Historical Tours
9–10 hours
Recommended by 97% of travelers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$184
per adult
Sidetour
5
Cultural ToursWalking ToursHiking & Camping ToursPrivate Tours
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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About
With our agency SIDETOUR we put our emphasis on showing our guest the more unknown side of the island off the beaten track, share the local´s lifestyle and support the small scale community and village businesses. As from my experience as a tourist guide, this kind of sustainable tourism is best to enjoy in small groups with quality guides. We are one of the rare agencies that serve Northern as well as Southern Cyprus. For active guests Northern Cyprus offers especially wonderful walking and biking trails. For walkers very interesting is the recently opened Besparmak Trail (Turkish: bes parmak = 5 finger) from western Cape Korucam to the eastern Cape Andreas. The Trail follows the Five Finger Mountains 260km in 18 days. The trail is very rich in unique sensations, from the Maronite village of Kormacit (Korucam) over the impressive castles of Saint Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara, the magnificent church of the Antiphonitis Monastery to the villages and remote landscapes of the Karpaz peninsula. For bikers there is either demanding or relaxing dirt tracks or small village roads with almost no traffic. On this tracks, you can also travel from West to East on your bike like you do by walking on the Besparmak Trail. Best season for active travel is spring time when the island is lush green and you find millions of rock roses along the trails as well as more than 30 kinds of wild orchids.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
167 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
6
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
2
annie
51 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
WOW what a great day! Hiked up to the top of Buffavento Castle and admired what felt like the whole North! It was steep but worth the effort as those views were 😍
Then Ozgur took me for a lovely lunch in Kyrenia, followed by a walking tour of the city and I learnt a lot of quirky facts.
Then went to Bellapais Abbey which is Stunning. Ozgur showed me around and explained a lot of history.
I was also introduced to an ice cream like no other.....strawberry but the BEST strawberry icecream i have ever had 🍦
Then Ozgur took me for a lovely lunch in Kyrenia, followed by a walking tour of the city and I learnt a lot of quirky facts.
Then went to Bellapais Abbey which is Stunning. Ozgur showed me around and explained a lot of history.
I was also introduced to an ice cream like no other.....strawberry but the BEST strawberry icecream i have ever had 🍦
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Anne,
Thank you very much for taking time to leave us a review! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this tour. It was my great pleasure to show you Northern Cyprus from a different perspective. Especially as you said, climbing Buffavento Castle was a bit tiring, but I'm glad that you liked it. I hope next time I'll introduce other mountain castles to you.
Hoping to see you again in Cyprus!
Sincerely,
Özgür Tahiroğlu
Written July 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DK
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Business
Ozgur was a incredible tour guide. Nothing was too much trouble. Spent time answering questions and giving us ideas of what to visit in our spare time. He explained every little piece of history and was knowledgeable. Transport was efficient and the hoilday went smoothly with a large group of us. Thank you!
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking time to leave us a review! It was a great pleasure for us to host you in Northern Cyprus!
Hoping to see you again in Cyprus!
Sincerely,
Özgür
Written April 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wiaow
manchester55 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
A friend and I had booked this tour for 5th July. We were collected from the hotel, since
we were the only two on the tour that day. It was a 13 hour tour, in the heat but worth every moment.
Our guide Houssan was amazing. He was so knowledgable,really friendy and a fantastic guide and a credit to Viato Tours.
He explained everything in such detail and with such clarity. I f he were to wirte a book I would read it. A very tiring but fabulous day.
we were the only two on the tour that day. It was a 13 hour tour, in the heat but worth every moment.
Our guide Houssan was amazing. He was so knowledgable,really friendy and a fantastic guide and a credit to Viato Tours.
He explained everything in such detail and with such clarity. I f he were to wirte a book I would read it. A very tiring but fabulous day.
Written July 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am glad you enjoyed this excursion. Always a pleasure :-)
Written August 9, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wanderlust160
Perth, Australia4 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
As a solo traveller with no car I joined a Sidetour half day trip to visit St Hilarion Castle and Bellapais near Kyrenia. It was a cost effective and enjoyable way to join with some other travellers and see some nice sights. Franz was a very friendly and informative guide who made the visit really interesting but relaxing too - and he knows the secret spot for a great brandy sour!
Written May 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for mentioning the Brandy Sour - I hope to see you again here in Cyprus!
Written June 5, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judith B
Belfast, UK68 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
A group of 24 travellers from Northern Ireland had an amazing trip to Northern Cyprus and we were very well looked after before and during our trip. Ozgur planned our trip from flights to accommodation to fantastic food to great trips and everything went very smoothly. He very willingly and promptly responded to our many questions and changes to plans.
We were met on arrival in Cyprus and accompanied for the majority of the trip by Franz who was great fun, very knowledgeable about the history, politics, geography, flora and fauna of the area. Everyone had a great time on the trip and were extremely complimentary about the organisation of the trip, the food that had been laid on, the trips we took and both Ozgur and Franz.
Thank you, from all of us!
