For group tours we recommend approx. € 2 per day and person for the tour guide, € 1-2 per day and person for bus drivers. Of course, it is up to you whether and how much you want to tip

Tour guide:

Your German-speaking tour guides are well trained and will provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture, etc. and will be at your side with advice and action in all organizational matters. They will help you with the room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with a welcome drink at the initial information. You will learn everything worth knowing and useful for the entire journey.

Traffic:

Left-hand traffic prevails in the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”.

Electricity:

240 V, an adapter is necessary here.

local time:

The time difference between Germany and Northern Cyprus is plus one hour all year round due to the change in time in both countries.

To phone:

The country code for Northern Cyprus is 0090. If you are calling from Northern Cyprus to Germany, please dial 0049. The zero is omitted before the area code.

Currency:

Since January 1st, 2009 the currency is again called Turkish Lira (TRY). Course (07.12.2018) 1 EUR = 6.07 TRY; 1 TRY = 0.16 EUR.

Banks / credit cards:

Checks and traveller’s checks are accepted by most banks, hotels and exchange offices. Cash can be exchanged at the banks during opening hours. Bank opening times: Mon to Fri 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in summer and Winter to 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in winter.

ATTENTION: When paying with bank or credit cards, beware of fraudsters, they try to copy the bank card of the traveler unnoticed and spy on the associated PIN code in order to withdraw money with counterfeit cards at ATMs. Travelers are therefore advised to always keep an eye on their bank card when paying and to enter the secret number in a concealed manner. Caution is advised when using bank and credit cards with a PIN code in exchange offices.

Entry requirements for German citizens:

Entry is possible for German citizens with the following documents:

Travel documents adults	Entry possible / conditions
passport	Yes, must be valid
Temporary passport	Yes, must be valid
identity card	Yes, must be valid
Provisional identity card	No

As a tourist you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Please note that when entering with a passport, this document must have at least one blank page.

All information relates to German citizens. Citizens of other countries are advised to inquire about the applicable entry requirements at the embassy in the destination country. You are responsible for applying for and showing any visas that may be required. RSD assumes no liability if you fail to do so.

Crossing the “Green Line”:

A change from the northern part to the southern part of Cyprus and vice versa is basically possible without any problems for EU citizens with a valid travel document at the designated crossings. There are usually no waiting or staying times. At the transition, an identity check (passport or ID card) takes place in both directions.

Customs regulations:

The following rules apply to tourists: The import of foreign currency is permitted without restriction. Foreign currency exports are permitted up to a total of $ 5,000 or equivalent in TL. Travelers may import and export personal jewelry up to a total of $ 15,000. If the value is higher, this must be declared on entry. In addition, the following goods may be carried per person upon entry (does not apply to transit travelers): Personal effects: Items for personal use including medical items (devices) and medicines as well as gifts up to a total value of 300 euros.

The acquisition, possession and export of “cultural and natural assets” are severely punished (prison terms of up to 10 years), since these are considered to be state property. In the case of violations, pre-trial detention and high security payments (currently around 9,000 euros) are common practice for tourists, even if they are antiques or old-looking items of supposedly low value. In individual cases, prison sentences were imposed. It is therefore strongly warned against buying antiques, old coins, fossils etc. from dealers or taking them with you. Information at: www.auswaertiges-amt.de .

Information about customs regulations for the importation of goods into Germany can be found on the website of the German customs. Www.zoll.de .

Please note: There is a strict ban on photography all over Cyprus near the buffer zone and military facilities, which is not always well signposted

Medical information:

No vaccinations are required for entry into Northern Cyprus. However, every traveler should have adequate protection against tetanus and polio and possibly against hepatitis. Be careful when eating uncooked food, unpasteurized milk products (e.g. fresh milk, ice cream) and types of fruit that cannot be peeled. Please avoid drinking tap water and ice cubes in drinks! Rule of thumb: Do not eat anything that cannot be cooked or peeled!

German health insurers generally do not cover the costs of treatment in the northern part of Cyprus. That is why it is imperative to take out private travel health insurance abroad.

As a rule, these also offer services that statutory health insurers do not take on, such as transporting the sick back.

The customer must ensure that his physical and mental condition is compatible with the selected trip.

He has to inquire about the physical mobility and mental autonomy associated with this trip.

All information without guarantee / status: December 2018