Ms Thompson says...
Northern Cyprus is an interesting place to visit. The walking on this holiday was quite challenging but the guide was excellent in preparing us and the ...
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North Cyprus: Unknown to many, yet decorated with countless historic treasures. This walking adventure uncovers a land written into mythology, one shaped by the multiple civilisations who ruled it, and blessed with an uncommon natural beauty. We’ll discover it all, while walking through areas teeming with wildflowers and wildlife, and visiting beautiful, fascinating landmarks, such as the mountain-backed ruins of Bellapais Abbey and the harbour-front fort of Kyrenia Castle.
The adventure begins in Kyrenia, 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 BCE, and today historic buildings and winding lanes offer a glimpse into the past, sitting alongside more modern additions. If there’s time, make use of the hotel facilities – perhaps toasting the adventures to come with a cocktail in the garden bar. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
This morning, we have a welcome briefing before a 20-minute transfer to Bellapais, a mountain village home to the ruins of Bellapais Abbey, a medieval gothic monastery. There’s free time to explore, before a short walk to Catalkoy village, where we catch our transfer back to Kyrenia. The walk today is mainly along an old dirt track; it is fairly undulating, with views towards the coast along the way. Upon our return, we embark on a tour of Kyrenia. It includes a visit to the harbour-front castle, a city landmark and important fort for civilisations as diverse as the Ottomans, Venetians and British. Alongside glorious sea views and fascinating architecture, the castle houses the Shipwreck Museum, home to a fourth-century Greek merchant vessel and its cargo. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Leisurely walking day
We transfer approximately 25 minutes to Saint Hilarion Castle, a former stronghold within the Kyrenia mountains. Originally a hermitage, 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 was home to the church; and the upper was for reserved for royalty. We will spend time exploring the castle and enjoying the magnificent views of Kyrenia, before a walk through the hills to Malatya village. The first section cuts through forest, following an old riverbed with some loose rocks underfoot. We then reach an old dirt track, which we follow into the village, with coastal views ahead and Saint Hilarion Castle behind. We walk through several small villages today, getting a good sense of local life along the way, and pausing for lunch in one of the village squares. We transfer back to the hotel this afternoon, stopping to enjoy a drink on the seafront if time allows. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Moderate walking day
We head east (approximately 1hr 30min) to the Karpas peninsula. In the morning, we 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. In addition to Saint Hilarion and Buffavento, Kantara Castle is one of three mountain fortresses built by the Byzantines along the Kyrenia mountains, along with Saint Hilarion and Buffavento. It was used as a beacon station, communicating with Buffavento by fire. The castle has an incredible 360-degree view; on a clear day, you can see both coasts of the Karpas peninsula and the Turkish mountains. After a picnic lunch near the castle, we walk down the slopes of the Five Finger Mountains to Kaplica beach. If time allows, there will be a chance for a swim in the sea after our walk, before our transfer (approximately one hour) back to Kyrenia. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Leisurely walking day
Today has been left free for further exploration of the island. There are several options available, but a trip to the ancient ruins of Salamis and the historic city of Famagusta is the standout attraction for many. It starts with a visit to St Barnabas Monastery, followed by a tour of Salamis, which remains the biggest Roman site on Cyprus. There will be a lunch break by the sea before the tour continues to the ghost town of Varosha, which has been deserted since 1974. The trip finishes in the old walled city of Famagusta, home to St Nicholas Cathedral. This tour can be arranged locally (please note, you may be joining a larger group on this tour). Of course, you could choose to spend the day relaxing or exploring under your own steam. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
We start with a 45-minute transfer to Buffavento Castle, the highest Crusader castle on the island and a highlight of the week. It was built in the 11th century to defend against the Arabs, and control an important mountain pass. It’s approximately 680 steps to the top, but the dramatic location offers glorious views over Kyrenia and the Five Finger Mountains. This afternoon, we walk from the castle, taking the footpath that leads down to Bellapais village. We have lunch at the top of the mountain and see both sides of the Five Finger Mountains. Our route takes us along a narrow path, which is a bit rocky underfoot, passing between the mountains, and offering us views in both directions. The vehicle meets us in Bellapais, and we transfer about 10 minutes back to Kyrenia. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Moderate walking day
We transfer approximately 30 minutes to the start of our last walk, the Five Finger Mountains. We take a path up towards the Herbarium of Alevkaya (currently closed for renovation), where we stop for lunch. This afternoon, we walk to Sourp Magyar, the only Armenian monastery in the mountains, and on to Kyrenia rock, which offers excellent photo opportunities. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Leisurely walking day
Our adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group transfer will head back to Larnaca for their onwards flights.