We were met on arrival in Cyprus and accompanied for the majority of the trip by Franz who was great fun, very knowledgeable about the history, politics, geography, flora and fauna of the area. Everyone had a great time on the trip and were extremely complimentary about the organisation of the trip, the food that had been laid on, the trips we took and both Ozgur and Franz.
Thank you, from all of us!
Written May 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are happy that you enjoyed it - and hope to see you here again for the next exciting event and association meeting. And for sure we will have new ideas for you!
Written June 5, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Antònia R
6 contributions
Sep 2022
Best of all was the interaction with the guide Sebnem, a nice and flexible person, who made us feel like family.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Antonia,
Thank you very much for taking time to leave us a review! It was a great pleasure for us to host you in Northern Cyprus!
Hoping to see you again in Cyprus!
Sincerely,
Özgür
Written April 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dawn Lancaster
Carlisle, UK35 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Because of the Corona virus the museum's etc were closed. Our guide was very considerate and said that we could cancel the trip and get a full refund or he could show us the northern cyprus that he knew. We decided to go with the latter and we were not disappointed. He was very knowledgeable and his historic knowledge was amazing. We saw and visited some amazing sights. He took photos of us, at our request, and was extremely patient.
We did alot of shopping and he helped us with the conversion and made sure that we were not overcharged. He also took us for an amazing lunch in an amazing setting. I thought the lunch was going to be sandwiches, but it was in a restaurant.
My friend and I had a wonderful day. Thankyou.
We did alot of shopping and he helped us with the conversion and made sure that we were not overcharged. He also took us for an amazing lunch in an amazing setting. I thought the lunch was going to be sandwiches, but it was in a restaurant.
My friend and I had a wonderful day. Thankyou.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Dawn,
Thank you very much for taking time to leave us a review! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed on this full day tour of Northern Cyprus. In fact, it was also a different experience for me to carry out this tour while all museums and monuments were closed, but it was really enjoyable. Thank you for supporting our services.
Stay safe during Covid-19 pandemic.
Yours sincerely,
Özgür Tahiroğlu
Written April 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AmmanB
London, UK3 contributions
Sep 2019
We did 5 different 1 day trips whilst based in Kyrenia taking in the many sights of Northern Cyprus. They were all very varied and guided by Ozghur.
All our trips were well organised with good hospitality inclusive of the tour prices. He had a great knowledge of all the historical sites we visited and introduced to some excellent local cuisine. Ozghur was flexible accommodating various requests.
Definitely will book trips with Sidetour iin the future.
All our trips were well organised with good hospitality inclusive of the tour prices. He had a great knowledge of all the historical sites we visited and introduced to some excellent local cuisine. Ozghur was flexible accommodating various requests.
Definitely will book trips with Sidetour iin the future.
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Amman,
Thank you very much for taking time to leave us a review! I am glad that you are pleased with the organization of our tours. It was a great pleasure to introduce you the Northern Cyprus and guide you through all the tours.
Hoping to see you again in Cyprus!
Sincerely,
Özgür Tahiroğlu
Written November 11, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
g0nz0x
Sheerness, UK2 contributions
We did the tour above and the "in a nut shell tour as well".
We did the "in a nut shell tour" and enjoyed it so much, we immediately booked another.
Our guide Houssem met us at our hotel both days as we were lucky enough to be the only clients both days.
We saw everything as advertised and more. Houssem was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.
We learnt so much about the history and culture of Cyprus. We could have booked a taxi and possibly saved a little money but Houssem's knowledge and information was worth evey penny.
We saw details in the castles, mosques, monasteries, churches, roman ruins, etc that we never would have noticed let alone understood the significance of. We heard so many interesting things about Cyprus' fascinating history.
It really enhanced our holiday. Thanks Houssem we will see you again.
We did the "in a nut shell tour" and enjoyed it so much, we immediately booked another.
Our guide Houssem met us at our hotel both days as we were lucky enough to be the only clients both days.
We saw everything as advertised and more. Houssem was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.
We learnt so much about the history and culture of Cyprus. We could have booked a taxi and possibly saved a little money but Houssem's knowledge and information was worth evey penny.
We saw details in the castles, mosques, monasteries, churches, roman ruins, etc that we never would have noticed let alone understood the significance of. We heard so many interesting things about Cyprus' fascinating history.
It really enhanced our holiday. Thanks Houssem we will see you again.
Written November 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
langtonjulie
Bolton, UK1 contribution
Sep 2018 • Friends
We are a group of professionals who meet annually sometimes abroad. We chose kyrenia and we have had a great time. The organisation from side tour was excellent. Franz and his team were charming and efficient. The tours were great with lots of information.
Written October 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Julie for your great review! We hope to see you again in Cyprus, maybe for a golf weekend in Spring time when the island is incredible green?
Written October 10, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hello,
do you have any availability for a northern Cyprus tor tomorrow (12th of Oct)?
Written October 11, 2019
Hello Desi, thank you for your request. I have to wait for the answer of me partners - if we do not answer until 20:00 we are fully booked and can not help you for tomorrow unfortunately. Best regards, Franz
Written October 11, 2019
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