Highlights of Northern Cyprus
from $2590
Duration: 8 Days
The beauty of the land and hospitality of people in Northern Cyprus is undeniable and is a largely untouched gem of the Mediterranean. On your eight-day adventure, hunt for castles and monasteries, swim off the shimmering coastline, explore one of Europe’s last divided capitals and tuck into traditional fare in small villages. Despite the country remaining divided after a military coup in 1974, this Northern Cyprus adventure offers plenty of unique experiences and unforgettable memories to boot.
  • Visit St Hilarion Castle, rumoured to have been used by Walt Disney as inspiration for the castle in Snow White and Seven Dwarfs.
  • Explore the village of Kormacit, one of the last inhabited villages of Maronites people, and enjoy a home-cooked feast with our Maronite host for their best specialties.
  • Discover Europe's last divided capital, known as Lefkosia to the Turkish and Nicosia to the Cypriot communities; full of interest and with an eclectic mix of cultures and architecture.
  • Stay in a traditional Cypriot village where residents have been working together to preserve local culture and heritage and join your hosts for traditional bread and cheese making.
  • Kyrenia - Venetian Castle
  • Kyrenia - Bellapais Monastery
  • Kyrenia - Antiphonitis Monastery
  • Kyrenia- St. Hilarion Castle
  • Nicosia - Selimiye Mosque (St. Sofia Cathedral)
  • Kormacit - Village walking tour
  • Omorphou - St Mamas monastery
  • Lefke - Soli Ruins
  • Kormacit - home-cooked dinner
  • Buyukkonuk - Bread & Cheese making
  • Famagusta - Church of Apostolos Barnabas
  • Famagusta- Salamis Ruins
  • Day 1 Location: Kyrenia
    Welcome to Kyrenia, also known as Girne in Turkish – a beautiful town that boasts an average of 320 sunny days per year. At 6 pm, begin your travels with a welcome meeting at your hotel to meet your group leader and fellow travellers. In ages past, Kyrenia's horseshoe harbour played home to carob warehouses, one of the region’s former major exports. These days, it’s lined with lively bars and shops underneath the nearby Venetian Castle that creates an interesting contrast between old and new. Considered to be the cultural and economic centre of Northern Cyprus, there’s no better place to begin your adventures on the island. After your important meeting, why not get a group of you together to explore the harbour, and to find a place for dinner.
    Day 2 Location: Kyrenia
    Embark on a walking tour of Kyrenia’s Old Town in the morning. The winding alleyways reveal a quaint mix of old stone buildings with colourfully restored architecture, along with the spectacular remains of the abandoned 16th-century Chrysopolitissa Church. Take a visit to the Venetian Castle that guards the city, taking in the magnificent sea vistas from the top of the fortifications. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore. You may choose to partake in a sunset cruise on the water floating around the shores of Kyrenia, considered one of the best ways to experience Northern Cyprus. Watch as the rolling hillsides and towns on the coast slowly roll by while you take in the sunshine on the deck.
    Day 3 Location: Kyrenia
    The beautiful untouched beauty of the west of Northern Cyprus is your background today for a journey through its history. In the morning, visit Bellapais to explore its monastery, one of the few and fantastic Gothic architectural masterpieces of Cyprus, made famous by Lawrence Durrell’s book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus. Afterwards, head east towards the Five Finger Mountains, a mountain range stretching over 250 km along the northern shore of the island. You’ll have the option of joining a light hike (4 km, 1 hour) on the slopes leading to the Antiphonitis Monastery, a well-preserved byzantine church with frescoes from the 12th and 15th centuries. It is a unique location to explore the evolution of the fresco painting art through the centuries and the Latin influence on the orthodox tradition, but also the scars of art dealing on the black market. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance for go for a dip at Alagadi Beach, a renowned spot for turtle nesting, followed by some free time in the old town of Kyrenia.
    Day 4 Location: Kormacit Village
