From Ayia Napa: Tales of Two Cities Nicosia & Kyrenia-Polish

Travelers considering a trip to Cyprus often find themselves torn between the lively southern resorts and the intriguing northern side. If you’re curious about Northern Cyprus, this full-day tour offers a window into its history, culture, and scenic beauty. Based on mixed reviews, it’s a decent way to see some iconic sights, though not without its quirks.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines visits to Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world, with the picturesque harbor town of Kyrenia, topped off by a visit to Bellapais Abbey. These stops highlight the island’s layered past and stunning landscapes. That said, one common gripe is that some passengers found the organization a bit chaotic, with limited free time and rushed sightseeing.

This experience best suits travelers who want a broad overview of Cyprus’ north in one day—especially those who enjoy historical sites, scenic views, and cultural insights. If your trip is tight on time but you want a taste of Northern Cyprus, this could work. But if you’re hoping for a more relaxed pace or in-depth exploration, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Cultural immersion: Visit the last divided capital, Nicosia, with its ancient walls and lively old town.
• Picturesque scenery: Enjoy Kyrenia’s charming harbor and the panoramic views from Bellapais Abbey.
• Historical sights: Tour the medieval Kyrenia Castle and Gothic Bellapais Abbey.
• Limited free time: Expect some rushed moments and around 2 hours of free time for exploring or shopping.
• Group size & guide: Conducted in Polish with a live guide, with a focus on efficient sightseeing.
• Logistics: Includes pickup from your hotel, but timing can be tight — punctuality is generally good, according to reviews.
• Cost & value: Fairly priced considering the variety of stops, but some reviews mention the experience could feel hurried.
• Family suitability: Not explicitly tailored for children or wheelchairs, so check your group’s needs accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When you sign up for this tour, you’ll be setting out on an 8-hour journey through some of Cyprus’s most notable sights in the north. The experience typically kicks off early, with a pickup outside your hotel, and the guide, speaking Polish, will lead you through a packed day of storytelling and sightseeing.

Nicosia: The Last Divided Capital

The tour starts in Nicosia, the unique city split by a border—a remnant of political history that still influences the city today. You’ll explore its ancient city walls, which have stood for centuries, and wander through a vibrant old town where narrow streets hide cafes, shops, and historic buildings. Walking through Nicosia offers a palpable sense of two worlds colliding—modern life bustling alongside remnants of past conflicts.

From reviews, we see that visitors appreciated the “one city, two sides” aspect and the opportunity to understand Cyprus’ complex history. However, some found the guide’s commentary somewhat chaotic or lacking depth, so if you’re a history buff, you might want to supplement this visit with your own research afterward.

Kyrenia: Scenic Harbor and Castle

Next, the journey takes you to Kyrenia, a quaint harbor town famous for its scenic views and lively cafes. The centerpiece here is Kyrenia Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress with a history dating back centuries. Touring the castle gives you a glimpse into the island’s strategic importance and medieval architecture.

Many travelers mention that the views from Kyrenia are stunning, especially the harbor framed by the castle and the surrounding hills. You might find some free time here to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a coffee, or browse local shops. One review pointed out that the tour included a two-hour free period, which was appreciated by those wanting a breather or to explore at their own pace.

Bellapais Abbey: Gothic Serenity

The final stop is Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century Gothic monastery perched atop a hill in the hills near Kyrenia. It’s a beautiful spot, with peaceful surroundings and sweeping views of the countryside. The abbey’s architecture and tranquil atmosphere make it a highlight for many visitors.

The guide will usually tell stories about the monks and the history of the monastery, adding a touch of romance and history to this scenic spot. It’s the perfect place to take photos and soak in the calmness after a busy day. Several reviews mention that the views from Bellapais are absolutely breathtaking, making it a memorable end to the day.

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The Logistics: How It Runs

This tour is designed to be convenient—pickup from your hotel is included, and it promises to run smoothly with punctual arrivals. The driver waits only 5 minutes past the scheduled pickup, so being ready on time is essential.

