Private Tour of Saint Barnabas Monastery, Salamis, Othello Castle and Varosha from Nicosia

Private Tour of Saint Barnabas Monastery, Salamis, Othello Castle and Varosha from Nicosia

Get a personal introduction to Cyprus’ ancient landmarks, historic cities, and No Man's Land on a 6-hour, private tour from Nicosia for your group of up to six people. Visit Saint Barnabas Monastery, Salamis, and Othello Castle, \explore Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and Famagusta’s old city, then see the abandoned beach-side town of Varosha. This tour includes all entrance fees, as well as pickup and drop-off at hotels in Nicosia.

Begin with 9am pickup at your hotel, then enjoy views of the mountains and the Mesaria Plain as you travel to Saint Barnabas Monastery. Upon arrival, visit the historic church’s icon museum, and learn the story of Saint Barnabas, who saw Jesus’ miracles firsthand and became the patron saint of Cyprus after his martyrdom.

Keep driving to the ancient city of Salamis, where you’ll find the largest Roman Amphitheater in Cyprus, as well as a gymnasium, stadium, and public baths. Loop back into the walled city of Famagusta, and explore Othello Castle, a 14th-century landmark that’s rumored to be the setting of Shakespeare’s Othello.

From the castle, continue on foot to Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, whose soaring medieval architecture was originally built as Saint Nicholas Cathedral—you’ll find a fascinating church-like structure topped with a Gothic-style minaret. After visiting the cathedral, enjoy some free time in Famagusta’s old town to browse some of the local boutiques, or visit a café for lunch (own expense).

Make the final stop of the day in the ghost town of Varosha, a once-thriving tourist city that was abandoned after the 1974 occupation, leaving more than 100 hotels standing empty at the edge of the sea. This tour concludes with return transfer to your hotel in Nicosia.

Please note: This private tour is priced per-group, and accommodates up to six people.