Trip Details: With the imposing setting of the Besparmak Mountains running alongside the beautiful cobalt of the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, this week-long walking tour of Northern Cyprus offers a perfect getaway with pleasant winter time temperatures. Explore flower-rich mountain trails and discover imposing ruined castles as we showcase the contrasting scenery on this idyllic Mediterranean island.
Why we love this trip: - Bellapais: Explore the famous twelfth-century Crusader abbey
- Mediterranean food: Enjoy the fresh flavors of mezes at local restaurants
- Buffavento: Spectacular views from this less-visited castle
Included Meals:
Trip Staff: - Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
Transport:
Accommodation: - 7 nights comfortable hotel
Walking Grade:
Group Size: - Trip maximum 16, Explore Average 11
Itinerary: Day 1 – Join trip in Kyrenia/Alsancak: - Trip begins at the hotel, a small resort located around 1.5 miles from the center of Kyrenia.
- Welcome meeting in the hotel reception at 8 pm.
- Free time to explore Kyrenia.
- Accommodation: The Ship Inn (or similar)
- Meals provided: None
Day 2 – Hike to Kantara Castle. Afternoon visit to Kaplica Beach: - Briefing after breakfast, then drive along the coast.
- Visit Cyprus’ largest cave at Incirli.
- Walk through pine forest to Kantara Castle.
- Visit Kantara Castle and then drive to Kaplica Beach for swimming.
- Accommodation: The Ship Inn (or similar)
- Meals provided: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 – Walk through the Besparmak Mountains to Bellapais village: - Drive into the Besparmak Mountains.
- Walk along forest trails to Bellapais village.
- Visit Bellapais Abbey and Kyrenia harbor.
- Accommodation: The Ship Inn (or similar)
- Meals provided: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 – Visit Saint Hilarion Castle; walk to Karmi: - Visit Saint Hilarion castle.
- Walk to Karmi village, picnic lunch included.
- Descend to Gillham vineyard.
- Accommodation: The Ship Inn (or similar)
- Meals provided: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5 – Optional excursion to the historic city of Famagusta and Salamis ruins: - Free day for optional excursion or relaxation.
- Famagusta and Salamis ruins visit.
- Accommodation: The Ship Inn (or similar)
- Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 6 – Hike Akdeniz King Tombs Trail: - Walk from Akdeniz village through countryside.
- Visit historical sites and have a picnic lunch.
- Spend time at Akdeniz Caretta beach.
- Accommodation: The Ship Inn (or similar)
- Meals provided: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 – Visit Buffavento Castle. Walk in the shadow of Besparmak Mountain: - Visit Buffavento Castle.
- Walk in the shadow of Besparmak Mountain.
- Enjoy the scenery and endemic wild plants.
- Accommodation: The Ship Inn (or similar)
- Meals provided: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8 – Trip ends in Kyrenia/Alsancak: - Trip ends after breakfast at the hotel.
- Free time for departure.
- Meals provided: Breakfast
Walking Information: - Total distance: 56.5 kilometers
- Daily walk distances: Vary between 2.5 to 5 hours
- Walking grade: Leisurely and Moderate
- Max walking altitude: 820 meters
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