Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey. Some shops at small towns and rural areas may not accept cards, we would recommend to carry some cash with you for small purchases just in case.
Cyprus Tours – An Unforgettable Holiday in the Heart of the Mediterranean
Welcome to Cyprus — a sun-kissed island where history, relaxation, and Mediterranean charm come together in perfect harmony. With its stunning beaches, rich heritage, and friendly locals, Cyprus offers the perfect blend of exploration and escape for all types of travelers.
With Happydays Tour’s specially curated Cyprus packages, you’ll enjoy sunset views at the historic harbor of Kyrenia, explore the beautiful Bellapais Monastery, and relax on the golden sands of Famagusta. Wander through the markets of Nicosia or unwind at your hotel’s luxurious spa — in Cyprus, you can do both discovery and relaxation in one trip.
Our tours include handpicked hotels, expert local guides, and optional flight-inclusive packages. Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon, a getaway with friends, or a peaceful solo escape, Cyprus offers a little something for everyone.
Your dream Mediterranean holiday is here! Discover the magic of Cyprus with Happydays Tour — book now to enjoy early bird discounts and exclusive deals.
Please find below the 4 & 3 Star hotels used on our Greece trips. All accommodation is carefully hand-selected to satisfy our standards in terms of quality, authenticity and location for you to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable holiday.
In the heart of the Mediterranean lies a peaceful and historically rich island: Northern Cyprus.
With its unspoiled beaches, deep cultural roots, delicious cuisine, and warm-hearted locals, Cyprus is the perfect destination for travelers of all ages. It’s especially ideal for those seeking an authentic and crowd-free getaway.
Historical Charm: Explore timeless landmarks like St. Hilarion Castle, Bellapais Abbey, and Kyrenia Castle.
Natural Beauty: Swim at pristine beaches like Golden Beach or enjoy nature walks in the Karpaz Peninsula.
Local Flavors: Discover unique Cypriot dishes like halloumi, şeftali kebabı, and traditional coffee.
Welcoming People: Hospitality is a way of life here — you’ll always feel at home.
Spring (March – May): Fresh air, flowers, and perfect weather for outdoor exploration.
Summer (June – September): Ideal for beach holidays, vibrant nightlife, and sun-soaked days.
Autumn (October – November): Calm seas, fewer crowds, and great for relaxed travel.
Winter (December – February): Mild temperatures for cultural trips and cozy moments with coffee and local treats.
Explore this magical island with HappyDays Tour — where every journey becomes a story worth telling.
Northern Cyprus offers a unique blend of untouched Mediterranean beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. From ancient ruins to scenic harbors, this region is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
1. Kyrenia (Girne)
A picturesque coastal town with a charming old harbor, Girne is famous for its Kyrenia Castle, waterfront cafes, and vibrant local markets. It’s the perfect mix of history and leisure.
2. Bellapais Village & Abbey
Just a short drive from Girne, this peaceful mountain village is home to the stunning Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece offering panoramic views of the coastline.
3. Famagusta (Gazimağusa)
A city steeped in history, Famagusta boasts ancient Venetian walls, the impressive Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and nearby Salamis Ruins, one of the most important archaeological sites on the island.
4. Karpaz Peninsula
Known as the “panhandle” of Cyprus, this remote and wild region features golden beaches, roaming wild donkeys, and the iconic Apostolos Andreas Monastery. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
5. Nicosia (Lefkoşa – Northern Side)
The last divided capital in the world, North Nicosia offers a fascinating glimpse into Cypriot life, with its bazaar-like old city, Buyuk Han, and a growing café culture within the walled town.
1. Entry Requirements:
Travelers can enter Northern Cyprus via Ercan Airport (via Turkey) or through border crossings from the Republic of Cyprus. EU citizens and many others can enter with just a passport; no visa is required for short stays.
2. Currency & Payments:
The official currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TRY), but euros, pounds, and dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly used in cities and tourist areas.
3. Transportation:
Car rental is the most convenient way to explore. Driving is on the left side, and roads are generally in good condition. Public transport exists but is limited outside main cities.
4. Safety & Health:
Northern Cyprus is a safe and peaceful destination. Tap water is generally not drinkable—bottled water is recommended. Basic healthcare is available, and travel insurance is advised.
5. Language:
Turkish is the official language in the north, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
6. Culture & Etiquette:
Cypriots are warm and welcoming. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious sites. It’s polite to greet with a smile and use basic Turkish phrases like “Merhaba” (Hello) or “Teşekkürler” (Thank you).
7. Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer ideal weather for sightseeing, hiking, and beach time—without the summer crowds.
Northern Cyprus boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage shaped by Mediterranean, Ottoman, and British influences. This cultural blend is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, festivals, and everyday life.
1. A Tapestry of Civilizations
Throughout history, Cyprus has been home to Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, Ottomans, and British. In Northern Cyprus, you can see this legacy in ancient ruins, Gothic cathedrals turned mosques, and charming Ottoman-era villages.
2. Turkish-Cypriot Traditions
The Turkish Cypriot community preserves deep-rooted traditions such as folk music (Zeybek & Türkü), handicrafts (like lace-making in Lefkara-style), and local dances often performed at festivals and weddings.
3. Family & Hospitality
Family plays a central role in Cypriot culture. Visitors are often struck by the warm hospitality—it’s not uncommon to be offered Turkish coffee or a homemade dessert by locals.
4. Cuisine as a Cultural Expression
Cypriot food reflects its cultural richness, with dishes like şeftali kebabı, hellim cheese, molohiya, and meze platters. Meals are social events that bring families and friends together.
5. Festivals & Celebrations
From olive and orange festivals to folk dance events and religious celebrations, Northern Cyprus has a lively calendar of cultural events that are open to all and often held in scenic village squares.
6. Language & Religion
The official language is Turkish, and the majority of the population is Muslim, though Cyprus maintains a secular and tolerant atmosphere, with churches and mosques often standing side by side.
Northern Cyprus offers a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Turkish flavors, creating a rich and hearty cuisine that reflects the island’s history and cultural diversity. Meals are not just about food—they’re a celebration of family, tradition, and hospitality.
1. Meze Culture
A typical Cypriot meal begins with meze, a series of small dishes that include hummus, olives, grilled halloumi (hellim), stuffed vine leaves (yaprak sarma), and more. It’s a social and leisurely way of dining.
2. Signature Dishes
Şeftali Kebabı – A traditional Cypriot kebab made from spiced lamb or beef wrapped in caul fat and grilled.
Molohiya – A unique, slightly tangy green stew cooked with lamb or chicken, served over rice.
Kolokas – A root vegetable stew, often cooked with lamb and tomato.
Hellim (Halloumi) Cheese – A national favorite, grilled or fried, often served with watermelon or in sandwiches.
3. Sweets & Desserts
Kadayif – Shredded pastry soaked in syrup and filled with nuts.
Lokma – Sweet fried dough balls covered in syrup.
Turkish Delight – A soft, chewy candy flavored with rose, lemon, or mastic.
4. Drinks
Turkish Coffee – Served strong and unfiltered in small cups.
Rakı – An anise-flavored spirit often enjoyed with meze.
Ayran – A salty yogurt drink, perfect on a hot day.
5. Markets & Local Products
Visit local markets for fresh olives, citrus fruits, carob products, and homemade cheeses. These ingredients are at the heart of everyday Cypriot cooking.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey, which can be applied for online via https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. Travellers from the Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and the USA can apply for a 90-day e-visa online. Although this process usually takes only several minutes, we recommend to obtain it at least 2 weeks before you arrive in Turkey.
Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa if staying for less than three months: United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland.
Passport validity entry requirements: Travellers entering Turkey must carry a passport or travel document valid for at least 60 days from the expiry date of their visa.
This information is provided as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change at any time and with little notice. It is your responsibility to make sure that all the required travel documents are ready when travelling.
Yes, all passengers travelling with Travel Talk must have travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance in place.
Turkey has quite a variable geography and climate, make sure to check the Pre-departure file of your tour (found on each tour page online) for the average temperatures at the sites visited.
The Aegean (western) and Mediterranean (southern) coasts have a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, so beach resorts are highly popular from May to August.
March, April, September and October tend to remain moderate along the coast with many local tourists enjoying the sea and pleasant weather. During these months, inland Anatolia (i.e. Cappadocia, Ankara) is typically cooler and drier.
Winter season in Turkey (December – February) can be cold, rainy and snowy, with occasional sunny days.
Most Turkish cities and resorts carry on as normal during Ramadan. After sunset, slow-paced Istanbul gets back into full swing with a carnival-like atmosphere. Festive coloured lights are switched on and mosques are illuminated. Restaurants will be packed with locals to break their fast. Most restaurants offer special Ramazan menus or banquets. Tourists and non-Muslims are welcome to join the festivities. Please check the Pre-departure file or the FAQ for Ramadan dates.
Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in airports, hotels, cafes and restaurants in Turkish cities, however the quality of connection differs. You can also find plentiful of internet cafes in the cities visited. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you wish to use 3G/4G, although the connection may be unreliable in some rural areas.
Coverage is generally quite good in Turkey, you’ll rarely be far from a mobile phone signal. Make sure to enable global roaming before leaving home to be able to use your mobile in Turkey. 3G/4G is commonly available throughout the country, however may be unreliable in rural areas.
The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey. Please find below approximate prices in USD to give you an idea.
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Turkey. Bottled water is commonly available, alternatively you may fill a reusable water bottle or carry water purification tablets with you to reduce your use of plastic.
Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey. Some shops at small towns and rural areas may not accept cards, we would recommend to carry some cash with you for small purchases just in case.
ATMs can be easily found in many places in the cities however are not as common in rural areas. Also not every small shop accepts cards, so you may need cash for smaller expenses.
All tours starting in Istanbul include arrival airport transfer if your flight lands in Istanbul on the first day of your tour between 5am and 11:30pm or if you have booked pre-accommodation with us.
You must inform our call centre or info@happydaystour.co.uk of your flight details (date of flight, flight number, arrival time and name of travelers) at least 15 days prior to your departure date. If you do not receive confirmation that your pick-up is arranged, please contact us.
You will be picked up by a Travel Talk representative holding a Happydays Tour sign at the airport. Departure transfer is not available in Turkey.
If your tour starts in Istanbul, the welcome meeting will be held in the hotel lobby around 7pm with your group and guide. You can find the arrival information for land and sailing tours in Turkey under the Trip Notes section of each tour. If there is any change in your arrival hotel, we will send you an e-mail to inform you before the trip.
Don’t worry if you will miss the welcome meeting on Day 1 as some travellers arrive late in the day – just make sure to let us know in advance.
Depending on the dates and hotel availability, we may be able to arrange pre/post-tour accommodation in Istanbul. Pre-accommodation includes breakfast & airport transfer, and post-tour accommodation includes only breakfast.
For sailing tours extra accommodation is not available.
You can book pre/post-accommodation during the booking process online, or by contacting us.
Solo travellers often join our tours to meet and travel with like-minded adventurers, forming longstanding friendships. We also strive to provide a relaxed and sociable tour experience to allow the group to weld throughout the journey.
Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement.
There are always solo travelers on our tours. If you don’t mind being roomed with another single traveler of the same gender, you do not need to pay the supplement. Single supplement is for travelers who would like to stay in a single room for the duration of their tour.
Please note that the single supplement may be required for sailing tours as gullets have double cabins.
Please contact us with your request & we will do our best to arrange your room accordingly. info@happydaystour.co.uk 0203 355 0089
Our tours do not include airfare to/from the destination, and we do not advise on, ticket or sell flights. It is your responsibility to make it to the starting point of your tour on time.
If you provide your dietary requirements at the time of booking, we will do our best to make the necessary arrangements where available. You can leave a comment under the “Notes” section when making an online booking or simply contact us. Please note that gluten-free & vegan options may be limited in the country.
The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency. Although you can pay with USD and EUR in some places, you’ll always get a better deal paying in the local currency. You can get lira from ATM’s using your debit card or travel card — withdrawing cash on credit card is less favourable.
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted except in some small vendors. Avoid changing the bulk of your money at the airport as the exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city. Your tour leader will be pleased to help if you need any assistance.
Good news, there isn’t any luggage restriction on our tours as long as you’re able to carry your own luggage – usually just for a very short distance.
Tipping service staff is common in Turkey – typically around 10-15% for a restaurant meal. There is no need to tip taxi drivers, however it is customary to round up the fare for convenience.
Your tour guide and crew would be especially appreciative and honored with this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.
You can join a tour late or miss the Welcome Meeting on Day 1 if you inform us prior to the departure date. Please note that it will be your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to catch up with the group.
For sailing tours, please contact us at info@traveltalktours.com as meeting with the group may not be possible once the ship sets sail.
Please contact us at info@happydaystour.co.uk +44 0203 355 0089
For all emergencies, you can contact +44 0203 355 0089
If your tour visits Cappadocia, Hot Air Balloon is one of the optional activities of your tour. Please note that optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk and that hot-air ballooning depends on the weather conditions.
Both tours are the same except for 3 days of the itinerary around Fethiye.
The Gulet option includes a blue cruise of the crystal clear bays of the Mediterranean for 3 nights. The Land group stays in a Fethiye resort with swimming pools, visiting Oludeniz, Salkikent Canyon and Dalyan over 3 nights.
