4-Day Adventure from Istanbul to the Black Sea

Your Black Sea adventure begins with a flight from Istanbul or Izmir to Trabzon, where you will explore Sumela Monastery, Karaca Cave, and the charming Hamsikoy Village, famous for its special rice pudding.

Morning: Hotel Pickup & Flight to Trabzon
Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul or Izmir
Flight to Trabzon (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
Meet your private guide at Trabzon Airport

Mid-Morning: Explore Sumela Monastery – The Jewel of the Black Sea
Drive to Sumela Monastery (Approx. 45 minutes)

Sumela Monastery – The Monastery in the Clouds

Visit the famous Sumela Monastery, a Byzantine-era monastery built into the cliffs of Altindere National Park.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Altindere Valley.
Explore the church, kitchen, student rooms, library, and sacred water source.
Marvel at the intricate frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.
Photo opportunity: Stunning landscapes from the monastery viewpoint.

Afternoon: Local Lunch & Karaca Cave Visit
Drive to a local restaurant for a traditional Turkish Black Sea lunch.
Enjoy fresh Black Sea trout, cornbread, and regional dishes.

Karaca Cave – An Underground Wonderland
Drive to Karaca Cave (Approx. 1 hour)
Explore one of the most stunning caves in Turkey, known for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites.
Learn about the unique underground formations and rare plant life inside the cave.
Photo opportunity: Capture the natural beauty inside the cave.

Late Afternoon: Silk Road Drive & Hamsikoy Village
Drive along the historic Silk Road towards Hamsikoy (Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)

Hamsikoy – The Birthplace of Famous Turkish Rice Pudding

This charming Black Sea village is surrounded by lush green mountains and traditional wooden houses.
Taste Hamsikoy’s famous sutlac (rice pudding), made with fresh local milk and slow-cooked for hours.
Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and fresh mountain air.
Photo opportunity: Traditional village scenes & scenic valley views.

Evening: Return to Trabzon & Hotel Check-in
Drive back to Trabzon (Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
Check into your hotel in Trabzon
Overnight in Trabzon – Rest up for tomorrow’s adventure to Uzungol!

Important Notes

• Domestic flight from Istanbul/Izmir to Trabzon included
• All private transportation and transfers included
• Professional English-speaking guide included
• Entrance fees to Sumela Monastery & Karaca Cave included
• Breakfast & select meals included (dinners at your own expense)
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended for monastery visit

Sights Visited

Today, you will explore the historic and cultural gems of Trabzon, including Hagia Sophia, Ataturk’s Villa, and the stunning Boztepe viewpoint, before heading into the lush green mountains of Uzungol, one of the most picturesque locations in Turkey’s Black Sea region.

Walk through history, enjoy breathtaking Black Sea views, and immerse yourself in nature.

Morning: Trabzon City Tour

Pick-up from your hotel in Trabzon

Hagia Sophia Museum – A Byzantine Masterpiece

This 13th-century Byzantine church, later converted into a mosque in 1584, is now a museum showcasing beautiful frescoes. Learn about Trabzon’s role in the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Admire the intricate stone carvings and historic mosaics.
Photo opportunity: Capture the elegant Byzantine architecture and interior frescoes.

Ataturk’s Pavilion – A Historic Mansion

Visit the Ataturk Pavilion, a charming early 20th-century mansion where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk stayed during his visits to Trabzon. Walk through the lavish rooms, decorated in period furniture, and learn about Ataturk’s time in Trabzon.

Photo opportunity: Beautiful gardens and panoramic views from the villa.

Boztepe Hill – The Best Panoramic View of Trabzon & the Black Sea

Drive up to Boztepe, a scenic hillside viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of Trabzon and the Black Sea. Enjoy a glass of traditional Turkish tea while admiring the breathtaking landscape.

Photo opportunity: Capture the city and sea from above!

Afternoon: Drive to Uzungol with Stops
Depart for Uzungol (Approx. 1.5-hour scenic drive)

Stop in Surmene – The Art of Black Sea Blades
Witness the famous Surmene knife artisans, who create ornate, handcrafted daggers in just 30 minutes.
Learn about the centuries-old craftsmanship of these legendary weapons.
Photo opportunity: Hold and examine beautifully crafted daggers.

Lunch Break at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional Black Sea meal featuring fresh trout, cornbread, and locally made cheese.

Late Afternoon: Uzungol – The Enchanting Alpine Lake
Arrive in Uzungol & check into your lakeside hotel
Uzungol (Long Lake) – A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Surrounded by high, green mountains and deep forests, this alpine lake is one of the most picturesque destinations in Turkey. Stroll along the lake, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Optional activities:
✔ Rent a pedal boat and explore the lake from the water
✔ Hike the scenic trails and spot wildlife like Eurasian lynx, roe deer, and birds of prey
Photo opportunity: The iconic lake and mountain reflections!

Overnight stay in Uzungol
Tomorrow, you will continue your Black Sea adventure in Rize and the Ayder Highlands!

Important Notes

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

Sights Visited

Today, you will leave Uzungl’s alpine beauty behind and head towards the Ayder Highlands, one of the most breathtaking locations in Turkey’s Black Sea region. Along the way, you’ll explore Rize’s traditional fabric weaving, sip tea in a botanical garden, marvel at Ottoman bridges, and relax in the stunning Ayder Highlands.

From lush tea plantations to cascading waterfalls and misty mountain peaks, today’s journey is all about nature, culture, and relaxation.

Morning: Drive from Uzungol to Rize
Pick-up from your hotel in Uzungol
Drive to Rize (Approx. 1.5 hours, scenic route along the Black Sea coast)

Stop in Rize – The Tea Capital of Turkey

• Visit a local weaving workshop and watch artisans craft traditional cotton fabrics.
• Learn about centuries-old fabric production techniques still practiced today.
• Enjoy a tea break in the Rize Botanical Garden, overlooking the lush tea plantations.
• Taste freshly brewed Rize tea and learn about Turkey’s famous tea-growing culture.
• Photo opportunity: Capture panoramic views of Rize’s tea fields.

Late Morning: Ottoman Stone Bridge & Storm Valley Stop

Drive from Rize to Ayder via Firtina (Storm) Valley (Approx. 1 hour)

Ottoman Stone Bridge Over the Firtina River
Visit an authentic Ottoman-era stone bridge, dating back over 300 years.
Enjoy a refreshing tea break by the roaring Firtina River, famous for white-water rafting.
Photo opportunity: Capture the breathtaking bridge over Storm Valley.

Afternoon: Ayder Highlands Waterfalls & Free Time
Drive up into the Ayder Highlands (Approx. 30 minutes)

Ayder Highlands – Turkey’s Hidden Paradise

• Visit the magnificent waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.
• Walk through the green rolling hills and dense forests, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
• Check into your hotel in the charming Ayder village.
• Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring Black Sea cuisine (fresh trout, mıhlama, and cornbread).

Late Afternoon: Free Time to Explore Ayder Highlands

After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the natural wonders of Ayder at your own pace:
✔ Relax in the famous Ayder thermal hot springs – believed to have healing properties.
✔ Take a nature walk through the misty pine forests and spot unique local wildlife.
✔ Try a traditional Turkish Black Sea dessert in a local café.
✔ For adventure lovers: Optional river rafting experience on the Firtina River (extra cost).
Photo opportunity: Capture the highland landscapes, traditional wooden houses, and fog-covered mountains.

Overnight stay in Ayder Highlands
Tomorrow, you will complete your Black Sea adventure and return to Trabzon before flying back to Istanbul or Izmir!

Important Notes

✔ All private transportation and transfers included
✔ Professional English-speaking guide included
✔ Accommodation in Ayder Highlands included
✔ Breakfast & select lunches included (dinners at your own expense)
✔ Warm clothing & comfortable hiking shoes recommended for highland weather

Sights Visited

Today, you will explore the charming Caglayan Village, famous for tea and kiwi plantations, enjoy a scenic walk along the Caglayan River, taste Turkey’s best beans in Cayeli, and take in the breathtaking coastal highway views before returning to Trabzon. After one last city tour and bazaar visit, you will fly back to Istanbul or Izmir, marking the end of your unforgettable Black Sea adventure.

Morning: Caglayan Village & Nature Walk
Pick-up from your hotel in Ayder Highlands
Drive to Caglayan Village (Approx. 1 hour)

Caglayan Village – A Hidden Gem of the Black Sea

• Wander through lush tea and kiwi plantations, experiencing local Black Sea farming traditions.
• See traditional wooden Laz houses, known for their unique architectural style, deep in the Lazic mountains.
• Take a one-hour nature walk along the Caglayan River, surrounded by rich flora and wildlife.
• Enjoy fresh mountain air and peaceful riverside views.

Photo opportunity: Capture the scenic landscapes of tea fields, orchards, and rivers.

Late Morning: Lunch in Cayeli – Home of Turkey’s Best Beans
Drive to Cayeli (Approx. 45 minutes)
Taste Turkey’s Famous “Cayeli Beans” (Kuru Fasulye)
This town is famous for having the best white beans in Turkey, slow-cooked with butter and tomatoes.
Enjoy a traditional Black Sea meal, featuring beans, pilaf, pickles, and fresh village bread.

Photo opportunity: Capture the cozy village atmosphere and authentic local dishes.

Afternoon: Scenic Coastal Highway & Trabzon Bazaar
Drive back to Trabzon along the stunning Black Sea coastal highway (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Black Sea Coastal Highway – A Breathtaking Drive
One of the most scenic drives in Turkey, following the rugged coastline and blue waters of the Black Sea.
Stop at viewpoints along the way to soak in the spectacular landscapes.
Photo opportunity: Capture the perfect contrast of deep blue sea and lush green hills.

Trabzon City Tour & Bazaar Visit

Last chance to explore Trabzon before your departure

Stroll through Trabzon’s bustling bazaar, a great place for last-minute souvenirs.
Enjoy some free time to visit a local café or bakery for a final taste of Black Sea cuisine.
Optional stop at the Trabzon Silk Road Han (caravanserai), an ancient trading post.
Photo opportunity: Colorful bazaars, handcrafted souvenirs, and vibrant city life.

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

Important Notes

✔ Two domestic flights (Istanbul-Trabzon-Istanbul or Izmir-Trabzon-Izmir) included
✔ Private transportation and all transfers included
✔ Professional English-speaking guide included
✔ Breakfast & select lunches included (dinners at your own expense)
✔ Comfortable walking shoes & light hiking gear recommended

Thank You for Exploring the Black Sea with Us!
Your journey through Turkey’s stunning Black Sea coastline—from Trabzon’s Byzantine history to Uzungol’s alpine charm, Rize’s tea culture, and Ayder’s lush highlands—has now come to an end.

If you have any questions about further travel in Turkey, whether to Cappadocia, Ephesus, or Mount Nemrut, we are happy to help!

Sights Visited