    In the morning, travel to the picturesque St Hilarion Castle. With walls and towers that sprout out of the rocks almost randomly, it’s rumoured that Walt Disney used the castle as inspiration for The Queen’s Castle in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The highest point stands at a towering 730 metres (2395 feet) above sea level, offering a marvellous view of the land below. Then, travel onwards to Nicosia. Known as Lefkosia to the Turks and Nicosia to the Greeks, the city is full of surprises thanks to a mix of cultures and architecture. The Selimiye Mosque is one of the Turkish side’s highlights, previously known as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia before the Ottomans added minarets in 1571. Marvel upon the interior’s whitewashed walls and examine traces of Gothic architecture lying in the architecture despite the Islamic refurbishment of the building. Afterwards, take a walking tour passing through both sides of the country’s green line. Your passport will be required for the checkpoints at the border and the intriguing contrasts between the divided city will become apparent as you enter the Greek side of the island. Later in the afternoon, loop back into the Turkish side with a trip to Kormacit village, one of the last inhabited villages of Maronites, a catholic community originally from Lebanon, which settled in Cyprus with the Crusaders.
    Day 5 Location: Kormacit Village
    Start your morning in Kormacit with a tour of the village. Visit the 14th-century St George Chapel, the 19th-century St George Cathedral as well as the ethnographic museum. The Maronites speak a dialect of Old Arabic, very similar to the Syriac dialect that Jesus Christ is said to have spoken. From Kormacit, explore Morphou, Soli and Lefke, discovering Roman mosaics in Christian basilicas, Gothic architecture in Orthodox churches and fine examples of Armenian and Christian traditional homes with ornate balconies. Back in Kormacit, enjoy a traditional dinner in the backyard of Ema, one of the village’s few remaining Maronites, and taste Maronite specialties (rabbit, bulguri, Anari cheese, etc.) and even get involved in the dinner prep.
    Day 6 Location: Buyukkonuk
    This morning, head off to Komi Kebir (Buyukkonuk), a traditional Cyprus village where residents have been working together to preserve local culture and heritage. Meet with your hosts Lois and Ismail before joining in some traditional bread and cheese making and with a sneaky tasting afterwards. Then perhaps take a wander through the local fields to the remains of the Auxendios church. The Karpaz Peninsula is dotted with abandoned churches, many of which have been left for years and have since been re-purposed as shelters for farm animals or simply left to fall in favour of new mosques. Enjoy a traditional village vegetarian meal for lunch, using local produce such as carob pekmez and zivania – a local firewater made from grape skins. Tonight, you’ll spend the night in a local guesthouse.
    Day 7 Location: Famagusta
    This morning, travel towards Famagusta, first stopping for a tour of the ancient city of Salamis. Once a thriving port city, Salamis served many dominant groups over the course of history including the Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians and Romans. Continue on to St Barnabas’ monastery, dedicated to St Paul’s good Cypriot friend Varnavas (Barnabas) who carried out missionary work on the island. Our next stop is Varosha, the ghost town trapped in the buffer zone. You’ll have free time this afternoon. Ask your leader for some insider tips on where to go for a swim, or enjoy some time in the Old Town of Famagusta. In the evening, be sure to get together with your group for dinner to share your Northern Cyprus stories.
    Day 8 Location: Famagusta
    Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    18MAY2024
    Return Date:
    25MAY2024
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08JUN2024
    Return Date:
    15JUN2024
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    14SEP2024
    Return Date:
    21SEP2024
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    28SEP2024
    Return Date:
    05OCT2024
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    12OCT2024
    Return Date:
    19OCT2024
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    26OCT2024
    Return Date:
    02NOV2024
    2590NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    11 Nov 2023

