Tour Overview
Eastern Black Sea Turkey Tour
Highlights
- Eastern Black Sea Turkey
- Archeology Museum - Ilgaz Ski Center
- Sinop Historic Prison - Sinop Castle - Akliman Nature Park - Kotra workshop
- Exploring Samsun from Tütün İskelesi (Tobacco Pier) - Bandırma Ferry - Samsun in 1919 - Cape Jason and the historical Church of Jason - Giresun Castle - Pontus Ruler Farnakes. Giresun - Zigana Pass at an altitude of 1735 - Hamsiköy, a typical Black Sea village - Kaçkar Mountains
- Trabzon – Sürmene – Uzungöl – Rize – Çamlıhemşin – Zilkale – Ayder Yaylası - Hagia Sophia Church in Trabzon
- Fırtına Valley – Çinçiva Village – Çat Valley – Sürmene
- Perşembe Plateau - Yeşilırmak River - Sultan Bayezid II Complex ,Amasya Clock Tower - Tombs of the Kings of Pontus dating back to 336 BC, the Archeology Museum
- Silk Road Museum Hotel Tokat - Çorum - Alacahöyük – Hattusha – Ankara
- Anıtkabir, or the Mausoleum of Atatürk - Çankaya and Kızılay - Prime Ministry, and parliament
Itinerary
(Dinner included)
Upon your arrival at Ankara airport, you’ll
be greeted by your guide, board our busses, and set off for Kastamonu (250 km -
4 hrs) for our Black Sea tour. Kastamonu is a historical city known for its
steep and deep canyons with lush forests which are home to diverse wildlife,
plateaus, caves, sandy beaches, coves, historic mansions, Archeology Museum,
and delicious local dishes, as well as the ancient city of Pompeipolis and
Ilgaz Ski Center in the central Black Sea region. We will have a lunch break on
the way and continue towards Kastamonu by crossing the Ilgaz Mountains with
scenic views. You’ll have free time after check-in at the hotel. After resting,
you can explore nearby sites, such as historical mansions, the clock tower, and
enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee cooked on embers. Dinner and overnight in
Kastamonu hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will
depart for our next destination, the city of Sinop (190 km - 2 hrs). Upon our
arrival to Sinop, located at the northernmost point of Turkey, we will visit
Sinop Castle built in the 8th century BC and the famous Sinop Historic Prison,
known as the Alcatraz of Anatolia. The prison, which has been the subject of
many novels, was built inside the castle in 1568 and had been in use until it
was closed and turned into a museum in 1999. Afterward, we will have lunch at a
local restaurant. Then, we will discover the Akliman Nature Park and the
Hamsilos fjord. Then, we will see the northernmost point of Turkey İnceburun,
and the scenic lighthouse here.
Finally, we will visit the Kotra workshop,
which has become the symbol of Sinop with handmade wooden model ships and
depart for Samsun (160 km - 2 hrs). On the way, we will take a short break in
Gerze Port, which is famous for its mussels and seafood.
Dinner and accommodation in Samsun.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we will start exploring
Samsun from Tütün İskelesi (Tobacco Pier), the site of Bandırma Ferry, which is
the symbol of the Turkish War of Independence used by the founder of the
Republic of Turkey, Atatürk, on his trip from Istanbul to Samsun in 1919.
Afterward, we will see the model village of the Amazon women of the Cimmerian
tribe and have a city tour. Then, we will set off for Ordu. On the way, in the
town of Perşembe, we will visit Cape Jason and the historical Church of Jason.
Upon our arrival in Ordu, we will take the
cable car to Boztepe, the highest hill of the city, and have a relaxing cup of
coffee here while enjoying the views. Afterward, we will go back to the city
and have lunch at a local restaurant and continue on our way towards the city
of Giresun. Upon arrival, we will see the Giresun Island, Giresun Castle built
during the reign of Pontus Ruler Farnakes. Giresun is also famous for hazelnuts
which are known to be the world’s most oily and quality hazelnuts.
Next, we will pass through Tirebolu and its
renowned river and the Zigana Pass at an altitude of 1735 meters, which still
preserves its importance as a gateway on trade routes since ancient times, then
we will reach Hamsiköy, a typical Black Sea village surrounded by nature.
Located at an altitude of 1300 meters over the Kaçkar Mountains, Hamsiköy is
famous for its trekking and mountain biking activities and delicious rice
pudding. We will reach Altındere Valley by passing through Coşandere and Maçka,
known for its stony roads.
Next, we will visit the Sumela Monastery
(Panagia Soumela Monastery), a Greek Orthodox monastery and church complex
built on the side of a mountain slope at 1150 m above sea level by carving
inside the rocks in 360-395 AD. The complex consists of priest chambers,
kitchen, chapels and aqueducts, adorned with frescoes. The monastery was closed
since 2015 for restoration work but reopened to visitors recently.
Arrival in Trabzon, dinner, and overnight
in Trabzon hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
We will start our Trabzon tour after having
breakfast early in the morning.
When the Roman Empire was divided into two
at the end of the 4th century, Trabzon remained under the rule of the Eastern
Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire. After years of fighting and trade
between the Byzantines and the Arabs, the Arabs started calling the people of
the region under Roman rule as Rums (Greeks).
Today, we will first visit Hagia Sophia
Church in Trabzon, which was built between 1238 and 1265 during the Komnenos
Kingdom and is known for its frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and
Torah. Next, we will visit the Atatürk Pavilion, which was built by a Greek
businessman in 1890 and gifted to Atatürk.
In Trabzon, you can shop at precious
handmade jewelry shops and learn about the Kazaziye and Silver Filigree
artworks, which are unique to Trabzon. Next, we will go to Uzungöl, via the
towns of Çaykara and Of, to enjoy its world-famous scenery. We will have lunch
at a local restaurant here and have free time.
Afterward, we will visit a Rize fabric
(Feretiko) workshop, which is one of the most important traditional handicrafts
of Rize. After some shopping here, we will head for the tea gardens of Çayeli
and Çeçeva villages. Then, we will drive to Ayder Yaylası (Ayder Plateau) via
Çamlıhemşin. We will have a relaxing walk to enjoy this lovely plateau and have
a cup of tea while chatting with the local people in the open air over the
magnificent views of Ayder. Dinner and accommodation in Ayder Yaylası.
** You can join a special entertainment
program with regional Black Sea dances and music in the evening.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Today, we will have a delicious breakfast
on the oxygen-rich Ayder plateau and head for the Fırtına (Storm) Valley. After
visiting the Zilkale and Çinçiva (Şenyuva) villages 750 meters above sea level,
you can join the Rafting, Zipline or Huge Swing activities in the Fırtına
Valley. (not included)
Rafting: Carried out under the supervision
of licensed instructors on 6-7 person boats, rafting in Fırtına Valley is an
exciting activity full of adrenaline. (duration 1.5 hrs)
Zipline: This activity is carried out on
steel ropes where participants cross over the valley at a length of 350 m.
Huge Swing: Get ready to ride the most
interesting swing of your life. These gigantic swings perched on the edge of
hills offer exciting moments.
We will have lots of opportunities to take
pictures and meet the local people by walking around the hundreds of years old
historical stone bridges over the Fırtına Deresi (Storm River) flowing down the
valley between the green forests. After seeing the Palovit Waterfall, Çat Valley, and Pokut Plateau, we will have
lunch at a local restaurant, and we will learn about the tea picking and
packaging process in a tea factory and visit the handcrafted knife workshop
made from special Sürmene steel in Sürmene district, which bears the traces of
the Seljuks. At the end of our visits, we will drive back to Tokat via Giresun.
Arrival and overnight in Tokat.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we will drive through Tokat to the
Perşembe Plateau, which has a different topography from the other Eastern Black
Sea plateaus and the widest plains of the Black Sea region. We’ll enjoy the
views here for some time and have a 2-hour trip to Amasya, the city of Princes.
