Christmas in Northern Cyprus

Fly to Cyprus and transfer to the Salamis Bay Conti Resort.

Today's included excursion introduces you to nearby fascinating Famagusta. The city was once one of the world's richest and today is somewhat of a living museum. Explore its ruined churches, former-cathedral-turned-mosque, and Venetian Palace lying amid modern cafés and shops. You'll also take in the extraordinary Roman ruins of the ancient coastal city of Salamis, with its colonnades, magnificent theatre and bathhouse, which was once part of a much larger settlement, a lot of which is now submerged under the sea.

This afternoon, return to your hotel to begin your celebrations with a Christmas Eve dinner.

A day at leisure to relax and enjoy Christmas Day at your hotel, making the most of the facilities on offer before Christmas Dinner is served this evening.

This morning you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air by visiting historic Kantara Castle on an optional half-day excursion. Located around 1800ft above sea level in the Kyrenia Mountains, Kantara Castle is one of several castles in the area that formed a defensive perimeter, protecting Cyprus’ northern shores from invaders. Thanks to its unique vantage point, Kantara was used to pass messages to the other castles. The castle’s date of construction is unknown, but there are clear Byzantine and Frankish architectural elements. Your knowledgeable local guide will bring the castle’s fascinating history to life, including the story of when it was taken by Richard the Lionheart in 1191.

Rest and relax at the hotel or join today’s optional excursion to historic Nicosia, island capital for more than 12 centuries and separated into a Turkish north and Greek south since the Green Line was first drawn, in 1963.

Enjoy a guided tour of the northern territory, where highlights include the ancient Büyük Han, once the largest caravanserai (roadside inn) on Cyprus, the colourful covered bazaar and the Selimiye Mosque (historically known as the Cathedral of St Sophia). After crossing into the southern territory, you'll have free time to explore the narrow streets that shelter within the Venetian walls of Nicosia's old town. Why not visit tiny St John's Cathedral or one of the various museums of Cypriot history and culture before you return to your hotel?

Today’s optional tour begins with a visit to the mountain-top castle of St Hilarion and beautiful village of Bellapais – home to the preserved ruins of a Gothic abbey. This idyllic spot was home for three years to celebrated writer Lawrence Durrell, who chronicled his stay here in his novel Bitter Lemons. Wander the ruins of the abbey, stepping back in time, before heading to Kyrenia with its horseshoe-shaped harbour and entrance to its imposing medieval castle – a picture-perfect scene enhanced by the festive decorations of the cafés and shops that fringe the harbour at this time of year.

Your final optional excursion gives you the chance to explore the unspoilt Karpas Peninsula, a rugged spit of land fringed by some of the island's bluest waters, dotted with old villages and home to herds of wild donkeys and the remote Apostolos Andreas monastery, famous for its holy well. You’ll also visit an olive oil producer and, weather permitting, Golden Beach.

Bid farewell to your Cypriot hosts and transfer back to the airport for your return flight.