This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Northern Cyprus is an interesting place to visit. The walking on this holiday was quite challenging but the guide was excellent in preparing us and the background, history and information he was able to provide made the visit very interesting and informative. He went over and above his bruefing in supporting a visually impaired member of the group. Vizer was instrumental in making the trip worthwhile.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night guided walking holiday includes:
All breakfasts, five lunches All accommodation (see below) All transport and listed activities Tour leader throughout
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
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30th Mar 2024 | US$1650 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1650 Single supp: US$360 |
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6th Apr 2024 | US$1500 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$360 |
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13th Apr 2024 | US$1575 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$360 |
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27th Apr 2024 | US$1800 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1800 Single supp: US$360 |
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4th May 2024 | US$1575 | US$465 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$465 |
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18th May 2024 | US$1575 | US$465 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$465 |
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14th Sep 2024 | US$1575 | US$465 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$465 |
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21st Sep 2024 | US$1500 | US$465 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$465 |
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28th Sep 2024 | US$1575 | US$465 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$465 |
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12th Oct 2024 | US$1500 | US$465 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$465 |
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2nd Nov 2024 | US$1350 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1350 Single supp: US$360 |
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9th Nov 2024 | US$1350 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1350 Single supp: US$360 |
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16th Nov 2024 | US$1425 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1425 Single supp: US$360 |
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23rd Nov 2024 | US$1350 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1350 Single supp: US$360 |
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21st Dec 2024 | US$1500 | US$360 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$360 |
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28th Dec 2024 | US$1350 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1350 Single supp: US$390 |
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18th Jan 2025 | US$1350 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1350 Single supp: US$390 |
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1st Feb 2025 | US$1350 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1350 Single supp: US$390 |
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15th Feb 2025 | US$1350 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1350 Single supp: US$390 |
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1st Mar 2025 | US$1500 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$390 |
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8th Mar 2025 | US$1500 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$390 |
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15th Mar 2025 | US$1500 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$390 |
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29th Mar 2025 | US$1500 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$390 |
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12th Apr 2025 | US$1500 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$390 |
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26th Apr 2025 | US$1575 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$390 |
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3rd May 2025 | US$1650 | US$495 | Tour only: US$1650 Single supp: US$495 |
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17th May 2025 | US$1650 | US$495 | Tour only: US$1650 Single supp: US$495 |
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13th Sep 2025 | US$1650 | US$495 | Tour only: US$1650 Single supp: US$495 |
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20th Sep 2025 | US$1650 | US$495 | Tour only: US$1650 Single supp: US$495 |
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27th Sep 2025 | US$1650 | US$495 | Tour only: US$1650 Single supp: US$495 |
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11th Oct 2025 | US$1650 | US$495 | Tour only: US$1650 Single supp: US$495 |
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1st Nov 2025 | US$1575 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$390 |
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8th Nov 2025 | US$1575 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$390 |
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15th Nov 2025 | US$1575 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1575 Single supp: US$390 |
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6th Dec 2025 | US$1500 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$390 |
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20th Dec 2025 | US$1500 | US$390 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$390 |
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27th Dec 2025 | US$1500 | US$420 | Tour only: US$1500 Single supp: US$420 |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus
Seven nights in the four-star Hotel Pia Bella Five days of walking Reasonable fitness required Low altitude throughout