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Nicosia DistrictCulture & history

Our most recommended Nicosia District Culture & history

From Paphos: Troodos, Paphos Forest, Kykkos, and Omodos Tour

1. From Paphos: Troodos, Paphos Forest, Kykkos, and Omodos Tour

First stop on the way to the Troodos Mountains is at the Chrysorriatissa Monastery, a 12th Century monastery, view its vineyards planted in the end of the 18th century produce some of the finest white Ayios Andronicos and Ayios Elias and enjoy the magnificent valley overlooking Kannaviou dam. The tour continues towards Kykkos, passing through the Pafos forest. Arriving at Kykkos Monastery, you will be guided through the renowned and rich Monastery as well as to visit the Archbishop Makarios’ tomb in Throni where you can enjoy the breath-taking view of almost all the islands! We drive on to “Timios Stavros” famous for its cross of 25meters high which overlooks Marathasa Valley. There will be free time to enjoy your buffet lunch (price not included) or free time to enjoy the magnificent view. On the way to Omodos we will drive through the pine forest, pass the highest village of Cyprus, Prodromos and tourist Platres. Omodos is a traditional wine producing village, you can walk through the cobbled streets to reach the village square lined with cafes and shops selling wines, olive oil and other local products or visit the church of the Holy Cross and then enjoy a Cyprus coffee in the square. Important: There is a dressing code when visiting monastery and churches

From Limassol: Troodos & Kykkos Monastery Tour

2. From Limassol: Troodos & Kykkos Monastery Tour

The journey into the Troodos Mountains is spectacular. Pass by small villages and get a glimpse of traditional Cypriot life. You will be transferred to a local village for a coffee break (not included). Afterwards, you travel high in the pine-clad Troodos Mountains you’ll find the Kykkos Monastery. Omodos Village, where you will have a guided walk through the village and visit the Monastery of Holy Cross. Your guide will fill your day with plenty of stories and unravel the history of Cyprus, piece by piece.

From Nicosia: Nicosia and Kyrenia Full-Day Small GroupTour

3. From Nicosia: Nicosia and Kyrenia Full-Day Small GroupTour

Visit the fairytale fortress of Saint Hilarion Castle in the Kyrenia mountain range of Cyprus and get 1.5 hours to explore the former monastery, named after a monk who chose the location for his hermitage in the 10th century. Move on to the ruins of 13th-century Bellapais Abbey in the Five Fingers Mountains region of Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus. Enjoy a 30-minute coffee break before driving to the harbor town of Kyrenia on the northern coast. Get some time to explore the town, founded by the Achaeans tribe after the Trojan War.  Next, explore the divided capital city of Nicosia and enjoy lunch in the Ottoman-era Great Han. Experience both the Greek and Turkish areas of the walled city at sites such as the large caravanserai of the Büyük Han and the amazing Selimiye Mosque, converted from a Catholic cathedral following the Ottoman siege of the city in 1570. 

From Paphos: Troodos, Kykkos Monastery, and Winery Day Trip

4. From Paphos: Troodos, Kykkos Monastery, and Winery Day Trip

Visit Omodos Village, the Timios Stavros Monastery, the Kykos Monastery, and a traditional winery, all on this guided trip from Paphos. Learn about local nature, history, and religion, and experience swimming in the most famous place on the island. For much of the trip, pass through the picturesque Troodos mountain range with its magnificent green cedar forests and fresh mountain air. At the foot of the mountains, among vineyards, explore the old traditional Omodos Village, protected by UNESCO. Visit the Timios Stavros Monastery, known for keeping a piece of the Holy Cross and Rope, and the famous Kykkos Monastery, which keeps one of the miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary. Along the journey, stop at one of the local traditional wineries, where you can taste delicious Cypriot wines of the highest quality. For the finale of the trip, witness the birthplace of Aphrodite, one of the most stunning places on the coast of Cyprus, and get the opportunity to bathe in its truly magical waters.

From Paphos: Troodos & Kykkos Monastery Tour

5. From Paphos: Troodos & Kykkos Monastery Tour

The journey into the Troodos Mountains is spectacular. Pass by small villages and get a glimpse of traditional Cypriot life. You will be transferred to a local village for a coffee break (not included). Afterwards, you travel high in the pine-clad Troodos Mountains you’ll find the Kykkos Monastery. Omodos Village, where you will have a guided walk through the village and visit the Monastery of Holy Cross. Your guide will fill your day with plenty of stories and unravel the history of Cyprus, piece by piece.

