Activities
HistoricalFamilyDiscoveryExplorerEducationalFood & CulinaryIn-depth CulturalShoppingMuseumSee ItineraryTour Overview
Welcome to Turkey! Across the north of Turkey along the coastline of the Black Sea you will find agricultural villages, which litter the old trade routes of day's gone bye. The picturesque environment and the harshness of living are outweighed by the warmth and hospitality of the local communities as the tour makes its way from Istanbul through the mountains to the eastern fringes of the country. The local villagers will show you the hidden treasures of their living environment. Something special is always around the corner and expect the unexpected as the spontaneity of the people will truly make your tour one of the highlights of your life.
Attractions
Highlights
- Istanbul Old City
- Abant Lake
- Safranbolu
- Ilgarini Cave
- Waterfalls
- Horse Riding
- Tokat
- Trabzon
- Sumela Monastry
- Rize
Itinerary
(Dinner included)
Welcome to Turkey, arrival into Istanbul. Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
We depart at 09:00 for the Istanbul City Tour. We will begin with the ancient Hippodrome, which was the scene of chariot raoes, with the three monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. We will then continue with Sultanahmet Mosque across from the St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet. It is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. We will then arrive at our last stop, which is the famous Hagia Sophia. This ancient basilica was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, it is one of the architectural marvels of all time. After the tour you have the option to experience The Bosphorus Cruise. You will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of Bosphorus, which connects Asia to Europe. The rest of the evening is your to enjoy Istanbul. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Visiting seven lakes that are at different elevations from one another but are connected by foot. You find seven small lakes in a valley formed as the result of a landslide: Buyukgol (Big Lake), Seringol (Cool Lake), Deringol (Deep Lake), Nazligol (Elegant Lake), Kucukgol (Small Lake), Incegol (Thin Lake) and Sazligol (Reedy Lake). The lakes cover an area of 550 hectares, while the National Park they are located in is 2019 hectares. The area is among the best-known trekking places. There are only small bungalows belonging to the Forestry Ministry where visitors who want to linger can stay. Deer and trout production farms are also in the area. An entrance fee is paid according to the type of vehicle and the number of visitors. Tables, firepits, and fountains are available for picnickers. Fishing is available in Yedigoller between April 1st and September 1st. We will then have some lunch and depart for Abant Lake. Abant is probably the most famous lake in Turkey. It is 30 kilometers away from Bolu, and you can reach it from the crossing on the Ankara-Istanbul highway. The lake is at the end of a 22-kilometer drive. 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. Abant Lake is surrounded by pine trees. The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of discussion. Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside is pleasantly different in each season. Water lilies embellish the surface in summer. It is also famous for its trout. Later, we will have free time for shopping at the bazaar in the village. Dinner and overnight near Abant in a traditional village house.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast, we have a walk to the historical Safranbolu Bazaar. We then visit the Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath, Kaymakamlar House (a museum), Izzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque, and more. Continue to Kastamonu, where we visit the government house, the Kaya tomb, the Sheikh Saban-i Veli Mausoleum, the Nasrullah Seyh Mosque, and more historical sites. Dinner and overnight in authentic wooden houses in Safranbolu.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Today we will depart for Ilgarini Cave, 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 had been composed of two sections. The cave is an active one, and the stalactite and stalagmite activity still continues. A chapel and a burial ground were found in this cave. Ilgarini Cave was chosen as the 4th biggest cave in the world. There are no roads to IIgarini Cave, so we will be trekking there, so make sure you bring suitable footwear. Dinner and overnight in Pinarbasi.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast, we depart for Comlekciler Koyu this village has fantastic horse riding facilities which you can do as an optional activity. Horse riding is not only for the advanced riders they have lessons and treks for beginners also. This village is rich in natural beauty. All meals are home made the farm produce all their own vegetables, butter and milk If you are interested in doing a week's horse riding adventure then this can also be arranged. Dinner and overnight in Comlekciler Village.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast we depart for Kastamonu. Kastamonu which is a lovely city hidden in the midst of forests in Anatolia. The beauty of the 12th century Byzantine castle at the foot of the hill welcomes you. The 13th century Atabey Mosque and the Ibni Neccar Mosque are worth visiting. In the village of Kasaba you will have the opportunity to see one of the most elegant wood carvings of Turkey, on the Mahmut Bey Mosque. Have lunch in City and after lunch depart for Hattusa. Hattusas(Hattusa) which was the capital of Hitites. Hititians where indo-germen semi european people they arrived via the black sea to north Anatolia at the beginning of 18 th century BC. They met here with local people of Hatti. They made. big civilisations in Anatolia. They were also here during the bronze age. They ruled between 18th and 12th century BC. They used horse carts as their war vehicles. which they used during thr attack of Ramses the 2nd and they had a big war with the Egyptians and they then made a peace treaty where they wrote on the clay and had 2 women sign it. That was the first peace treaty where woman ever participated. Dinner and overnight in Hattusa.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After Breakfast at 08:30 am Visiting Yazilikaya which is the ruin of an open air temple of the Hitites where there are rock carvings of the Hitites god and Goddes. We then go to Hattusas, big temple and the city ruins including Gates of Lion and king. Visiting the summer palace of Hitites and driving to Alacahoyuk that was first capital of Hitites and Hatti civilization. After Hattusa tour depart for Zile. In the 3rd century B. C. the region was occupied by the contingents of Alexander the Great's Macedonian army, but many insurrections had also taken place in this era as the Macedonian occupiers couldn't build up a total control on the region. After Zile Tour, we continue to Tokat City.