    Trip title

    Highlights of Northern Cyprus

    Trip code

    ERSC

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023

    Introduction

    The beauty of the land and hospitality of people in Northern Cyprus is undeniable and is a largely untouched gem of the Mediterranean. On your eight-day adventure, hunt for castles and monasteries, swim off the shimmering coastline, explore one of Europe’s last divided capitals and tuck into traditional fare in small villages. Despite the country remaining divided after a military coup in 1974, this Northern Cyprus adventure offers plenty of unique experiences and unforgettable memories to boot.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private Transport

    Physical Rating

    2

    Joining point

    Altinkaya Holiday Resort

    Kurtuluş Caddesi Ozanköy

    9930 Kyrenia

    Kyrenia

    CYPRUS

    Joining point description

    Altınkaya Holiday Resort Hotel is the pearl of Northern Cyprus / Kyrenia region to which it is affiliated with its splendor, quality and customer satisfaction oriented service.

    Joining point instructions

    Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport. Please check about booking with your agent. You'll need to provide your flight details at least 14 days prior to travel. If you have pre-booked arrival transfer, you'll be met by an Intrepid representative when you come out from the customs, holding a sign with Intrepid logo. If you have trouble finding the representative, or experience any possible delay of fight or at the airport, please contact our airport transfer team at +90 533 861 37 75, +90 533 870 84 26, or+90 533 840 40 20 - text/call/what'sapp your delay and the expected new arrival time. If you plan to make your own way to the hotel: Ercan International Airport - it'll take about 45 minutes to drive to your start point hotel. Larnaca Airport - it'll take about 1hour 40 minutes to drive to your start point hotel.

    Finish point

    Golden Palms Guest House

    No 5 Murat Bey Street

    Famagusta

    CYPRUS

    Finish point description

    Located in Famagusta and with Derinya Public Beach reachable within 2.7 km, Golden Palms Guest House & Cafe provides express check-in and check-out, soundproof rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a shared lounge. Featuring full-day security, this property also provides guests with a picnic area. All rooms include a balcony with garden views. The guest house will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. At Golden Palms Guest House & Cafe each room comes with bed linen and towels.

    Finish point instructions

    You may book a departure transfer with Intrepid. Please speak to your booking agent for more information. You'll need to provide your flight details at least 14 days prior to travel. If you have a pre-booked departure transfer with Intrepid, your driver will pick you up from your hotel. Your tour leader will be able to let you know the exact pickup time. If you have any trouble finding your driver, please contact our local airport transfer team +90 533 861 37 75, +90 533 870 84 26, or +90 533 840 40 20 If you are making your own way to the airport there are taxis and shuttles available to both Larnaca and Ercan Airport. Your leader will be able to help facilitate these arrangements for you. Public buses regularly depart from Famagusta for Nicosia with connections to Larnaca and Ercan from there.

    Important information

    1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip. Please consult your agent for further information. 2. Please check the visa information before booking flights. You may want to consider entering and exiting from the same airport.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

    Visas

    PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. North Cyprus (TRNC) Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Citizens of the European Union nations, Turkey, USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Israel, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) All other nationals should check their position with regard to passports and visas with the nearest Embassy or Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Crossing the border from TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) to ROC (Republic of Cyprus) has become a little more relaxed and this process should be a relatively simple. There have been random reports of Non- EU passport holders being refused entry to ROC and indeed at other Greek Border crossings. If arriving via a TRNC port of entry and you wish to avoid a North Cyprus stamp in your passports, there are special forms that can be requested from the cabin crew before landing, or before customs and this can then be stamped in place of the passport. This form must be retained throughout your visit. SOUTH CYPRUS (ROC) - REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS: Citizens of European Union nations, USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter the Republic of Cyrus (ROC). All other nationals should check their position with regard to passports and visas with the nearest Embassy or Representative of the Republic of Cyprus. There have not been any reported refusals of entry crossing from South Cyprus (ROC) to North Cyprus (TRNC).

    Why we love it

    Visit St Hilarion Castle, rumoured to have been used by Walt Disney as inspiration for the castle in Snow White and Seven Dwarfs.

    Explore the village of Kormacit, one of the last inhabited villages of Maronites people, and enjoy a home-cooked feast with our Maronite host for their best specialties.

    Discover Europe's last divided capital, known as Lefkosia to the Turkish and Nicosia to the Cypriot communities; full of interest and with an eclectic mix of cultures and architecture.

    Stay in a traditional Cypriot village where residents have been working together to preserve local culture and heritage and join your hosts for traditional bread and cheese making.

    Is this trip right for you

    We recommend packing light as you’ll need to carry your own luggage on and off transport and to and from hotels. You’ll need your walking shoes, we will be exploring some historical sites on guided tours. But you can always wander at your own pace if you prefer. You may want to explore Turkey and Northern Cyprus together on our combination trip - Discover Turkey and Northern Cyprus

    Health

    DRINKING WATER As a rule, we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people, this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally, this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies - please source from home and bring them with you on your travels.