Upon arrival, we’ll have a lunch break at a local restaurant, check-in at an
hour hotel, and rest for a while. Then, we will start our tour of the
historical city of Amasya, located on the banks of the Yeşilırmak River. Here,
we’ll see the Şehzadeler Park, Sultan Bayezid II Complex, historical mansions
with bay windows, Amasya Clock Tower, the Tombs of the Kings of Pontus dating
back to 336 BC, the Archeology Museum, and the water channels that are the
subject of the love story of Ferhat and Şirin. Located in the Central Black Sea
area, Amasya is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia with a history of
7,500 years. At the end of our visits, we will drive back to Tokat . Arrival
and overnight in Tokat.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After an early breakfast, Today, we
have a City Tour, visiting the historical places of Tokat such as historical
lodging and dwelling points , forums and religious educational centers, Tokat
Museum, Ethnography Museum, 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 After we will set off to Ankara (approx. 350 km - 5
hrs). After about 2.5 hours, we’ll arrive in the city of Çorum, which is famous
for its roasted chickpeas, and visit the ancient city of Alacahöyük, one of the
most important settlements of the Hittite Kingdom. Alacahöyük, which occupies
an important place in the Hittite history and contains the ruins of the first
dam in Anatolia, and 14 settlement layers dating from four different cultural
phases. We’ll also visit the Alacahöyük Museum, which provides information
about Hittite architecture and art. Some of the most important findings from
the excavations are displayed here, including 13 royal tombs from the ancient
Bronze Age, jewelry made of gold, silver, bronze, and precious stones, and
commonly used household items.
After the museum, we’ll visit the capital
of the Hittite civilization, Hattuşa (Boğazköy) built 3700 years ago. We have
the best information about Hattusa, which was the capital of the Hittite
Civilization for 400 years after the Hattians, from the Hittite cuneiform
archive, exhibited at the Boğazkale Museum today. The museum is home to
historical artifacts such as statues, jewelry, and household items belonging to
civilizations that once lived in Central Anatolia. Boğazkale district has
countless ruins from the Hattian, Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, Galatian, Roman,
and Byzantine periods. We’ll also visit Yazılıkaya, built by the Hittites among
high rocks as a sacred place of worship, an open-air temple to hold celebrations
and rituals. Here, we’ll see fascinating depictions of gods and goddesses
carved on rocks, the Great Temple, Lion's Gate, King's Gate, Tunnel, Summer
Palace, and the Hattusa City Walls which once surrounded the whole city.
After our visit, we’ll have lunch at the
local restaurant with traditional Hittite dishes and continue on our way to
Ankara.
Dinner and accommodation in Ankara.
(Breakfast And Lunch included)
After breakfast, we will check out and explore
the capital of Turkey, Ankara. We’ll have a sightseeing tour in Çankaya and
Kızılay districts where foreign embassies, consulates, Prime Ministry, and
parliament buildings are located. Then, we will visit Anıtkabir, or the
Mausoleum of Atatürk, the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the
leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder of the Republic of
Turkey. Here, we will see 4000 books read by Atatürk and his personal
belongings in the Anıtkabir Museum. Afterward, we’ll have free time in Ankara’s
biggest shopping malls until our airport transfer time. . We hope your tour was
a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours
again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Booking.
Trip includes
Included
7-night
hotel accommodation 4 Star Hotel or Boutique Hotel
Hotel Names
Kastamonu 1 Night - Kadıoğlu Konak / Uğurlu Konak
Samsun 1 Night - Hampton By Hilton Samsun 4*
Trabzon 1 Night - Radisson Blu Trabzon 5*
Ayder Yaylası 1 Night - Ayder Hasimoğlu Konağı SC.
Tokat 2 Night - Silk Road Mesuem Hotel
Ankara 1 Night - New Gate 4
Professional English - speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
7 Breakfast
7 Lunch
7 Dinner
·
Private Transfers / Ankara Airport – Hotel – Ankara Airport
All Transportations from Tour program
Private air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicle with experienced driver
·
All tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary
VAT and taxes.
Guided Ankara – Kastamonu
Guided Sinop – Gerze – Samsun
Guided Ünye – Fatsa – Ordu – Giresun – Tirebolu –
Hamsiköy – Maçka – Trabzon
Guided Sürmene – Uzungöl – Rize – Çamlıhemşin – Zilkale
– Ayder Yaylası
Guided Fırtına Valley – Çinçiva Village – Çat Valley –
Sürmene – Giresun – Tokat
Guided Perşembe Plateau – Amasya – Tokat
Guided Çorum - Alacahöyük – Hattusha – Ankara
Excluded
Domestic or International Flight
Insurance
·
Personal expenses
Beverages during lunch and dinners
Tips and Gratuities .
Availability
Loading. Please wait.
Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
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.
Protected
Travel withing your own bubble.
Professional
Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.
Privacy
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Why book with Travelshopbooking
Best price quaranteed.
100% financial protection.
Earn $20+ in travel credits.
Cancellation Policy
On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.
Need help or have a question about this tour?
if you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
We're ready to help.