Tokat is a city located in the middle Black Sea region of Anatolia, known for its rich history and ancient sites. As you walk through the city, you can experience life as it was in ancient times by exploring its many historical buildings and landmarks. Dinner and overnight in Tokat City at Devecilar Hanı Luxury Boutique Hotel.
Today, we have a City Tour, we will visit the famous Tokat Castle, two major and awarded Museums (historical and ethnographical) in downtown area along with Wooden Historical Residences all around us. We will witness 900 years of history in 900 steps, world renowned Turkish Baths as well as Clock Tower in downtown. While sightseeing in the city, you will notice the sincere hospitality and honest warmth of the local people. You will also get a chance to visit local shops with very affordable prices for shopping souvenirs. At noon, we will taste the most delicious Tokat Kebaps for lunch that of the reputation has exceeded its borders. Dinner and Overnight in Tokat city at Devecilar Hanı Luxury Boutique Hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast, we will be visiting famous Ballica Caves that is known to have healing powers for Asthma patients. We will visit Turkey's most beautiful organic fruit and vegetable garden, and we will have the opportunity to taste seasonal fruits and vegetables. . Also the traditional homes that have historical texture to every stone. After the tour transfer to hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Tokat city at Devecilar Hanı Luxury Boutique Hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
The day begins with a short boat ride in the Lake of Almus, observing the green forests surrounding the lake for which Almus is famous. To taste gözleme (Traditional Turkish Pancake) we will have a cafe break before leaving Almus. After our Almus Tour, we will cook and taste wonderful local home-cooked meals with local people in the city of Tokat, which has one of the richest cuisines in Turkey. Dinner and Overnight in Tokat city at Devecilar Hanı Luxury Boutique Hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast, you will depart from Tokat to Trabzon. A beautifull bus ride cutting through the Black sea mountain ranges. Arrival in Trabzon & Check into you hotel, Dinner and overnight in Trabzon.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Depart for Sumela Monastery, visit the 4th-century Sumela Monastery, which clings to a sheer cliff face in a deep forest, relax beside a fast-flowing stream at Altindere Valley National Park, and take a lunch break. Next, we will travel along the old Silk Road through the Zigana Mountains to reach Karaca Cave, which is considered one of the most beautiful caves in Turkey because of its colors and rock formations. Return to Trabzon for dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Visit the extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes at St. Sophia (Ayasofya), a 13th-century church; continue to Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, and Trabzon Castle. Next, Ataturk's Mansion, a picturesque hillside retreat; a stop at Ortahisar Fatih Mosque, a Comneni cathedral in the old town; and a visit to Panagia Theoskepastos Monastery (Girl's Monastery or Kizlar Monastery in Turkish), a nunnery built during the Empire of Trebizond. From Boztepe, take in the expansive cityscape. Depart for Uzungol, one of the region's most photogenic locations, for lunch in a fish restaurant and sightseeing. Dinner and overnight at Uzungol.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Depart for the Ayder Plateau, visit the botanic garden and have a panoramic view of Rize, drive to Camlihemsin through the beautiful Firtina Valley, enjoy the scenery with many waterfalls, stone bridges in the Firtina Valley, and lush green forests on the foothills of the magnificent Kackar Mountains, then have lunch and sightseeing in Ayder. Dinner and overnight in Ayder.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Drive to Artvin, visit Borcka Karagol and the ancient Georgian churches Doliskana, Yeni Rabat (Shetberdi) Church in Ardanuc, and you'll be driven beside River Coruh, the fastest flowing and best rafting river in Turkey. Dinner and overnight in Artvin.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Driving through the River Coruh Valley will take us to other Georgian churches; Ishan, Oshk-Vank, and the next Tortum Waterfalls are on the horizon. After lunch, drive to Erzurum for dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast included)
Morning visit Selchuk & Mongolian monuments; Cifte Minareli Medrese, a theological school named for its towering twin minarets, Yakutiye Medrese, built by Mongolian Prince Olcayto in 1308, is topped with a richly tiled minaret. Ulu Mosque and Erzurum Castle, transfer to Erzurum airport for a homebound flight, and say farewell.
Trip includes
Included
Accommodation in 4 Star hotels, village houses, bungalows and boutique hotels
2 nights hotel in Istanbul
1-night hotel in Abant
1 night hotel in Safranbolu
1 nights’ hotel in Pinarpasi
1 nights’ hotel in Comlekciler
1-night hotel in Hattusa
4 nights hotel in Tokat
2 nights hotel in Trabzon
1-night hotel in Uzungol
1-night hotel in Ayder
2 nights’ hotel in Artvin (Mount Ida)
1 night hotel in Erzurum
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar 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
17 breakfasts
17 dinners
Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul Airport
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Return transfer to Erzurum 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 Kastamonu
Guided tour in Hattusa
Guided tour in Tokat City Tour
Guided Tokat Ballica Cave and Fruit and Vegetable garden
Guided Tokat Almus Lake Tour and Local Cooking Lesson
Guided tour in Trabzon
Guided tour in Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Karaca Cave
Guided tour in Uzungol
Guided tour in Rize, Firtina Valey and Ayder
Guided tour in Borca, Karagol Artvin
Guided tour in Artvin
Guided tour in Yusufeli
Guided tour in Erzurum
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel room taxes
Excluded
International or Domestic flights
Please Note: Domestic flight price for adult travelers is approximately Euros: 80,00 for one way and for under 2 years old, approximately Euros: 50,00 as an insurance policy.
Insurance: All types
City Tax
Turkey entry visa
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
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