Tour Overview
This is one of the unique Black Sea tours that visit the western side of the Black Sea region in Turkey. Including Abant Lake, Safranbolu, and more, this package includes all the best sights to see along the Western Black Sea.
Attractions
Highlights
- Istanbul Hagia Sophia: A stunning architectural masterpiece that has served as a basilica and mosque, now a museum known for its impressive dome and mosaics. Topkapi Palace: The opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring beautiful courtyards and a vast collection of artifacts. Grand Bazaar: One of the largest and oldest covered markets, bustling with shops selling everything from spices to jewelry.
- Abant Abant Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by lush forests, ideal for picnics, walking, and photography. Nature Park: A tranquil area perfect for hiking and enjoying the diverse flora and fauna. Outdoor Activities: Opportunities for horseback riding, cycling, and enjoying the serene natural landscape.
- Safranbolu Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Explore cobblestone streets lined with well-preserved Ottoman houses and traditional shops. Cinci Han: A historic caravanserai that showcases the town’s role as a trade center. Safranbolu Houses: Visit beautifully restored wooden houses that exemplify Ottoman architecture.
- Ankara Anıtkabir: The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, set in an expansive and beautifully landscaped park. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Houses an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Anatolia, including Hittite and Phrygian treasures. Kocatepe Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Turkey, featuring stunning architecture and intricate interior designs.
- Hattusa Hattusa Ruins: The ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, known for its impressive city walls and temple remains. Lion's Gate: A monumental entrance featuring lion sculptures, symbolizing protection and strength. Rock Carvings: Explore ancient inscriptions that provide insights into Hittite culture and history
- Tokat Tokat Castle: A historic castle offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Gök Medrese: An architectural gem, this former theological school is noted for its beautiful facade and courtyard. Clock Tower: A charming landmark that adds to the historical character of the city.
- Trabzon Sumela Monastery: A breathtaking cliffside monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with stunning views and rich history. Atatürk Mansion: A beautifully preserved mansion surrounded by gardens, showcasing early 20th-century architecture. Trabzon Hagia Sophia: A former church turned mosque, renowned for its beautiful frescoes and historical significance.
Itinerary
(Dinner included)
Welcome to Istanbul. The TSG team will meet with you and provide assistance. Overnight in Istanbul.
Please remember that you can spend the night with one of TSG's optional tours: the Whirling Dervish Show, or the Rythm Dance Show.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, the tour will depart for a gorgeous Istanbul City Tour. The first stop is the Topkapi Palace; the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. At the same time, it houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the imperial treasury, miniatures, and the holy mantle, enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
The second stop of the tour is Sultanahmet Square, where the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque salutes the Hagia Sophia. The Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, which was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Next, the tour will explore the Hippodrome; the site of ancient chariot races, and the home of three ancient monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. When you reach the other end of the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia Mosque will meet you with all its grandeur.
After a delectable lunch break, TSG will take you to the bazaar, where you can find exotic spices and herbs, Turkish Baklava, delicious Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, hand made souvenirs, and more. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we will depart for the 7-Lake Tour, which will take us to lakes at different elevations that are connected by foot. The seven lakes region consists of seven small lakes covering an area of 550 hectares, while the national park they are located in is 2,000 hectares. The area is among the best trekking places in Turkey. Deer and trout production farms are also in the area. Fishing is available in Yedigoller between April 1st and September 1st.
We will then have some lunch and depart for Abant Lake. Abant is surrounded by pine trees and is probably one of the most famous lakes in Turkey. Water lilies embellish the surface in summer. It is also famous for its trout. The countryside is pleasantly different each season, making it a very special place for photography. The seven-kilometer walk around the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who don't wish to walk can ride horses or complete the tour on a horse cart. We will have free time to shop at the village bazaar. Dinner and overnight near Abant in a traditional village house.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, the tour will depart for Safranbolu-Karabuk. The ride will take approximately 2 hours through the region's breathtaking scenery. In Safranbolu, we will have a walk to the historical Safranbolu Bazaar. The Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath, Kaymakamlar House (a museum), Izzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque, and other attractions will be next.