From Ayia Napa/Protaras: Kyrenia and Nicosia Highlights Tour

6. From Ayia Napa/Protaras: Kyrenia and Nicosia Highlights Tour

The occupied north of Cyprus oozes history and culture at every turn, with evocative landscapes in between. Highlights on this late morning departure tour include the pretty harbour town of Kyrenia, Bellapais Abbey and the northern and southern sectors of the capital, Nicosia. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Bellapais means “beautiful peace” – and this Gothic abbey lives up to the hype. The views are truly fantastic. It was here in Bellapais that Lawrence Durrell was inspired to write his book, Bitter Lemons.' Kick off by crossing over the ‘green line' border to reach Kyrenia. Picturesque stone houses curl around the harbour, which is dominated by the ancient fortress of Kyrenia Castle. Take an optional castle tour or choose free time to soak up the views at the harbour. Next, it's on to the 13th century Bellapais Abbey. Stroll around its ruined Gothic cloister and take in the panoramic views over the Med. There's then free time in the village, where novelist Lawrence Durrell lived in the 1950s. Next, head to Nicosia, where you'll cross the UN buffer zone into the southern sector at Ledra Street. You'll have free time to embrace the city under your own steam. Ledra Street is one of the main shopping streets in Nicosia, with a mix of local and international brands, cafés and restaurants. Laiki Yeitonia, on the other hand, is a historic quarter in the old town. The area is known for its traditional architecture, narrow streets and abundant charm.

Protaras: Kakopetria and Kykkos Bus Tour in English

7. Protaras: Kakopetria and Kykkos Bus Tour in English

The day begins with pickup from Protaras between 7:00 AM and 7:25 AM. Get settled onto the bus then head towards Troodos, passing through the capital of Nicosia (without stop) along the way. Enjoy a quick coffee break near Astromeritis before continuing onto the picturesque mountain village of Kakopetria. Upon arrival, stroll through the village’s charming streets lined with stone houses and watch the locals go about their day. Hop back on the bus and travel to Throni for a visit to the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios, the first president of Cyprus. Stop at Kykkos Monastery next, the wealthiest monastery on the island. Take a guided tour of the monastery and learn about its fascinating history. After your tour, spend some free time exploring the surrounding area, stroll through the nearby forest, or find a local eatery for lunch. At the end of the tour day, sit back and relax on the bus for the return journey to your hotel.

From Nicosia: Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour

8. From Nicosia: Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour

You'll visit St. Hillarion Castle reminiscent of Walt Disney's fairytale film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which was inspired by this castle. Spend around 1.5-hours to climb all the way to the top.  Then, continue through the craggy Five Fingers (Pentadaktylos) Mountains to Bellapais Abbey, a French Gothic styled monastery spectacularly set on a mountain terrace for incredible views. Discover the ruins of this 13th-century Augustinian Abbey with a licensed guide and a great view of Kyrenia's epic seascape far below. Another 30 minutes will be given to relax with a coffee break in a peaceful atmosphere.

Nicosia: Kakopetria and Pelendri Day Tour

9. Nicosia: Kakopetria and Pelendri Day Tour

Head out to the charming little villages of Kakopetria Pelendri in the Troodos Mountains on this day tour from Nicosia. Enjoy the scenery, historical buildings, and an optional winery tour. Visit the popular summer vacation spot of Kakopetria, known for its charm and the breathtaking pine forest scenery of the Solea Valley. Explore the old quarter of the village, with its narrow, stone-paved alleys. Move on to nearby Pelendri village and its impressive 14th-century Church of the Holy Cross. Consider an optional visit to a local winery to complete your sampling of life in the mountain villages of Cyprus.

Full day Nicosia & Kyrenia Tour: Private Tour from Limassol

10. Full day Nicosia & Kyrenia Tour: Private Tour from Limassol

Join this tour to explore St. Hilarion fairytale castle for 1.5-hours before you move onto the gorgeous Bellapais Abbey, a ruined 13th-century abbey in the Five Fingers Mountain. Visit Nicosia, the only divided capital city of Cyprus, and have lunch in the Great Han built by the Ottoman empire. After lunch, experience both its Greek and Turkish areas on this half-day trip from Nicosia. Walk into Nicosia's walled old city to visit Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque, once St. Sophia Cathedral. Embark on a great tour for history and culture buffs. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the lively lanes and streets. 

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What people are saying about Nicosia District

I had a great time with this Kykkos tour. I was planning to join with my friend, but he was feeling sick in the morning, and I had to participate alone. But I was never bored. Marina, the guide, explained a lot of the Cypriot history, culture, society, and politics, which was a great fun. The streets in the mountain villeges were incredibly narrow, but Ektras showed an excellent driving skill and I enjoyed the whole trip. The tomb of the first president Makarios is a must-see.

We had really nice day out. Lady called Tatjana who introduced us everything about places we went was fantastic. Can ask more. Very satisfied

Chris was amusing, gave us masses if information about every aspect of Cypriot life. His explanation in the monastery was very detailed.

They were very communicative and efficient. We got to see so many things in one day and learned a lot! I would recommend this tour :)

It was a whole day activity. The guide and also the driver were professional.