Famagusta and Salamis full-day tour
Excursions & day trips

Famagusta and Salamis full-day tour

4.4/5

Excellent
250 reviews
from
41.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 8 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Explore Salamis, an ancient Greek city-state on the east coast of Cyprus
  • Visit the 5th century Monastery of St Barnabas, a notable pilgrimage site
  • Discover Famagusta old town with some impressive remains of the past
  • Visit the ‘ghost town' of Varosha, once a popular resort, for a guided tour
  • Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Cyprus and its history
What to expect

This tour to the northern part of Cyprus flits through multiple layers of history – ancient, medieval and the 1970s. The stars of the show are the ruins of the classical city of Salamis and the old town of Famagusta, plus the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. Stavroula, one of our expert local guides, says, "the Famagusta area is rich in treasures from antiquity to the Middle Ages and beyond. According to local lore, people were so wealthy in medieval times that they built 365 churches to praise God each day for their lifestyle of ease and plenty."

Your adventure starts in Salamis, a city founded in classical times that served as the capital of Cyprus for over a thousand years. Here, you'll explore the ancient roads and ruined temples that once thronged with people in this busy metropolis. The partially restored amphitheatre is a must-see, providing a glimpse into the past when performances and festivals were held here. Next, you'll head to the 5th century Monastery of St Barnabas, where you'll visit its icon museum with examples dating back to the Byzantine period.

Next, there's a short guided walk through the haunting former seaside town of Varosha where time has stood still for decades. This once popular beach resort has lain abandoned for over 50 years. After free time for lunch, you'll explore Famagusta, a city that was once one of the wealthiest in the Mediterranean. Your guide will show you sights such as the Venetian castle and the Gothic cathedral-turned mosque.

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What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Admission fees
  • check Full insurance cover for travelling in the northern part of Cyprus
What to remember
  • You'll need your passport / ID card to cross the checkpoint into the northern part of Cyprus
  • Just so you know, because of local restrictions at Strovillia checkpoint, only passport holders from EU member states, the UK, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland can travel to and from the northern part of Cyprus
  • Please note, single parent families or those travelling without both parents need to provide extra documentation for anyone under the age of 18 when travelling into the north of Cyprus. This includes a 'letter of authorisation' from the missing parent, as well as supporting documents including birth certificate of the child, passport copy of the missing parent or a copy of a court order. Templates of these letters are readily available on search engines however we recommend you consult a lawyer prior to travelling on holiday
  • This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
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Provider
TUI CYPRUS LTD
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.4 /5

Based on 250 reviews from verified customers


Review categories

Value for money

4.5/5

Safety

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

Service

4.6/5


64%
25%
8%
1%
2%

Sort by:

  • S

    Sally R

    Verified booking

    4.6

    6 October 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    Olga was the most fantastic tour guide she was so informative and very caring. The tour was amazing very good to learn about our history in all countries. Would highly recommend

  • S

    Steven Holmes

    Verified booking

    2.6

    6 October 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    Complete waste of a day. The guide was bullied along by the tui rep behind us so got a whistle stop tour of salamis with very little info moved on to Famagusta and again guide rushing through any info so walked off an did our own thing with the same issues again in Varosha basically it was no better than a school bus trip being shouted at all day to move along if you like this’s sort of speed through history you’ll be ok if you like a bit more time on the floor an not sat on a coach avoid

  • B

    Ben

    Verified booking

    5

    2 October 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    Everything was amazing, the only difference I might make is to ensure all attendees knew to bring food or ensure a budget for food when going. This is very minor however everything was absolutely brilliant. Our Guide Olga was brilliant and was extremely knowledgable and answered all questions beautifully.

  • M

    Mr & Mrs Marko

    Verified booking

    5

    2 October 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    This trip was fantastic, our guide was wonderful and and extremely knowledgeable as well as a great ambassador for Tui. The trip brought everyone together which resulted with new friendships being born from the tragedy that was there to be witnessed before our very eyes from the trip itself which was a real positive, I would highly recommend this trip to people who enjoy learning about culture, history as well as those who just want to meet like minded people.

  • J

    Jw

    Verified booking

    4.6

    2 October 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    The guide was very informative and approachable. It was relaxed and very enjoyable. I have mobility issues and did find someone areas very difficult to manage and was unable to access some of the tour. Maybe adding to your information about the trips regarding the length you will walk and the amount of steps as well as some uneven ground will help people make a choice and avoid confrontation with the guide/ staff at the venues

  • J

    Jean and graham

    Verified booking

    4.6

    2 October 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    All the trip was really well organised and Olga was full of very interesting facts and figures. Enjoyed all the stops and had a light lunch at famagusta at a little cafe she tecommended. Had to take our passports for the border crossings, which didn't take long to pass through.

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