Red Bus Varosha Tour from Ayia Napa & Protaras
The Varosha area of Famagusta is completely unique in the world and for the first time in more than 45 years, you can visit. A brand new tour for 2022 from the Award winning Original Red Bus company. Following the opening up of Varosha - the ghost town of Famagusta, this tour is the best way to see inside the abandoned holiday resort which has been deserted since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
Highlights:
- Explore Varosha ghost town
- View the abandoned hotels from the beach front
- English guide and commentary
Book with a deposit and pay the rest on the bus. Available from April to October, weather permitting.
Tour DescriptionIn the 1970's Famagusta was one of the most glamourous holiday resorts in the Mediterranean. Visited by film stars, royalty and the rich and famous of the world, there were chic hotels, disco's, designer shops and all the modern and upmarket entertainments you might find in a large holiday resort. After the Turkish invasion of 1974 this area became a no-mans land, sealed off from the world with only a few Turkish soldiers and UN peacekeepers allowed in.
The 5 star hotels sit abandoned, luxury cars still sit in showrooms and nature has reclaimed the resort that was bereft of people, cars and life for so long. In 2020 the Northern Cyprus administration decided to open up selected parts of Varosha and for the first time tourists could enter and walk down the palm lined streets and peer into the dusty shop windows. This half day tour allows you time to explore Varosha or spend time at the famous Famagusta beach. Your guide will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore this area before politics, economics and nature intervene. Please note: Cash is not accepted in Varosha, any drinks/snacks purchased must be paid by credit or debit card only. If you see the Book Now button below you can book this tour online. Otherwise please contact us to enquire. |
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Tour Schedule
This tour runs twice a week, from May to October. 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.
Departure Points / Pick up locations
This tour is available from Ayia Napa and Protaras areas. Pick up will be from designated pick up points around the resort. Your nearest pick up point may be a few minutes walk from your hotel. Your exact pick up location and time will be advised upon confirmation. Please be waiting at the pick up point before the time stated in case the bus is running early. Pick up times from Ayia Napa and Protaras are between 08.30 and 10.00, depending on your pick up location. Returns around 2pm.
What is IncludedIncludes a guided sightseeing tour by open top bus
Includes free time to explore Varosha Includes live commentary on the bus Includes pick up from your hotel in the Ayia Napa / Protaras areas. |
What is Not IncludedLunch and refreshments are not included.
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Know Before You Go - Important Information
Passports / EU ID cards are required to cross into the North.
Cash is not accepted in Varosha, any drinks/snacks purchased must be paid by credit or debit card only.
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 08.30 and 10.00 depending on your location.
Book with a deposit and pay the rest on the coach. Deposits are €5 per adult and €3.50 per child.
Cash is not accepted in Varosha, any drinks/snacks purchased must be paid by credit or debit card only.
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 08.30 and 10.00 depending on your location.
Book with a deposit and pay the rest on the coach. Deposits are €5 per adult and €3.50 per child.
What to BringCredit/debit cards to pay for drinks or snacks - Cash is not accepted in Varosha
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TicketsA paper ticket is not required for this tour.
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellations within 48 hours of your tour start time are non refundable. Cancellations outside of this time may receive a full refund. If you need to change the date of your tour or will not be able to make it, please let us know as soon as possible.
