Mediterranean Crossroads - North Cyprus

8 days, Self-Guided, Minimum 2 People, Year Round Daily Departures, Centre-based, Self-drive

Remember the Mediterranean pre-tourism and pre-Euro? Unspoilt coastlines, beaches that stretch for miles, azure seas, old world charm, traditional village hospitality and year-round al fresco dining. Imagine the aroma from citrus groves, herb-scented forests and the sizzling fresh fish of the day. Ancient cities packed full of antiquities, craggy mountains adorned with castles and religious relics, lowlands alive with rare birds, butterflies and a wide variety of flowers. North Cyprus can offer all this and more and being outside the Euro-zone it offers extraordinarily good value too. You will be centre-based from a delightful family-run boutique hotel set on a hillside with panoramic sea-views within five minutes walk of the historic village of Bellapais. From your doorstep you will be able to walk the dramatic Five Finger Mountain range and follow the cobbled crusader path to Bellapais Abbey. Use of a hire car allows you to explore this undeveloped part of the island further. Why not combine a walking holiday with some time at the beach and at the prolific cultural sites of this historical country? Take a trip to the crossroads of three continents and a melting pot of great civilisations. North Cyprus - where the rich colours of the Mediterranean come alive. And they drive on the left!

Day 1 Outbound

Fly to Larnaca where you will be met and transferred through old Nicosia, Europe's only 'divided' city to your boutique hotel, high in the hills overlooking the sea and the vibrant Venetian harbour town of Kyrenia with its romantic castle of St Hilarion, inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.

Day 2 Island Introduction

You are based in a picturesque holiday village near the quaint community of Bellapais, setting for Lawrence Durrell's 'Bitter Lemons'. Your hotel features a pool, bar and restaurant specialising in organic cuisine. Your hire car will be delivered to you here this morning. You will then drive to Kyrenia, a mere four miles away, where our local agents will give you an introduction to the island and supply you with the necessary route notes and maps.

Days 3 to 7. Island Walks

You are then free to meander between ancient villages through the remote and beautiful landscape of the Karpaz Peninsula; explore the untouched natural mountains and pine forests - home to 220 species of birds, 19 endemic plants, rare orchids and butterflies; visit the 'outdoor museum' of Famagusta/Salamis, the mediaeval castle of Kantara, the Persian town of Vouni, the frescoes at Antiphonitis and numerous other archaeoloigical ruins dating back 11,000 years from Neolithic to Egyptian and Ottoman periods. Between May and August you can also witness the remarkable turtle hatching on Golden Sands Beach, one of the world's longest beaches. Or you can simply traverse the network of hiking paths that emanate from your hotel studio where you will quickly find yourself immersed in nature.

Day 8. Homeward

You will be transferred back to Larnaca for your flight home.