Famagusta with Varosha view Tour on The Original Red Bus Open Top bus from Ayia Napa Protaras

This tour runs from 10 May until 26 October.

This tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. At busy times additional days will also run as needed.

After being picked up in the big red double decker bus, you will be taken to the crossing point, which is the gateway to the north of the island. Your passports will be processed by Immigration quicker than any other company at this crossing point, on average it takes us 7 minutes.

Our first stop will be the walled city of Famagusta which is steeped in medieval history. These walls were built in the 15th Century by the Luisgnan (French) and then refortified by the Venetians (Italians) who were part of the Holy League.

Famagusta is now home to the ruins of 365 churches, many religions are represented by these churches dating back to the 11th Century. Some churches were even built underground and can still be seen today.

Famagusta has now evolved into a more modern and unique city, with some wonderful shops. Information about its importance affecting history will be shared as you travel towards the city. Information about bars and restaurants will be provided, but the focus is on the medieval buildings.

Once we arrive at the walled city of Famagusta we will take a short drive around the inner walls to point out some of the highlights and explain their history.

We stop at a convenient place to allow you to explore this beautiful city. Armed with our own free exclusive map you can decide where you would like to go and what you would like to see or enjoy.

This tour gives you maximum free time to see the medieval buildings or have some retail therapy at the shops or bars. Our staff will always be close by to assist you when you require it, or answer any questions you may have.

There are a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants to suit everyone’s taste and enjoy the Turkish influence. As a customer of The Original Red Bus you can take advantage of the discounts offered to you on food, drinks and goods from participating companies displaying our sticker.

It’s just a 10 minute drive from here to Palm Beach and our next destination to see - Varosha the deserted holiday resort. While traveling to Palm Beach you will be given the basic information about Varosha and why it has been left empty. The beautiful Palm Beach is home to some of the many empty hotels, including a hotel used by ABBA. You are free to use the beach, gaze at the empty hotels lining the coastline, go for a swim or even spend time at the only beach bar for a chilled beer and a snack.

At the end of Palm Beach you will be able to see the vast coastline and holiday apartments of Varosha which were used by the rich and famous before being abandoned in 1974. Our guide will also invite you to the perimeter fence where they will point out some extra interesting facts about the resort.

On the way back to passport control we have a few more surprises in store for you – come with us and see.

We recommend you bring a towel and swimwear if you would like to swim at he beach. .

This tour picks up from selected points all over Ayia Napa and Protaras areas (including Pernera, Kapparis and Paralimni)

Your nearest pick up point may be a short walk from your hotel.

Your exact pick up time and location will be noted on your confirmation.

Pick up times from Ayia Napa and Protaras are between 09.00 and 10.30, depending on your pick up location. This tour returns between 4pm and 5pm

Please be waiting at the pick up point 10 minutes before the time stated in case the bus is running early.

This tour is restricted to passport holders from the following countries -

All 27 EU countries, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.

Other passport holders cannot go on this tour unfortunately.

Your passport / EU ID card must be with you on the day of the trip.

Book this tour with a deposit to secure your places.

The balance can be paid on the bus on the day of the trip in cash.

Please book at least 48 hours in advance. For last minute bookings, please contact us and we will do our best to book you on this tour.

At times of high demand we may need to offer you an alternative date if the tour is fully booked. We ask that you give us a second choice of date in case your first choice is already fully booked.

If you are booking for more than 4 people, we will need to collect the rest of the balance before the trip. In this case we will give you a payment link or arrange for the balance to be collected from you in resort.

Includes a guided sightseeing tour by open top bus

Includes free time in Famagusta

Includes free time at the beach next to Varosha

Includes live commentary in English on the bus

Includes pick up from your hotel in the Ayia Napa / Protaras areas.

Lunch and drinks are not included.

The tour takes place on an open top, double decker red bus. Upstairs seating is first come, first served. Please book in advance to secure upstairs seating.

Seating is also available downstairs.

Passports / EU ID cards are required to cross into the North. Only passport holders from the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland can go on this tour.

The tour bus is not wheelchair accessible.

Upstairs seating is first come, first served. Please book in advance to secure upstairs seating.

Children are welcome on this tour. Ages 3-12 receive 50% discount. Children aged 2 and under go free.

Pick up times are between 09.00 and 10.30 depending on your location.

Book with a deposit and pay the rest on the coach.

Groups of more than 4 people will need to pay the balance before the day of the trip. We will give you details of how to do this on your confirmation.