Nicosia

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Inside the Buffer Zone of Nicosia

Name: Inside the Buffer Zone of Nicosia
Brand: Eleni Ellinas
SKU: 239257P1
Price: 76.49 USD
Rating: 5.0 (97 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceNicosia, Cyprus

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Get an insider's view of Nicosia and the buffer zone from a local guide on this small-group tour. You'll travel on foot, walking from the Famagusta Gate, along the medieval walls, and over to the Ledra Palace area, following the green line that separates the northern (Turkish Cypriot) and southern (Greek Cypriot) parts of the island.

Learn about Nicosia from a local guide
Explore the historic city on foot
Stop for coffee/tea along the way
Small group sizes ensure personal attention from your guide

What's Included

Coffee and/or Tea

Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Ledra Palace Hotel
59H4+42V, Markou Drakou, Nicosia 1102
The parking lot where we will meet is situated to the west of the Nicosia. It is located near the Green Line, just before the Ledra Palace Check point on the right side. Further down is the Goethe Institute. Make sure to enter "Markou Drakou Avenue" and enter the postal code number 1102

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Accessible Toilet available at meeting point
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

97 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 97 reviews

Highlight of my trip to Cyprus

Joyce_K, Mar 2024

This tour was probably my favorite thing I did on my trip to Cyprus. The guide contacted me in advance and asked if I was ok with crossing over to the north on the tour as another guest had requested this. I replied that that sounded great and so that’s what we did. We were a small group, so able to ask questions at any time and take breaks when/where we liked. The guide brought the history to life and I learned so much. The guide was very balanced in her explanations. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dearest Joyce, my Sincerest thank you for your wonderful review of our walking experience along the divided city in the North. I am so delighted you Both got so much insight from our special walk. It was such a true pleasure meeting you both. Hope to see you both back again in Cyprus very soon again. My warmest wishes, Eleni Ellinas Walk Talk Cyprus

Exploring Nicosia & UN Buffer Zone with Eleni

ThomasKoshy, Feb 2024

We had the absolute pleasure of having a private tour with Eleni on 22 Jan 2024. Frankly, we were not sure of what to expect when we were booking the tour. We met near the buffer zone at the Cyprus side. From there we explored the UN buffer zone and crossed the border into the Turkish side. It was quite a learning experience to see and experience a place frozen in time. You’ll be surprised to see a stark contrast of how things are quite different when you cross a short border. Being an history buff, it was definitely one of the main highlights of our stay in Cyprus. For those planning to book this tour, I would recommend reading a bit about the history so that you could appreciate the tour much more. Plus go with Eleni, one most friendly tour guides we have across. And if possible, do book a private tour if you would love to sit and talk a bit more like we did.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dearest Thomas, I am sincerely grateful for the heartfelt review you shared following our guided walk through the divided city of Nicosia. Your words touched me profoundly, and I am honored to have been a part of an experience that resonated so deeply with you. It's guests like you who make my work truly rewarding, and your appreciation fuels my passion for showcasing the rich history and emotions embedded in this unique city. Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts. I look forward to welcoming you back for more explorations and meaningful journeys. Warmly always, Eleni Ellinas Walk Talk Cyprus

Insightful and informative tour

Kaela_S, Jan 2024

Excellent walking tour. Eleni was an engaging and passionate guide offering historical and personal insights that really brought the area and the people's experience to life.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Dearest Kaela, My Sincerest thank you for your wonderful review of our walking experience along the buffer zone in Lefkosia. I am delighted you got so much insight from our special walk. Hope to see you both back again in Cyprus very soon again.. My warmest wishes, Eleni Ellinas

Eleni was a great tour...

Mary_D, Jan 2024

Eleni was a great tour guide with personal ties to the story of the wall. It was a very interesting tour.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

A very warm thank you Mary for your review! Really glad to hear you enjoyed our walk along the Buffer Zone. Warm wishes, Eleni Ellinas

Best experience ever!

Yi_X, Dec 2023

It is one of the best tours I have been on! Highly recommend!! It is not only about the buffer zone. Eleni took us to the city center and recommended a lot of great restaurants to us.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Dearest Yi, my sincerest thank you for your review of our walking experience along the buffer zone in Lefkosia! I am delighted you got so much insight from our special walk. Hope to see you back again in Cyprus very soon again.. Happy New Year! Warmly, Eleni Ellinas

The conflict was...

Emma_W, Nov 2023

The conflict was beautifully brought to life with some amazing stories and family memories. We wouldn't have seen/enjoyed our visit to the buffer zone nearly as much without Eleni's perspective - thank you :) - all highly professional...

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dearest Emma, My Sincerest thank you for your heartfelt review of our walking experience along the buffer zone in Lefkosia! I am delighted you got so much insight from our special walk. Hope to see you back again in Cyprus very soon again. Warmly always, Eleni Ellinas Walk Talk Cyprus

Must-do if it’s your first time visiting Nicosia!

Stephen_W, Nov 2023

What a wonderful tour! Eleni was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and expertly guided our group through and along the buffer zone. Eleni shared many recommendations of sights to see and restaurants to try while in Nicosia. 5/5, would highly recommend!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dearest Stephen, A heartfelt thank you for taking the time to write this review. So pleased to hear you enjoyed our experience and hope to see you soon again in Cyprus. Please do stay in touch if you are back again in Cyprus. Warmly always, Eleni Ellinas Walk Talk Cyprus

Fascinating and Personal tour of a Beautiful City

Ronan_K, Nov 2023

I can't reccomend this tour enough. Eleni is a fantastic guide who gave an amazing tour. She not only has deep understanding of the historical and political context of Cyprus but also deep personal insights into the divided city. Aside from all this, she is super friendly and welcoming. A must do tour for anyone interested in the history of Cyprus!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dearest Ronan, my sincerest thank you for taking the time to share your valuable review! I am grateful to have had the time to share with you my personal stories and everyday life along the buffer zone. Hope to see you back in Cyprus one day soon again. Warmly, Eleni Ellinas Walk Talk Cyprus

Highlight of my trip

Mario_M, Nov 2023

I wish I could give more than 5 stars. This tour was the highlight of my trip and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the history of Nicosia/Cyprus. Eleni was incredibly knowledgeable and obviously cares very deeply about the community. She was very kind and patient with the group on the tour I attended. If you are unsure whether to sign up, do it and you will not regret!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dearest Mario, my Sincerest thank you for your heartfelt review of our walking experience along the buffer zone in Lefkosia! I am delighted you got so much insight from our special walk. I shall always treasure our day together. I really hope to see you back in Cyprus again! Till then, happy travels and exploration! Warmly always, Eleni Ellinas

A Unique and Informative Look at the Buffer Zone

Emma_C, Oct 2023

This walking tour of the buffer zone was how I started my Cyprus trip, and it was a memorable and informative experience on the culture, politics, and personal stories of Cyprus. Eleni was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. She was in communication prior to the tour and made it very easy to find the location. Her personal experiences, as well as her relationships with people who live in the buffer zone made for a meaningful and personal perspective. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Nicosia!

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Dearest Emma, my sincerest thanks for taking the time to share your valuable review! It was an absolute pleasure having you on my walk. I am grateful to have had the time to share with you my personal stories and everyday life along the buffer zone! Hope to see you again in Cyprus very soon :) Warmly, Eleni

Excellent tour guide

Robert_G, Sep 2023

We enjoyed and excellent tour with Eleni. Very interesting look at the buffer meeting locals along the way. Would definitely recommend

Response from Host, Sep 2023

My sincerest thank you Robert for taking the time to write this review! It was an absolute pleasure meeting you both and so pleased to hear you enjoyed our special experience along the buffer zone! Hope to see again soon:) Warmly, Eleni Ellinas

Super insightful, educational and fun!

Linas_S, Sep 2023

Two of my friends had already recommended this tour to me and now that I've experienced it myself I have to say the tour is amazing - it takes you into and around the buffer zone, a very peculiar and bizarre place which has been there for half a century. Eleni is a wonderful, kind-hearted guide, she chats with everyone, makes sure everybody is involved, she tells many interesting stories as you go along the way that you'd otherwise never know and really gives an inside feel of how things went down in Cyprus, how the people feel about it and what the future holds. It grabs your attention and makes you think about it even after the tour has ended. I drove for two hours from Paphos to Nicosia just to take part in this one tour and it was worth every single penny and every single minute spent on the road. Thank you, Eleni, for such a wonderful time! I'll make sure to pass the word to whoever else is travelling to Cyprus!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Dearest Linas, My Sincerest thank you for your heartfelt review of our walking experience along the buffer zone in Lefkosia! I am delighted you got so much insight from our special walk. I shall always treasure our day together and appreciate how you made it all the way from Paphos to join in! Really hope to see you back in Cyprus again Linas. Till then, happy travels and exploration! Warmly always, Eleni Ellinas

A must do in Nicosia!

