Following the trail of the Crusaders through Cyprus and Turkey Final day

Today we had the delights of visits to jewellery and leather workshops, although buried in the details of the itinerary, these are obligatory as the sponsorship they provide reduces the cost of our holiday. We did leave the jewellers with a lighter wallet but we're pleased with our purchases.

We had the best lunch yet at the impressive waterfall just outside Alanya then a stroll around the city centre for some shopping and, yes, ice cream.

Finally our last one night stand, tomorrow we transfer to one more hotel for a well earned week of sun and relaxation.

Following the trail of the Crusaders through Cyprus and Turkey Day 6

Heading back to Antalya we had an obligatory visit to a carpet cooperative. It was actually interesting and informative to see the process from spinning the wool and extracting silk from the cocoons to the weaving/knotting process but the hard sell was excruciating. However we escaped with our spending money intact and headed off towards yet another hotel for the night. By this time in the trip we had made friends with a lovely couple, Linda and Michael from Barnsley.

Following the trail of the Crusaders through Cyprus and Turkey Day 5

We packed our cases back into the coach and set off into the snow capped mountains towards Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

As we approached we could see the amazing and world renowned Cotton Castle rock formation created by the hot springs depositing white crystalline travertine. Having seen many pictures during previous visits to Turkey I was slightly disappointed as I had pictured a larger area but it was still wonderful to see.

 As with many natural wonders Pamukkale is a victim of its own popularity because of the proliferation of spa hotels, each taking some of the spring water to fill their own thermal pools, the flow of water has reduced and the feature is looking decidedly grey.
All on the same site is the ancient Roman ruins of the city of Hierapolis.

Following the trail of the Crusaders through Cyprus and Turkey Day 4

After three nights in the Olive Tree

we set off with our luggage to see Nicosia, the only remaining divided  European capital. We were left to our own devices to walk through the narrow streets packed with cafes, souvenir and textile shops. Because I had bought a tablecloth in the bazaar here 10 years ago, and it's still going strong, I decided to look for another. Don't know if my memory is poor but I did think that the market was larger and busier then. We did buy 2 cabin size cases which have sick proved really useful for ou itinerant life style. And yes I did get a tablecloth but in one of the shops.

After a delicious lunch we set off for the airport and our flight to Antalya on the Turkish mainland.

Following the trail of the Crusaders through Cyprus and Turkey Day 3

On what looked like being a hot day we set off early towards the east coast. Our first stop was at the church of St Barnabus where our Muslim guide gave us a bible/history lesson.

We moved on again to the Roman ruins at Salamis which could be quite impressive but I'm going to boast here and say I have seen much more extensive ruins and we have been promised better in Turkey in a couple of days.

However, there was a cooperative lizard in the car park.

Our final stop of the day was Famagusta but first we drove around the desolate ruins of Greek buildings that have been deserted since the Turkish army came to protect their citizens in 1974. We parked in the centre and visited a beautiful cathedral that has been converted to a mosque for many centuries. After browsing the shops and the usual ice cream  we headed home.

Following the trail of the Crusaders through Cyprus and Turkey Day 2

We set off in fine weather at 8.45 and headed up to Bellapais Abbey on the hillside overlooking Kyreni.  As we left the bus and walked the narrow streets towards the ruin I saw pieces of black on the pathway and noticed that the soles of the sandals of one of our party were crumbling away as she walked on oblivious to her
predicament. Only when a large chunk of heel fell away did she become aware, but it kept me amused for the walk!

We stopped in a little cafe and asked the ancient waiter dressed in a very colourful patterned junper for a coffee and an iced tea. The order came, accompanied by a bowl of nuts, complimentary biscuits and water, what service!

We continued on driving up tortuous hairpin bends past ever expanding views of the coast until we reached St Hilarion's crusader castle perched high above us. We only opted to walk around the first two levels as the guide advised any further was at our own risk.

We moved on again and after a pleasant lunch came back into Kyreni to visit the castle and harbour. The castle houses an ancient shipwreck and artefacts then we strolled round the harbour and ended the trip with 4 varieties of ice cream, mmm deeelicious. 

Following the trail of the Crusaders through Cyprus and Turkey Day 1

After a long complicated journey over 2 days we finally arrived in Northern Cyprus last night. The hotel is great, chalet type 2 storey buildings spread around gardens with central bar restaurant etc.

The bar area even boasts a piano

But they had trouble with the bar order. I really wanted raki but got muddled  (it had been a long day) and asked for ouzo but stressed WITH WATER! The waitress obviously had problems with the accent and gave John rose with water!