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Turkish tourists are being offered package deals to the government-controlled areas of Cyprus for the first time since 1974, Turkish press reports said yesterday.
Istanbul-based tour operator Karetta Travel is organising the tour through Athens as Turkish nationals are not allowed to cross through from the north, which is regarded as an illegal port of entry except for Turkish Cypriots and EU nationals.
According to Karetta, the tour includes accommodation in Ayia Napa and a visit to the Hala Sultan Mosque at Larnaca Salt Lake. A visit to Nicosia is also included along with, paradoxically, a short trip to the north. 'Tourists can travel to Greek Cypriot side from Istanbul (via Athens) with Turkish Airlines with a special visa,' the Anatolia news agency said. The package deal starts from 490 euro.
However Anatolia said that any Turkish citizens who have a 'TRNC' stamp on their passports already would not be allowed a visa to visit the Greek Cypriot side. 'We have organised a tour from Turkey to Greek Cypriot side for the first time after the 1974 Peace Operation,' said Karetta Travel Director General Ibrahim Habes. 'The first tour will start on May 19 and 20 people will visit the Greek Cypriot side. As of that date, we will organise tours every Thursday.' | 
