Emerald Horizons: The Black Sea 10 Days

Arrival in Istanbul. Your guide will welcome you upon arrival to Istanbul. 

*Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport, at least 14 days prior to your departure.

Connection to the domestic flight to Rize (appx. 1 hour flight)

Transfer to the hotel upon arrival to Rize. Free time at leisure.
Welcome dinner at the local restaurant.

Overnight: Rize

Included Meals: Lunch

Start your day with a scenic drive to Borçka Karagöl (Black Lake) National Park, a serene natural wonder nestled within lush forests. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake, take stunning photos, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings.

Delight in a traditional local meal featuring Black Sea specialties in the afternoon and continue the exploration of Artvin’s stunning nature at valleys and waterfalls.

Have stops at the picturesque Kamilet Valley, Murgul Deliklikaya Waterfalls, pass through tiny villages before reaching Mençuna Waterfall, a cascading natural beauty surrounded by dense greenery. Take a short hike to enjoy the refreshing mist and picturesque scenery.

Return to the hotel after a day full of fun and adventures. 

Note: Today's driving distance  is 250 km approx. 4 hours in total.

Overnight: Rize

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning head to the picturesque Ayder Plateau, a mountain retreat famous for its wooden houses, misty hills, and therapeutic hot springs. Take in the fresh mountain air and relax in this idyllic setting.
Continue to the Fırtına Valley, known for its breathtaking landscapes, centuries-old stone bridges, and adventurous rafting opportunities. Stroll along the riverbanks or simply soak in the serene atmosphere.

*Optional activity: rafting through the canyon

Complete your day with a visit to Rize’s tea plantations, where you’ll tour a local tea factory and learn about Turkey’s famous Black Sea tea production. Enjoy a fresh cup while admiring panoramic views of the lush green hills.

Transfer to Trabzon after the end of the tour.

Note: Today's driving distance  is 300 km approx. 4.5 hours in total.

Overnight: Trabzon

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Have a morning drive to Sumela Monastery. Nestled high in the dramatic cliffs of Altındere National Park, Sumela Monastery is one of Turkey’s most breathtaking historical sites. Built in the 4th century, this ancient Greek Orthodox monastery clings to the steep rock face of Mount Mela, offering visitors a mesmerizing blend of history, spirituality, and stunning natural beauty.

After a delicious lunch at the local restaurant and the drive to Trabzon’s city centre you will visit Hagia Sophia of Trabzon – the magnificent 13th-century Byzantine church, adorned with impressive frescoes and offering stunning sea views.

Complete the day with the visit to the elegant early 20th-century mansion, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk once stayed, and admire its historic artefacts and beautiful gardens.

Return to the hotel after the end of the tour. 

Note: Today's driving distance  is 150 km approx. 1.5 hours in total.

Overnight: Trabzon

Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Have a scenic drive along the Black seaside through the city of Samsun.

You will have stops along the way to visit Çal Cave – One of the longest caves in the world, featuring an underground river and waterfalls.

Visit the city of Ordu for an overseeing tour and lunch.

Continue the drive to Samsun. Hotel check-in and free time upon arrival to Samsun.

Note: Today's driving distance  is 355 km approx. 5 hours in total

Overnight: Samsun
Meal included: breakfast, lunch

Your day will start with a relaxed walk along the seaside line of Atakum.

Continue through the city centre to see the Honor Monument of Atatürk, one of city’s symbols.

After lunch in a local restaurant visit the Amazon Village – a unique open-air museum dedicated to the legendary Amazon warrior women, featuring statues and historical exhibits.

Have a free evening at Samsun’s city centre at leisure. 

Overnight: Samsun
Meal included: breakfast, lunch

Start the drive through the town of Safranbolu in the morning (appx. 5.5 hours drive).

You will visit a city of Kastamonu on the way for a delicious lunch representing local food delicacies.

Free time in Safranbolu upon the arrival.

Note: Today's driving distance  is 400 km approx. 5 hours in total

Overnight: Safranbolu
Meal included: breakfast, lunch

Begin your journey through Safranbolu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, where well-preserved Ottoman mansions line the cobblestone streets. Admire the wooden balconies, historic fountains, and authentic atmosphere of this once-thriving trade hub.

Visit this 17th-century Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Mosque, a masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture, featuring intricate tile work and a serene courtyard.

Have a lunch at a traditional Safranbolu restaurant and continue the town’s explore at the Local Bazaar (Arasta Market) – browse for handcrafted saffron products, Ottoman-style copper ware, textiles, and traditional Turkish souvenirs. Witness artisans practicing their centuries-old crafts. Wrap up your journey with a saffron-infused tea, a specialty of the region, paired with freshly made Turkish delights.

Overnight: Safranbolu
Meal included: breakfast, lunch

Free morning at Safranbolu. Lunch and departure for Istanbul.

Transfer to the hotel.

Note: Today's driving distance  is 400 km approx. 5 hours in total

Overnight: Istanbul
Meal included: breakfast, lunch

Free morning in Istanbul. Transfer to the airport in accordance with your international flight schedule.

Meal included: breakfast