    Food and dietary requirements

    Your group leader or local representative will endeavour to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are, however some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements. Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or local representative will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

    Money matters

    When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Also make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t. This should make budgeting a little easier. You’ll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that’s this document). The Turkish Lira is the official currency of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus though often Euros and even British pounds will be accepted for larger purchases and in some restaurants, however we recommend using the local currency. If crossing the border to the Republic of Cyprus you may want to have a few Euros on hand. TIPPING: Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many intrepid destinations. Over the years we have found that many of our travellers find the need for tipping to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if they don't have the correct small change. To overcome this, your leader might raise the idea of a group tipping kitty. At your group meeting, your tour leader may discuss the idea of running this kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then your tour leader pays the tips as you go. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour returned to group members. This kitty does not include tips for your leader and crew. The amount is at your discretion, but a sum of €2-4 per person/per day can be used, per day to cover tips is fine. If you are paying for taxis, round up to the next euro on the fare (maximum 10 percent. Use common sense! If you feel like you're being driven in circles or otherwise ripped off, skip the tip. If you're not sure whether (or how much) to tip for a service, ask your tour leader for advice. EMERGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you bring an extra USD500 for emergencies (e.g. natural disasters or civil unrest). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to our itineraries, and we can’t guarantee there won’t be some extra costs involved. CREDIT CARD, ATMS AND MONEY EXCHANGE ATMs are widely available in all major towns and cities throughout the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Credit and debit cards are the best way to access money throughout most trips (note though that charges are made for each transaction). Credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and MasterCard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only. Please note that on Day 6 there maybe no access to an ATM machine.

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip. GENERAL PACKING LIST: • Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts and a copy of this document. • Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets. • Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids. • Daypack • Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both. • Power adaptors • Insect repellent • Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses • Earplugs and eye mask (you might be sharing with a snorer!) • Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. • Warm clothes including hat and gloves - When travelling in cooler climates • Wind and waterproof rain jacket • Toiletries/travel wipes • Travel Towel • Closed in, comfortable walking shoes. As most of our trips include some walking elements, we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings. • Camera with spare memory cards and batteries • Swimwear (itinerary dependant) • Clothes! Bear in mind that laundry facilities will be widely available throughout this trip. The cost varies in each destination. LUGGAGE LIMIT: On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and, although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg. If your itinerary includes a flight, please keep in mind that some domestic airlines have checked luggage limits of 15kg. CLOTHING & CLIMATE: Please note that  the TRNC enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring and autumn are balmy (20-25°), summers are hot (up to 35°) and winters dry and sunny (up to 16°).  Loose cool clothing is recommended, hats and sunscreen. VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safes to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. BATTERIES/POWER: Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras regularly. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Charging of batteries is advised before checking out of your hotel rooms. Please bear in mind there may be some nights were electricity may not be as readily available as you might be used to – home stays, beach and desert camps etc. North Cyprus has a 240v electricity supply and uses British 3-pin rectangular blade plugs.

    Climate and seasonal

    North Cyprus like the entire island enjoys typical Mediterranean climate with long, warm and dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild winters from December to February. Cyprus enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring and autumn are balmy (20-25°), summers are hot (up to 35°) and winters dry and sunny (up to 16°). Spring and Autumn nights can be cool and we recommend a light jacket. Winters whilst sunny do get cold and if travelling at this time ensure you pack appropriate clothing. Summer temperatures soar and light loose clothing is recommended with hats and sunscreen. RAMADAN The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 22 March - 20 April 2023 and 10 March to 08 April 2024, and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid Turkey Office: +90 850 309 68 76

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği), who provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey. Donations fund a program where young scholarship awardees undertake outreach workshops with marginalised children in regional villages. Workshops include information sessions on gender equality, health, law, culture, and other human rights topics. To find out more or make a donation, visit: This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welxome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

    Accommodation

    Hotel (5 nights),Guest House (2 nights)

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