4 Days Unique Views of the BlackSea: From Istanbul to Trabzon ✈️

Your Black Sea adventure begins with a flight from Istanbul to Trabzon, where you will discover the rich history and cultural heritage of this ancient Silk Road city. From Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks to modern-day icons, Trabzon’s unique blend of past and present makes it an unforgettable destination.

Visit Ataturk Pavilion, iconic mosques, monasteries, and historical sites before settling in for a comfortable overnight stay.

Morning: Flight to Trabzon & Arrival

Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul
Domestic flight to Trabzon (Approx. 1.5 hours)
Meet your guide at Trabzon Airport & transfer to your accommodation
Flight details will be confirmed after booking based on the most convenient option for you.

Mid-Morning: Trabzon City Tour

Ataturk Pavilion – A Presidential Retreat

Visit Ataturk’s Pavilion, a historic mansion where Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, stayed during his visits to Trabzon. The villa is preserved with its original furniture, and the gardens offer a spectacular view.

Photo opportunity: Capture the elegance of the pavilion and its lush gardens.

Iconic Mosques of Trabzon

Mother of Yavuz Sultan Mosque – One of Trabzon’s most significant places of worship.
İskender Pasha Mosque – A historic mosque reflecting Ottoman architectural beauty.
Fatih Mosque – Once a church, later converted into a mosque, showcasing Byzantine-Ottoman fusion architecture.

Photo opportunity: Marvel at the detailed calligraphy and tilework inside the mosques.

Kaymakli Monastery – The Dairy Church

Originally an Armenian national church, later a Byzantine monastery.
It gained its name from a traditional meal made solely from dairy products, once served by its monks.
Discover ancient frescoes and religious artifacts inside this sacred site.

Photo opportunity: Capture the monastery’s well-preserved structure and interior designs.

Hagia Sophia Trabzon – A Sister to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

Once a Greek church, later converted into a mosque, and today a museum displaying the city’s rich history.
Admire the frescoes and architectural influences from Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

Photo opportunity: Stunning exterior architecture & detailed frescoes inside.

Zagnos Bridge – A Roman-Ottoman Landmark

Commissioned by Sultan Mehmet’s son-in-law, this bridge was an important Silk Road connection.
Preserved Roman stone structure, offering a glimpse into Trabzon’s past.

Photo opportunity: A stunning panoramic shot of the historic bridge over the valley.

Afternoon: Free Time & Optional Activities

Enjoy a traditional Black Sea lunch, featuring fresh anchovies (hamsi), mıhlama (cheese fondue), and cornbread.
Explore Trabzon’s bustling bazaar, filled with local handicrafts, silver jewelry, and delicious Turkish delights.
Optional: Visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, one of the most influential sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

Photo opportunity: Capture the lively atmosphere of the bazaar and the historic charm of Trabzon.

Evening: Overnight Stay in Trabzon

Check-in to your hotel in Trabzon
Enjoy a relaxed evening in this historic coastal city
Tomorrow, continue your journey into the breathtaking landscapes of Uzungöl!

Important Notes

✔ Domestic flight from Istanbul to Trabzon included
✔ All private transportation and transfers included
✔ Professional English-speaking guide included
✔ Accommodation in Trabzon included
✔ Breakfast & select lunches included (dinners at your own expense)
✔ Comfortable walking shoes recommended for city exploration

Experience the History & Culture of Trabzon – Book Your Tour Today!

Sights Visited

Today, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Uzungol (Long Lake), one of Turkey’s most picturesque destinations. This peaceful alpine town, surrounded by misty mountains and green pastures, offers hiking trails, photography opportunities, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Enjoy serene walks, stunning landscapes, and a refreshing break in nature.

Morning: Journey to Uzungol

Pick-up from your hotel in Trabzon
Scenic drive to Uzungol (Approx. 1.5 hours, passing lush forests & mountain roads)
Stop along the way for panoramic viewpoints of the Black Sea coast and highlands.

Mid-Morning: Explore Uzungol & Surrounding Nature

Welcome to Uzungol – The Alpine Paradise

Walk along the serene lakeside paths, surrounded by tall pine forests and high mountain peaks.
Take stunning photos of the misty landscape and charming wooden houses.

Optional: Rent a pedal boat and enjoy a unique view of the town from the water.
Discover the best panoramic viewpoints for capturing stunning landscape shots.

Photo opportunity: Uzungol’s iconic wooden houses and mountain reflections on the lake.

Afternoon: Free Time & Optional Activities
Enjoy a traditional Black Sea lunch, featuring:

✔ Fresh local trout
✔ Mıhlama (cheese fondue)
✔ Cornbread & regional honey

Optional Activities:

✔ Hiking to nearby waterfalls hidden in the forest
✔ Exploring the surrounding villages for a cultural experience
✔ Birdwatching & wildlife spotting (Eurasian lynx, roe deer, and birds of prey)

Photo opportunity: Stunning valley views from the surrounding hills.

Evening: Return to Trabzon & Free Time

Drive back to Trabzon (Approx. 1.5 hours, scenic return route)
Check-in to your hotel in Trabzon
Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the city at your own pace
Tomorrow, continue your Black Sea adventure to the spectacular Ayder Highlands!

Important Notes

✔ All private transportation and transfers included
✔ Professional English-speaking guide included
✔ Accommodation in Trabzon included
✔ Breakfast & select lunches included (dinners at your own expense)
✔ Comfortable walking shoes & light hiking gear recommended

Escape to Uzungol’s Tranquil Beauty – Book Your Tour Today!

Sights Visited

Today, embark on an unforgettable journey through Trabzon’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and natural wonders. Explore waterfalls, hidden caves, and highland villages, ending your day with the best rice pudding in Turkey!

