Northern Cyprus Hand Quilting Retreat

This morning, with our local guide, we’ll enjoy a half-day tour of Girne, still widely known by its Greek name, Kyrenia. The town is said to be the most beautiful in Cyprus, owing to its harbour and mighty Venetian castle. Enjoy free time for lunch in one of the many cafés or restaurants before we return to the hotel for our first workshop.

Today we enjoy a full-day tour of Lefkoşa, known as Nicosia until 1974. It is the capital city of Northern Cyprus and the last divided capital in the world. We’ll walk along the narrow streets within the city walls, discovering some old-fashioned craft shops and learning about local crafts at Büyük Han, a lovingly restored 16th-century trading station in the middle of the old town. We’ll also have a look at the market hall and Selimiye Mosque.

The afternoon will be free for you to have some lunch, do some shopping, visit one of the city’s many museums, or stop in one of the many cafés and watch the world go by.

Today will be spent enjoying a workshop with your expert.

Our full-day tour starts with a drive to the citrus growing area of the island, where we will be greeted with a sea of orange and lemon trees as far as the eye can see. In Güzelyurt we’ll visit St. Mamas Church with its intricately restored interior, as well as the Golden Leaves of Soli exhibition at the Museum of Archaeology and Nature, a display of beautiful, recovered gold artefacts found by a local man whilst digging in 2005.

This afternoon we’ll head towards Lefke village, where we’ll be welcomed by the local handcraft organisation in their small shop. We’ll learn about the traditional handcrafts of the region, including Lapta and Lefkara embroidery and beautiful pictures made with silk cocoons. During the workshop, enjoy the homemade lemonade and Cypriot snacks. We’ll also have the opportunity to buy some homemade produce to take home as a souvenir

Spend the day learning new tips and techniques in your expert-led workshop.

We enjoy our final workshop with our expert this morning before a free afternoon for some last-minute shopping or relax at the hotel and make the most of the facilities.

This evening is our farewell dinner at a local restaurant in nearby Bellapais. The village is synonymous with its medieval abbey, which is often illuminated at night.