Felipe_F, Sep 2023

Eleni guides with passion, bringing characters, stories and local memories that envolve us until the end. An amazing experience, strongly recommended for those interested in better understanding a unique situation that marks the Country and its population for decades.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Dearest Felipe, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks for your lovely review following our walk in the buffer zone in Nicosia. It was a pleasure to share such a meaningful experience with you and explore the unique history and beauty of the buffer zone together. I do hope our paths cross again. Thank you again, Warmly always, Eleni

Fascinating tour

Mary_G, Sep 2023

Despite such hot weather this was an excellent tour and Eleni our guide set the pace according to our age and energy levels. She also made sure we were in the shade as much as possible. We found the information clear and non judgemental and were fascinated and saddened by a beautiful city that was so divided. The three hours flew by. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough, it was a wonderful end to an amazing holiday.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Dear Mary, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks for your lovely review following our walk in the buffer zone in Nicosia. It was a pleasure to share such a meaningful experience with you and explore the unique history and beauty of the buffer zone together. Your enthusiasm and appreciation for the journey added to the day's joy, and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful experience! A big thank you again for taking the time to review our walk.

The Most Informative Tour I Have Even Been On!

James_B, Aug 2023

Without a doubt the most informative tour I have ever been on! It was an incredible few hours in which so much was covered and I came away feeling like I have now got a much greater knowledge of the events of the islands partition. The tour is well worth doing and Eleni is such a lovely person and a warm soul. Her lived experience adds to the knowledge through first hand accounts of what she went through, I couldn't recommend more going on this tour! A wonderful woman with an interesting life and an impressive knowledge. A must for anyone visiting Nicosia!

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Dearest James, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the absolutely wonderful review you left. I am so pleased to hear that my walk resonated with you and left you with cherished memories. Your description of the walk's impact on your understanding of Nicosia's history and the shared culture in the buffer zone was particularly heartwarming. Glad to have crossed paths with you and truly hope to see you again on our island. Warmest wishes, Eleni

Nicosia brought to life!

Dennis_T, Jul 2023

Eleni, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable, articulate, and personable. She quite literally brought us back in time with her thorough understanding of the history of Cyprus and her compelling personal experiences. Eleni knows the community well, as evidenced by the many interactions she had with the locals on our tour. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Dearest Dennis, I am truly grateful for your heartfelt review of our guided experience through the Nicosia buffer zone. Your kind words remind me why I feel so passionate about sharing this unique and historically significant journey with visitors like you.

Eleni - Best Cyprus guide!

Nikki_S, Jun 2023

Our guide Eleni was the absolute best! She spent more time with us than she needed to. We only wish we could have had her for our other tours!!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

I cannot thank you enough for your review Nikki, shall certainly treasure our special walk! Really hope to see you both again in Cyprus. Warmly always, Eleni

An incredibly enjoyable...

stuart_w, May 2023

An incredibly enjoyable tour with Eleni, who has the experience of the challenges of the Cyprus history and the knowledge to bring it to life. Most enjoyable - a great way to spend holiday time.

Response from Host, May 2023

I cannot thank you enough for your wonderful review Stuart! It was an absolute pleasure meeting you and so very pleased you enjoyed our special day together. I do hope to see you back in Cyprus again. Warmly always, Eleni

Walk the Green Line with a Local

Kenneth_P, May 2023

For those who want a comprehensive look at the aftermath of the 1974 conflict between Cyprus and Turkey, this is the walking tour for you. There are plenty of surprises as you walk the “green line.” Thank you Eleni, excellent tour and one we won’t soon forget.

Response from Host, May 2023

A heartfelt thank you to both for taking the time to write a review of our walk!

An amazing tour with a fantastic guide

Chris_L, Apr 2023

This was the most remarkable tour we have ever been on and Eleni was the most charming, informative and interesting host we have experienced. If you are in Cyprus, you must make sure you travel up to Nicosia to go on this tour. We knew little of the background to the buffer zone but within minutes we’re completely immersed in the history of the zone. Eleni’s knowledge is second to none and she shared many interesting stories (including her personal experiences) as we explored this fascinating area. We stopped at a historic bakery to enjoy local pasties and coffees. She took us through the checkpoint to the Turkish side of the zone which was also very interesting. We met some lovely, interesting people on the tour which added to the experience. At the end Eleni shared tips of other places we might visit whilst in Nicosia and that helped us to have an amazing afternoon exploring both sides of the buffer zone. We certainly wouldn’t have got as much out of our day in Nicosia if we had tried to ‘go it alone’! We can’t recommend this tour highly enough. Thank you Eleni.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

A heartfelt thank you for your wonderful review and feedback. I am so very pleased to hear you enjoyed our special experience and had great take-home value and insights into the last divided city. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you both and I shall certainly treasure our day. Please do reach out if you are back in Nicosia again. Thank you once again and wishing you an amazing time here in Cyprus. Warmy always, Eleni