BLACK SEA REGION, TURKEY TOUR 2026 – WITHOUT FLIGHT

Day 2

Tour Program

SAMSUN – ORDU (Kurtuluş Park – Bandırma Ferry Museum – First Step Monument – Atatürk Honor Monument – Yason Cape – Boztepe)

After enjoying an open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we begin our day in Samsun, the city of Atatürk, where the National Struggle first ignited and later spread across the country.

Our first stop is Kurtuluş Park, where a full-scale replica of the Bandırma Ferry—on which Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived in Samsun—is located. Accompanied by wax figures and period representations, we complete our visit and then proceed to the Tütün Pier and the First Step Monument, marking the spot where Atatürk and his 18 comrades-in-arms first set foot in Samsun.

Next, we visit the Atatürk Honor Monument, one of the symbols of Samsun, commemorating the moment when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk launched the War of Independence on 19 May 1919. The monument was commissioned in 1931 and sculpted by the Austrian artist Heinrich Krippel. After taking commemorative photos, we depart towards Ordu.

Along the route, we stop at Yason Cape for a visit, then continue to Ordu, known as the Pearl of the Black Sea. After seeing the city center, we ascend to Boztepe, located 475 meters above sea level. The panoramic view from Boztepe offers a sensation as if you were traveling by airplane. Following a break to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, we transfer to our hotel in Ordu.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Samsun – Yason Cape: 132 km (approx. 1 hour 43 minutes)

• Yason Cape – Boztepe: 30 km (approx. 41 minutes)

Total: 162 km (approx. 2 hours 24 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Ordu

Day 3

Tour Program

ORDU – GİRESUN – TRABZON (Giresun Castle – Kuzalan Nature Park – Blue Lake – Atatürk Pavilion – Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum)

After enjoying an open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we depart for Giresun, known as the capital of hazelnuts in the Black Sea region and the homeland of the cherry.

We see Giresun Castle, built during the reign of Pontic King Pharnaces, and the tomb of Topal Osman, who served as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s regimental guard, panoramically from our vehicle. Along the way, we also view the Aksu River and Giresun Island, then continue to Kuzalan Nature Park.

Within the park, we visit the Kuzalan Waterfall and take memorable photographs before arriving at the Blue Lake (Mavi Göl), famous for its turquoise-colored waters. After exploring this hidden paradise nestled among lush forests, we continue to Trabzon.

In Trabzon, we visit the Atatürk Pavilion, which was used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visits to the city and later purchased by the public and presented to him as a gift. The pavilion holds special significance as the place where Atatürk wrote part of his will.

Next, we visit the Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum, originally built as a church between 1248 and 1263 by the Komnenos family. Over time, it served as a mosque and, during wartime, as a hospital.

After the visits, we transfer to our hotel in Trabzon.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Ordu – Giresun Castle: 45 km (approx. 43 minutes)

• Giresun Castle – Kuzalan Nature Park: 48 km (approx. 57 minutes)

• Kuzalan Nature Park – Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum: 165 km (approx. 2 hours 14 minutes)

Total: 258 km (approx. 3 hours 54 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Trabzon

Day 4

Tour Program

UZUNGÖL – Çağlayan – Maçka – Sumela Monastery – Hamsiköy – Arsin – Araklı – Sürmene – Of – Dernekpazarı – Çaykara – Taşkıran – Karaster & Lustra Plateaus

After enjoying an open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we proceed to view the Sumela Monastery, which is located on the slopes of Karadağ Mountain, from the valley floor. During our free time, you may enjoy nature and take stunning photographs.
(As restoration and strengthening works have been carried out by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 2015, whether the monastery itself can be visited depends on current conditions. Regardless of access to the monastery, the National Park will be visited.)

After this pleasant experience, we board our coach and return to Maçka, then set off towards Zigana, which has maintained its importance since ancient times as a mountain pass on major trade routes. The name Zigana means “pass” in the local Greek dialect.

We view Hamsiköy panoramically—its name derived from the Arabic word Hamse (meaning “five villages”)—and take a short break to taste its famous rice pudding (sütlaç), followed by a brief lunch stop. After a photo stop at the Zigana Tunnel, which is 1,702 meters long, we enjoy our lunch.

Continuing our journey, we pass through the districts of Arsin, Araklı, Sürmene, and Of, then follow the Solaklı Stream to reach Uzungöl. After enjoying free time surrounded by Uzungöl’s relaxing natural scenery, we transfer to minibuses and head to the Lustra and Karaster Plateaus.

At an altitude of around 2,000 meters, an area also used for paragliding, we learn about traditional Black Sea plateau life, enjoy short nature walks, and see local plateau houses. During our visit, we enjoy hot milk served as a treat by our agency. Afterwards, we return to Uzungöl by minibus.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel in Uzungöl.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Trabzon – Sumela Monastery: 58 km (approx. 59 minutes)

• Sumela Monastery – Hamsiköy: 40 km (approx. 49 minutes)

• Hamsiköy – Uzungöl: 141 km (approx. 2 hours 8 minutes)

• Uzungöl – Karaster Plateau: 8 km (approx. 27 minutes)

Total: 247 km (approx. 4 hours 23 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Uzungöl

Day 5

Tour Program

AYDER – Rize Tea Factory – Fırtına River – Rafting – Zipline – Çamlıhemşin – Şenyuva – Zil Castle – Palovit Waterfall – Gelintülü Waterfall

After breakfast at our hotel, we visit a tea factory to observe the stages tea goes through from being picked to reaching our tables. We learn from experts how tea is brewed properly and how to distinguish high-quality tea, enjoy our tea tasting, and have time to shop for May Tea, which is unique to the Black Sea region, as well as local products such as butter, honey, and cheese.

Afterwards, via Pazar, we enter the Fırtına Valley, one of the region’s 50 ecological systems. Traveling along the Fırtına River, which lives up to its name, we are sure you will once again admire the beauty of nature. Following lunch at a trout restaurant by the river, guests may optionally take part in zipline or rafting activities (extra).
The rafting route is 7 km long and includes more than 15 rapids. Rafting is done in 6-person boats, each accompanied by a professional rafting guide. