Today we travel into eastern Cyprus to call at the monastery of St Barnabas, and visit the extraordinary ancient ruins at Salamis. The remains, which include colonnades, a magnificent theatre and a Roman bathhouse, were part of a much larger settlement that still lies submerged beneath the blue waters and sand dunes.From Salamis you'll head to Famagusta. Here ruined churches, the Lala Mustapha Pasha mosque (once the city cathedral) and Venetian Palace rise in amongst the city's modern cafes and shops, and the Varosha quarter remains a ghost town since it was abandoned in 1974.

The highlight of today will be a chance to visit to Nicosia on an optional excursion. Capital of Cyprus for more than 12 centuries, and separated into a Turkish north and Greek south since the Green Line was first drawn, in 1963.In the northern territory, Lefkosa, you'll see the 15th-century Buyuk Han, once the largest caravanserai (roadside inn) on Cyprus and now a popular arts centre, the colourful covered bazaar and the cathedral/mosque of Selimiye/St Sophia. After crossing into the southern territory, Lefkosia, you'll have free time to explore the narrow streets that shelter within the Venetian walls of the old town. Why not visit tiny St John's Cathedral or one of the various museums of Cypriot history and culture before you return to Kyrenia?

Enjoy the hotel and its surroundings, head into Kyrenia once again, or join the optional excursion to the citrus-grove surrounded town of Guzelyurt. The town's name means "beautiful place" in Turkish, and you'll have time to see its archaeology museum and church of Agios Mamas before you continue to the Roman and Byzantine ruins at Soli, and the Green Line border town of Lefke.

The magnificent mountain-top castle of St Hilarion, which boasts spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding mountains, is your first stop, today. In the foothills below lies the idyllic village of Bellapais and the ruins of Bellapais Abbey. Celebrated novelist Lawrence Durrell lived here for three years, and recorded his stay in his novel 'Bitter Lemons'. After time to explore, you'll return to Kyrenia.

The final optional excursion takes us into the Karpaz (Karpasia) peninsula. This rugged spit of land, surrounded by blue waters, is home to ancient villages and herds of wild donkeys, and boasts some of the island's most stunning beaches. Visit an ancient olive press, and perhaps stop for a swim at a beautiful beach (weather permitting). You'll return to Kyrenia to enjoy your final dinner at your hotel, in the company of newfound friends.

Say goodbye to your Cypriot hosts, and return to the airport for your flight home.

European Union citizens travelling across the border from Southern Cyprus to Northern Cyprus must have passports valid for at least two months beyond the date of their crossing. Visitors from outside the EU must have passports valid for at least six months beyond the date of their crossing.