Walking Escorted Tour to the North of Cyprus.
A very enthusiastic band of travellers gathered at Liverpool Airport, bound for a welcome dose of winter sunshine in Cyprus. Spirits were high as we set off, and they rose even further on arrival when we were warmly greeted by our hosts at the fabulous Bellapais Gardens Hotel, tucked away in the Turkish north of the island.
The welcome could not have been, well, more welcoming! Brandy Sours were pressed into our hands, accompanied by delicious snacks, and before long we had settled into our charming luxury cottages, the perfect base for the adventures that lay ahead.
The next morning began with a sumptuous breakfast, after which our transport was waiting to take us to the starting point of our first walk. Driving up into the mountains under clear blue skies, with the Mediterranean glistening far below, with our local guide we set off along forest tracks winding gently down towards the sea. Progress at first was somewhat leisurely—not because the route was difficult, but because every few steps someone would pause to photograph the pretty flora that lined the path. It was a long but immensely rewarding day, crowned by a well-earned beer at a beachside taverna and, for some brave souls, a refreshing paddle in the sea to revive tired feet.
Back at the hotel we were treated to an outstanding meal prepared by the Bellapais chef and his team. Each night he would appear before us to introduce the dishes they had carefully created, explaining the flavours and inspirations behind them. These small presentations quickly became a highlight of the trip, adding a delightful sense of theatre to the many gastronomic treats we enjoyed throughout the week.
With appetites satisfied and energy restored, the days unfolded with more wonderful walking: two shorter rambles and another longer trek through the island’s varied landscapes. On some days we carried a picnic, while on another we paused at a tiny local restaurant where a table of delicious tapas awaited, proudly presented by the owner and his wife.
Cyprus itself proved endlessly fascinating. Over the centuries the island has been shaped by the influence and rule of many civilisations—Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders and Venetians—each leaving their mark in stone, culture and tradition. Later came the Ottomans, followed by the British colonial period. Exploring the magnificent Roman site of Salamis, with its amphitheatre and soaring columns, was a particular highlight. Equally striking were the historic walled city of Varosha and the haunting remains of Famagusata, abandoned in 1974 following the Turkish incursions in the north. Many in our group knew the story through Victoria Hislop’s novel The Sunrise, which vividly captures the atmosphere of Famagusta during those turbulent times.
Most of the group also joined the optional excursion to the Karpaz Peninsula, the island’s long “panhandle,” where we soaked up the changing scenery, explored its history and even fed the famous wild donkeys.
Cyprus truly is a gem: majestic rock formations, fertile green plains, delicate orchids and other endemic flora, and a history so rich—with monasteries and religious architecture scattered across the landscape—that in one week could only begin to scratch the surface.
At times the experiences felt almost overwhelming in their richness, which made returning each evening to our haven at Bellapais Gardens all the more special. There we could unwind by the pool, reflect on the day’s discoveries, and gradually begin to bank the many memories while friendships deepened over laughter, drinks and our evening meal.
And all too soon, the week drew to a close. Events unfolding in the Gulf region caused a final twist in our journey: our flight home was cancelled and we were rerouted a day later, travelling back to the UK via Istanbul. Reluctant to leave in so many ways, the group were relieved to return safely to the UK after a truly memorable tour.
With my thanks to all the Regent Guests, who made this special and to our hosts at the Bellapais.
Erica Wilcox (Tour Manager)