The entire trip spans roughly 8 hours, starting early in the morning and returning by late afternoon or early evening. The guide, speaking Polish, is generally described as friendly and informative, though some reviews note that the commentary can be a bit chaotic or superficial, depending on the day.

Transportation & Group Size

While the specifics on vehicle size aren’t detailed in the info, reviews suggest it’s a group tour, so expect a shared coach or minibus. Given the popular nature of the tour, it’s likely a comfortable ride, but if you prefer more privacy or a smaller group, this might not be the best fit.

Pricing & Value

Considering the multiple stops, historical sites, and included pickup, the price offers reasonable value. However, some comments mention that the limited free time and feeling rushed might detract from the overall experience, especially for those wanting immersion rather than quick visits.

What to Bring

To make the most of the tour, you’ll want to pack a passport or EU ID, comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat and sunglasses), a camera, and some cash for souvenirs or snacks. Drinks, food, and alcohol aren’t allowed on the vehicle, so plan accordingly.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The positives include the scenic views, especially at Bellapais and Kyrenia harbor, and the chance to see the last divided city firsthand. The tour offers a good overview in one day, making it suitable for travelers with limited time. Many reviews praise the punctuality and organization, but some mention that the schedule feels a bit rushed, leaving little time to really explore or shop.

The downsides are primarily related to the pace—some travelers experienced a hurried visit, with only around two hours of free time, which isn’t much if you want to take your time. Plus, the guide’s commentary was described as chaotic or lacking depth by some, which might be disappointing if you’re seeking a more educational experience.

Another concern is that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or visually impaired travelers, which might be a consideration if you’re traveling with mobility needs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a quick but rundown of Northern Cyprus’s key sights, this tour is a solid option. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy cultural sites, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks but aren’t expecting a deeply immersive experience. It’s also a good fit if you want an organized, guided day with minimal planning on your part.

However, if you’re someone who prefers more leisurely exploration or detailed historical commentary, you might find the pace too brisk. Families with older children comfortable with walking and sightseeing will likely enjoy this, but small children or those with mobility issues should consider other options.

The Sum Up

This tour from Ayia Napa provides a nice snapshot of Northern Cyprus’s highlights—covering Nicosia’s divided cityscape, Kyrenia’s charming harbor and castle, and the peaceful beauty of Bellapais Abbey. While some reviews point out the schedule is a bit tight, many appreciate the opportunity to see diverse sights in just one day.

If you’re curious about the history and scenery of the island’s north and are okay with a somewhat rushed pace, this experience delivers good value and memorable views. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a guided experience, enjoy sightseeing with some free time, and are comfortable with the group format and schedule.

For those wanting a deeper dive into Cyprus’s culture or prefer a slower, more relaxed day, it might be worth considering alternative options. Nonetheless, this tour offers a convenient way to tick off some of the area’s most iconic sights, making it a worthwhile addition to your Cyprus itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users or visually impaired travelers, as the tour involves quite a bit of walking and some uneven surfaces.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including pickup, sightseeing, and travel time.

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, bringing your passport or EU ID card is necessary since you’ll cross into Northern Cyprus, which requires identification.

Is the guide available in English?
No, this tour is conducted in Polish. If you don’t speak Polish, you might want to consider a different tour offering an English guide.

What’s the pace of the tour?
It’s relatively fast. Reviews mention limited free time—about two hours total—so you need to be comfortable with a busy schedule.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not provided. You’ll want to bring cash for snacks or souvenirs if desired.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must—expect to walk quite a bit. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses), and bringing water is also advisable.

Can I shop during the stops?
Yes, you’ll have some free time, especially in Kyrenia, to browse shops or grab a drink. Just be mindful of the tour schedule.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Not specifically tailored for children or families, and it might be a bit hectic for small children. Check your comfort level with the pace before booking.

This tour offers a busy but rewarding day exploring some of Cyprus’s most captivating sights in the north. It’s a good pick if you want to see a variety of cultural and scenic spots without the hassle of organizing your own trip. Just be prepared for a quick pace and some limited free time—what you get is a solid overview with some stunning views to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: