Mr John 3 in 1 Day Tour Famagusta Old City and Varosha
Description
Discover the rich history of Famagusta on this unique 3 in 1 Day Tour, exploring the iconic Dividing Line, the eerie Ghost Town of Varosha, and the charming Famagusta Old City. On his tour, you will hear first-hand stories — not from books, but from someone who lived through history.Mr. John was born and raised in Varosha, the “Ghost Town” of Famagusta. His family owned a citrus grove of nearly 50,000 square metres along the coast, just outside the town. This award-winning tour includes a personal experience with an expert guide, providing insights into the city's intriguing past and present. Ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers, it offers a rare glimpse into a place frozen in time. - Tour includes visits to the Dividing Line, Varosha, and Famagusta Old City - Led by knowledgeable guides for an authentic experience - Daily departures from Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Kapparis - Suitable for all travelers, with small group sizes for personalized attention
Tour Options
Itinerary
Along the way, Mr John shares personal memories of his childhood, the events that changed the city forever, and what it means to return decades later. In Varosha, once one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous resorts, you will walk through streets that stood frozen in time for nearly 50 years. This is not just a historical explanation — it is a deeply personal return to neighborhoods, homes, and memories. Adding to the uniqueness of the experience, a Turkish Cypriot guide from that era also joins the tour, offering insight from the other side. The result is a rare and balanced perspective that allows visitors to understand the human story behind the headlines.
Dividing Line & Checkpoint Crossing Your journey begins at the official checkpoint where we cross from the Republic of Cyprus to the northern part of the island. Here, Mr John explains the events of 1974 and how the city of Famagusta became divided. Guests gain historical context about the buffer zone and the transformation of Varosha into a closed military area for decades. This is not just a border crossing — it is the physical line that has changed thousands of lives. Duration: Approx. 40–50 minutes including crossing formalities.
Famagusta Old City & Venetian Walls Next, we explore the historic walled city of Famagusta, rich with medieval architecture and centuries of layered history. Highlights may include: • Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral) • Othello Castle • The Venetian Walls • Traditional streets and local atmosphere Guests enjoy guided explanations followed by free time for photos, coffee, or exploration. Duration: Approx. 90–100 minutes.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We always contact our clients of their Pick Up point and the time of pickup atleast a day before departure.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(8)
We booked a “small group” tour and was picked up in a small bus but then switched over to a big tourist bus with 52 other people. We could not hear the guide, and a piece of sharp metal was sticking out from one of the seats and cut a hole in my shorts.
The trip to Famagusta was really great: educational, personal and well-curated. The town of Varosha was absolutely fascinating and seeing how nature is reclaiming this part of Cyprus felt very special. I was personally a little disappointed that the sound quality of the microphones on the coach was not great and we therefore missed aspects of Mr John's story. I got the impression that this tour used to be far more intimate (i.e. on a minibus), however, it's popularity has necessitated larger vehicles. Hint: try to sit as close to the front of the coach as possible so you don't miss out on any of the glimpses into this fascinating part of Cyprus. Thank you Mr John & Mr Ahmed for sharing your personal stories to ensure that we received a non-biased experience as we travelled across the border.
I can get kinda bored at an all inclusive hotel, so a sightseeing trip or a walk to the beach is essential. My partner has previously visited Famagusta, and was aware of Mr John's tour - taking in not just sightseeing, but hearing first hand accounts of life in Northern Cyprus, before and since Turkish occupation. I was sold! We were picked up outside our hotel at 0700, Mr John driving a minibus. A few others were picked up before we decanted into a air conditioned coach. Mr John began his most excellent oration, explaining what we could see as we approached the border, and No Man's Land. At passport control we were introduced to Mr Ahmed, who joined Mr John in providing an insightful, engaging and downright hilarious commentary. They are skilled at their double act! We first visited Varosha, the Ghost Town. My partner recalled that access was very limited previously, but we had access to an area of the city centre. Old shops, bars, cinemas etc line the accessible streets. It is an apocalyptic scene, with plants growing through buildings, fallen signage, collapsing structures. Logos from the 70s are here. It is an eerie experience, but one that must not be missed. After an hour of guided exploration (Mr John recalls walking these streets, meeting friends at various places etc) we jumped into the wonderfully air conditioned coach to head into the walled city of Famagusta. What a contrast. Lunch at Petek was fantastic (especially as we were up and out too early for our hotel breakfast). More insight from both Mr Ahmed and Mr John back through to border control and beyond. Take this opportunity to listen to forst hand experience of the history of the area, and the turmoil caused by the invading Turks. Mr John is happy to answer questions, and it was sincerely a pleasure taking this trip with him. 10 out of 10.
Just like to say that yesterday we had the most fabulous trip 3 in 1 with Mr John and Mr Ahmed ! What a fabulous combination. Of guides funny , relaxed and happy to answer any questions . We throughly enjoyed it , was recommended to us by friends and by far one of the best Cyprus tours we have been on , so knowledgeable and from the heart . We learnt so much and will definitely we doing another on our return to Cyprus we just love it here . Our adult girls enjoyed it too found the know experience very moving and sad too at the same time .
We joined Mr johns tour on Monday July 27th 2026. We wanted to visit the ghost town and other reviews spoke highly of the Mr John option. The coach pick up was on time and well organised. The checkpoints were handled professionally and there was no stress at all. Mr Johns commentary was superb, so much knowledge and stories from his childhood. We were joined by Mr Johns tour colleague, Ahmed. The joint commentary from both these guys was amazing and very often funny, they bounce of each other like a pair of comedians at times. The visit to the ghost town is an incredible experience, though its also incredibly sad to contemplate what the inhabitants went through in 1974 and since. We also visited the old walled town of Famagusta on this visit, which allowed a stop for lunch and a walk around the impressive city, again plenty of commentary and insightful information from Mr John and Ahmed. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and recommend it to any one equally curious.
Mr. John is completely incomprehensible, while his Turkish colleague has good English. The tour is interesting, but you lose much understanding and context when you do not understand the guide.
Such a good informative trip,Mr John was so good at the attention to detail.Would highly recommend this trip
Amazing tour, would recommend. Mr John and Mr Ahmed very knowledgeable. Nice stop off for lunch too.