Next, we will visit the government house, the Ev Kaya Tombs, the Seyh Saban-i Veli Mausoleum, the Nasrullah Seyh Mosque, and more in Kastamonu. The tour will return for dinner and overnight in an authentic wooden house in Safranbolu.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Today, we will depart for Ilgarini Cave after breakfast, which is in the region of Pinarbasi (northwest of Kastamonu) and is one of the largest caves in Turkey. It is an excellent location for off-the-beaten-path trekking and exploration. The cave is composed of two sections. The cave is an active one, and the stalactite and stalagmite formation still continues. A chapel and a burial ground were found in this cave. Ilgarini Cave was declared the fourth-biggest cave in the world. There are no roads to IIgarini Cave, so we will be trekking to the cave; therefore, please make sure you bring suitable footwear. Dinner and overnight in Pinarbasi.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we will visit Ilisu Waterfall, which is at Kure National Park. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
After lunch, you can either relax in the surroundings of this beautiful natural Turkish village or take a walk to the Valla Canyon. The walk to the canyon is about 4 kilometers. Dinner and overnight in Pinarbasi.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we depart for Comlekciler Village. This village has fantastic horseback riding facilities, which you can do as an optional activity. Horseback riding is not only for experienced riders; lessons and treks are available for beginners as well. This village is rich in natural beauty. All meals are homemade, and the farm produces all its own vegetables, butter, and milk. If you are interested in doing a horseback riding adventure, then this can also be arranged. Dinner and overnight in Comlekciler Village.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we depart for Horma Valley. Various vehicles, such as tractors or horses, as well as walking will be used to get us through this valley. This is one of the best valleys in this area. You can smell and breathe in the fresh mountain air. We will have a fantastic barbecue lunch set in luscious green surroundings. On the way, you will get to see many farms and shepherds who still work in this area. You will see how friendly everyone is in this area. Dinner and overnight in Comlekciler Village.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, you will depart from your hotel for the ancient city of Amasra. A beautiful 1-hour scenic drive through the mountains, canyons, and small villages, with stops along the way to take photos of this stunning region. Once you get there, you will have free time to discover Amasra. Visit Ceneviz (Genoese) Castle, historical streets and houses of Akcakoca. Akcakoca is one of the most beautiful places on the Western Black Sea coast. It is famous for its fish and over 20 different Turkish vegetable dishes. Make sure you sample the local dishes before you leave. Akcakoca is the last stop of the tour before we depart back to Istanbul. We will meet for one last time to get together at one of the restaurants. Dinner and overnight in Amasra.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we depart for Istanbul. One of TSG's adventures comes to an end after breakfast. However, you can sign up to take advantage of TSG credits, and this is the best way to snag credits and use them for your next trips as a discount, as well as to hear about the hot deals according to your interests.
Trip includes
Included
Istanbul : 5 Star La Quinta by Wyndham Istanbul
Abant : Hilton Garden Inn Safranbolu
Pınarbası :Sarımese Hotel
Comlekciler : Devecilar Hanı Luxury Boutique Hotel.
Amasra :5 Star Ramada Plaza by Wyndham
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your
booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group. If you prefer
a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost.
Professional
English-speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
9 breakfast
8 dinners
Arrival airport
transfer from Istanbul Airport
Transportation
in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Return airport transfer to Istanbul
Airport
Guided Tour
in Istanbul
Guided Tour
at Seven Lakes
Guided Tour
at Abant Lake
Guided tour
in Safranbolu
Guided tour
in Ilgarini Cave
Guided tour
in Ilisu Waterfall
Guided tour
in Varla Canyon
Guided tour
in Pinarbasi
Guided tour
in Comlekciler Village
Guided tour
in Halacoglu Valley
Guided tour
in Amasra
Guided tour
in Akcakoca
All entrance
fees mentioned in the itinerary
VAT
and Hotel Taxes
City
Tax
Excluded
International
flights and Domestic Flights
Insurance:
All types
Personal
expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional meals
Tipping:
Tips for guides and drivers
Availability
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
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