Magical World of Black Sea: Culture, History and Nature Route
On this unique 12-day tour, you will experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the Black Sea region. From UNESCO Heritage Safranbolu to Sumela Monastery, from Storm Valley to highlands, you will discover the most impressive spots in the region.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Flight to Istanbul and hotel transfer. Dinner and accommodation (breakfast included in Åžile).
Daily distance: 75 km
Day 2After breakfast, departure to Safranbolu. Explore Safranbolu, an open-air museum of traditional Turkish architecture under UNESCO protection. Guided tour in this city famous for its Ottoman period houses. The city's name comes from the saffron plant that grows in autumn. Dinner and overnight in Safranbolu.
Daily distance: 360 km
Day 3Journey to Amasya. In the city, known as "Ameseia" in ancient times, discover the royal tombs of the Pontus Kingdom carved into steep slopes, castles, and aqueducts. Monument tombs used as churches during the Byzantine period will fascinate history lovers. Dinner and overnight in Amasya.
Daily distance: 375 km
Day 4After breakfast, journey towards the Black Sea coast. First stop, ancient Kotyora (Ordu). This city, where Xenophon, famous for the "Return of the Ten Thousand," stayed for 45 days, is Turkey's hazelnut production center. Then transfer to Giresun: Byzantine castle and the legendary city where Roman general Lucullus took cherry trees to Europe. Dinner and overnight in Giresun.
Daily distance: 340 km
Day 5Morning departure to Trabzon. Visit Hagia Sophia Museum, frescoes, and city walls in the capital of ancient Trapezunt Kingdom. In the afternoon, ascent to Sumela Monastery at 1400 meters in the Pontus Mountains. Discover the frescoed chapel with a 1-hour walk. Dinner and overnight in Maçka.
Daily distance: 160 km
Day 6Head towards Rize. Enjoy tea in tea plantations. Transfer to Çamlıhemşin through Storm Valley. 1-hour forest walk to Zilkale Ruins. Dinner and overnight in Ayder.
Daily distance: 200 km
Day 7After breakfast, minibus transport to Avusor Highland (2200 m). 4-hour panoramic walk to Ayder Highland. Dinner and overnight in Ayder.
Transport: By minibus
Day 8Morning transfer to Pokut Highland. 3-hour walk to HazindaÄŸ Highland. Optional return by the same route or descent to Ayder. Dinner and overnight in Ayder.
Transport: By minibus
Day 9Transfer to Athos near Georgian border via Hopa and Artvin. Walk and nature discovery at Kargöl Lake. Then transfer to Yusufeli. Dinner and overnight in Yusufeli.
Daily distance: By minibus + 210 km
Day 10Walk among abandoned villages in Yusufeli. Visit Dörtkilise Ruins and picnic with mountain views. Arrival at Uzungöl. Dinner and overnight in Uzungöl.
Daily distance: By minibus + 285 km
Day 11Walk to Sekersu Highland. Nature discovery with impressive lake views. Return to Trabzon. Dinner and overnight in Trabzon.
Daily distance: 95 km
Day 12Transfer to Trabzon Airport and farewell.