Marvel at Sumela Monastery, walk the thrilling glass platform of Tortul Castle, explore Karaca Caves, and experience the peaceful village life of Hamsikoy.

10:00 AM – Departure & Waterfall Stop
Pick-up from your hotel in Trabzon
Scenic drive through Altındere National Park
Stop at Natural Waterfalls

Listen to the peaceful sound of cascading waterfalls.
Enjoy a short break to capture stunning photographs.

Photo opportunity: Crystal-clear waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.

Mid-Morning: Sumela Monastery Observation Point

15-minute walk to Sumela Monastery’s panoramic viewpoint

Marvel at the 4th-century monastery, carved into a cliffside, standing against the backdrop of dense green forests.
Admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Altındere National Park.

Photo opportunity: Stunning shots of the monastery from its best viewing point.

Afternoon: Zigana Pass & Tortul Castle’s Glass Observation Deck

Drive through the scenic Zigana Pass, stopping for a traditional lunch among pine trees.

Tortul Castle – Dare to Walk the Glass Observation Deck (240m High!)
Step onto the thrilling glass observation platform towering over the valley.
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and test your bravery.

Photo opportunity: Spectacular valley and mountain scenery from the glass platform.

Karaca Caves – Explore the Underground Beauty

• Discover one of Turkey’s most fascinating caves, once used for geological research.
• Easy-to-navigate walkways and comfortable lighting make this a smooth experience.
• Witness stalactites, stalagmites, and unique mineral formations formed over thousands of years.

Photo opportunity: Capture the stunning underground rock formations.

Evening: Hamsikoy – The Land of the Best Sutlac (Rice Pudding!)

• Visit Hamsikoy, a collection of 5 charming villages surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
• Taste their famous Sutlac (rice pudding) made with the freshest local ingredients.
• Stroll through the peaceful rural setting, where traditional farming and culture thrive.

Photo opportunity: Capture the quaint beauty of Hamsikoy’s rolling hills.

Evening: Return to Trabzon & Hotel Drop-Off

Drive back to Trabzon (Approx. 1 hour, scenic return route)
Drop-off at your hotel in Trabzon
Tomorrow, continue your adventure or transfer back to Istanbul.

Important Notes

• All private transportation and transfers included
• Professional English-speaking guide included
• Breakfast & select lunches included (dinners at your own expense)
• Comfortable walking shoes & warm clothing recommended for highland weather
• Optional: Glass platform walk at Tortul Castle for thrill-seekers!

Discover Trabzon’s Natural & Historical Wonders – Book Your Tour Today!

Sights Visited

Today, journey to Ayder Highlands, an idyllic retreat in Turkey’s Black Sea region, known for its rolling green pastures, traditional villages, and natural hot springs. You will explore Rize, visit ancient Ottoman bridges, and soak in the beauty of the misty Ayder plateaus before returning to Istanbul via Trabzon Airport.

Witness breathtaking landscapes, experience local culture, and enjoy a relaxing final day in nature.

Morning: Journey to Ayder Highlands via Rize

Pick-up from your hotel in Trabzon
Scenic drive to Rize & Ayder Highlands (Approx. 2 hours, passing tea plantations & mountain roads)
Stop along the way for cultural experiences & stunning viewpoints.

Mid-Morning: Rize Tea Plantations & Local Handicrafts

Rize – The Tea Capital of Turkey

• Visit a local tea plantation and learn about the art of Turkish tea-making.
• Sip on freshly brewed Rize tea while admiring the lush green fields.
• Optional: Purchase organic Black Sea tea straight from the source.

Traditional Handicrafts in Rize

Watch local craftsmen weave traditional cotton fabrics.
Learn about centuries-old textile-making traditions from skilled artisans.
Photo opportunity: Capture the rolling tea plantations & traditional weaving process.

Afternoon: Ottoman Bridges & The Misty Plateaus of Ayder

Continue towards Ayder Highlands through the breathtaking Storm Valley (Firtina Deresi).

Historic Ottoman Stone Bridges
Stop at centuries-old Ottoman stone bridges, gracefully arching over the Storm Valley River.
Take a tea break by the river and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Optional: Try river rafting in Firtina Deresi (extra cost).

Photo opportunity: Stunning panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains.

Ayder Yaylasi – The Famous Highland Pastures

Walk through rolling green meadows, surrounded by traditional wooden highland houses.
Visit the region’s famous hot springs, known for their healing properties (optional).
Hike to beautiful waterfalls cascading down from the Kackar Mountains.

Lunch at a highland restaurant, featuring:
✔ Fresh honey from the Black Sea region
✔ Grilled meats & traditional cornbread
✔ Local Black Sea cheese dishes

Photo opportunity: Mist-covered mountains, traditional wooden homes & grazing animals.

Evening: Flight Back to Istanbul
Transfer to Trabzon Airport
Flight from Trabzon to Istanbul (Approx. 1.5 hours)
Meet & drop-off at your hotel in Istanbul
Tour officially ends upon arrival in Istanbul.

Important Notes

• Domestic flight from Trabzon to Istanbul included
• Private transportation & all transfers included
• Professional English-speaking guide included
• Breakfast & select lunches included (dinners at your own expense)
• Comfortable walking shoes & warm clothing recommended for highland weather

Thank You for Exploring the Black Sea with Us!
We hope you loved the serene landscapes, rich culture, and peaceful atmosphere of the Black Sea region.

If you have any further travel plans in Turkey, whether to Cappadocia, Ephesus, or Pamukkale, we’re happy to assist!

Let us know if you’d like to extend your stay or customize your itinerary further!

Sights Visited