The Black Sea of ​​Turkey

Information

11 days touring the entire northern part of Turkey known as the Black Sea, this area is very picturesque and green due to its location, its lush mountains, dense forests, and beautiful coastal landscapes stand out. In addition to its natural beauty, the Black Sea is known for its humid and temperate climate, which favors agriculture, especially its famous tea. We will visit cities such as Trabzon, Rize, have the opportunity to visit Batumi (Georgia), Sivas, Cappadocia, Ankara, Safranbolu and above all the magnificent Istanbul. The Black Sea region is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy nature, history and Turkish authenticity.

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Tour Plan

• DAY 01: [-/-/-] ARRIVAL - ISTANBUL
  Welcome to Türkiye , a country with a unique history and culture, where you will experience an extraordinary holiday. A new world of experiences awaits you, where the differences of East and West are combined in one country. Arrival by international flight to the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST), inaugurated in April 2019 and today the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration and collecting your bags, you must go to our meeting point (check your voucher) where our team will meet you. Then we will meet our drivers and modern vehicles for your transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest.
• DAY 02: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure for a panoramic tour of one of the oldest areas of the city where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, whose construction was completed under the reign of the Roman Emperor Valens in 368. We will continue to appreciate the Walls of Constantinople, which remind us of the times when they were seen as invincible, limiting access by land and sea to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli/ or Inner City", possibly from where Istanbul got its name. We will cross the Galata Bridge over the "Golden Horn" where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the Tower that gives the bridge its name and the Asian side. Then we will enter the Beyoglu district to appreciate the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classical European architecture at the gateway to the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist center, full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars around its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic train. At the end of the visit, you will have free time. You will return to the hotel after the optional excursions have finished, depending on the schedule and meeting point. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener and contemplate the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Mosque of Suleymaniye the Magnificent, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and which has the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with special charm due to its color and aroma, the place par excellence to buy teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets and of course spices; Culminating with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, we will appreciate the wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas and the bridges that connect both sides of this city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
• DAY 03: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL - FLIGHT - RIZE
  Breakfast. Transfer to the airport and flight to Rize (not included in the program price - check the mandatory supplement) . Arrival and visit of the most beautiful plateaus and streams in the region. Continue to Çeçeva in Çayeli district in Rize province. Visit the vast tea gardens where many well-known brands, TV series and commercials are produced (the visit may be changed according to the tea production season). After our visit, we will head to Fırtına in Rize district where you can enjoy magnificent views and of course take magical photos. Overnight in Rize. Hotel, dinner and accommodation.
• DAY 04: [B/-/D] RIZE
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “BATUMI, GEORGIA, THE PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA”: also known as Batum, is a beautiful coastal city located on the Black Sea coast, in the Adjara region of Georgia. With its lively atmosphere, impressive skyscrapers and its location by the sea, Batum has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. The city of Batum is known for its modern and futuristic architecture. Its skyscrapers, such as the Alphabet Tower and the Batumi Tower building, stand out on the skyline and create an impressive image. These buildings are symbols of the city’s development and growth. Overnight and dinner in Rize.
• DAY 05: [B/-/D] RIZE - TRABZON
  Breakfast. In the morning departure to Trabzon. Remaining of the day at leisure. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “THE TREASURE OF SUMELA”: known as the Sumela Monastery or Monastery of the Virgin Mary, is an ancient Orthodox monastery located in the Zigana Mountains, in the province of Trabzon, northern Turkey, named a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It is one of the most outstanding historical and religious sites in the region. Sumela Monastery is located in a stunning setting, built on the side of a rocky cliff surrounded by dense forests. Its elevated location offers panoramic views of the surroundings, including the Altindere Valley and the river that flows at its feet. You will also visit St. Mary (or Ayasofya Meryem Ana Kilisesi) is a historic church located in the city of Trabzon, Turkey. Built in the 13th century, this beautiful church is a notable example of Byzantine architecture in the Black Sea region. Its design features distinctive architectural details and a charming combination of stone and brick. Inside, visitors can admire ancient frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings, as well as significant religious and cultural artifacts. St. Mary's is a cultural treasure that reflects Trabzon's rich history and heritage. Tourists and history lovers enjoy exploring this site and discovering its relevance in the region's medieval past. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Trabzon.
• DAY 06: [B/-/D] TRABZON - SIVAS - CAPPADOCIA
  Early departure from Trabzon en route to Cappadocia. On the way we will visit Sivas, Turkey, a charming historical city located in central Turkey. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Ottoman architecture, mosques and Turkish baths. It is also famous for its traditional festivals and stunning natural landscapes including nearby mountains and rivers where we will visit the Bürüciye Medrese is a historic Islamic school located in Sivas, Turkey. Built in the 13th century during the Seljuk era, this medrese features classic Islamic architecture with stunning decorative details and tile work. Today, it is a protected cultural monument and an attractive spot for tourists interested in the history and architecture of the region. Free afternoon for lunch. Arrival in Cappadocia, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
• DAY 07: [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Today we will visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape, formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th century frescoes. Visit the stunning valleys of the region with their “otherworldly” landscapes. We will also appreciate the views of the symbols of the region's geological formations, the famous "Fairy Chimneys". We will stop to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of the Pigeon Valley, which owes its name to the numerous pigeons housed in the rocks, as in Cappadocia these animals have long been a source of food and fertilizer. We will visit an underground city in Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of our tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces that are true treasures. We will then visit a gemstone and jewelry center with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation. Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” Presentation of folkloric dances in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best photos; “BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
• DAY 08: [B/-/-] CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA - SAFRANBOLU
  Breakfast. Early departure to Ankara to visit the capital of Türkiye and the Mausoleum of the founder of the Republic. We continue with the visit of Safranbolu, a charming town located in the heart of Anatolia, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and nostalgic atmosphere. Dinner and accommodation.
• DAY 09: [B/-/-] SAFRANBOLU - ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure from Safranbolu, continue towards the Black Sea and reach the Gokgol Magarasi cave. Enter and admire the landscape formed by its underground river and its multiple colors. Free time for lunch on the Black Sea side in Eregli. Visit the impressive caves and tombs of Cehenemagz. On the way back to Istanbul, there will be a final stop in Eydinpinar, to enjoy a relaxing walk among its waterfalls. Continue to Istanbul. Arrival and accommodation at the hotel.
• DAY 10: [-/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Delve into the historic center of the city, where you can observe the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul: the imposing Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans and main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire; Hagia Sophia with its majestic Byzantine architecture and mix of Christian and Islamic religious elements; the Roman Hippodrome, center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years; the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation. During the afternoon we will have the opportunity to take part in a special optional “ISTANBUL STREET GASTRONOMY”: This food tour is a unique experience walking through the streets of the most historic region of Istanbul in the heart of ancient Constantinople that invites diners to taste a selection of typical and traditional bites. With this food tour, we will visit the hidden treasures of Istanbulite flavor through a combination of textures and artistic presentations, participants have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the gastronomic diversity, while enjoying a feast for the senses. It is an opportunity to discover new flavors, ingredients and culinary techniques, appreciate the art and passion hidden behind each dish. A food tasting is a journey of discovery, a gastronomic adventure that delights the palate and creates memorable memories.
• 11 DAY 11: [-/-/-] ISTANBUL - DEPARTURE
  Breakfast. Transfer to the Airport (IST) and return flight. End of our services.