Discover the Black Sea

Available only on a private basis - May to October

Minimum 2 persons

Day 1: Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul. Meet and greet at the airport followed by a transfer to your hotel for a welcome cocktail and briefing. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul for 2 nights.

Day 2: Istanbul (B/L)

Full day tour starting with a visit to the Hippodrome where chariot races and athletic events took place during the Roman Period. Proceed to the Blue Mosque and the Museum of St. Sophia. Later visit the Museum of Topkapi Palace to visit the dazzling displays of treasures of the Ottoman Sultans. After lunch, visit the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent and stop at the Grand Bazaar, where you will have shopping opportunities for carpets, leather goods, jewelry, copperware etc. Evening at leisure.

Day 3: Istanbul – Trabzon (B/L/D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Trabzon, founded by colonists from Milet during 5^th century BC. After meet and greet at the airport, transfer to your hotel followed by a visit to the St Sophia to study superb Byzantine frescoes. Drive to Akcaabat for lunch, afterwards continuing to Gülbahar Hatun Mosque, Ortahisar Mosque and Atatürk's Mansion, a picturesque hilside retreat. Last stop is at Boztepe to drink tea and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Trabzon for 2 nights.

Day 4: Trabzon (B/L/D)

Visit the Sümela Monastery, which is the first Christian temple of the region followed by walking at the Altindere National Park. Travel the winding road through a spectacular mountain landscape and the Torul-Karaca cave before reaching the Zigana Tunnel, the longest in Turkey. Return to Trabzon.

Day 5: Trabzon – Uzungol (B/L/D)

Today’s drive will take you through the tea plantation areas of Arakli and Caykara to one of the natural wonders of the world—Uzungöl (Long Lake). After checking-in to the hotel, afternoon is at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Uzungöl for 2 nights.

Day 6: Uzungol (B/L/D)

Depart the hotel for a drive through the Haldizen Valley to Ipsil village. Free time on the plateau for a walk, photo-safari and picnic lunch. Return to Uzungöl.

Day 7: Uzungol – Ikizdere – Rize (B/L/D)

Depart for Ikizdere and enjoy free time on the Anzer Plateu and the Yedigöl Crater for walking (weather permitting). After free time in the Coruh Valley, drive to Ikizdere via Mount Ovit. Dinner with entertainment and overnight at the hotel in Rize for 2 nights.

Day 8: Rize (B/L/D)

Visit some of the typical villages of the area like Cayeli, Pazar and Camlihemsin followed by the Firtina Valley. Pass over the Senyuva historical stone bridge, see the Ortan and Yolkiyi mansions, pass the Firtina River and climb to the Ayder Plateau for lunch in the forest. Some free time will be given to enjoy the thermal waters. Return to Rize for the Farewell Party--Black Sea style.

Day 9: Rize - Trabzon - Istanbul (B)

Drive to Trabzon for your flight to Istanbul. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Day 10: Istanbul (B)

Transfer to the airport for your onward travels.

Get started with the sample itinerary above or email Jacky with your "wish-list" and ideas, time frame and budget requirements and we will get back to you with suggestions and a price quote for your completely customized itinerary.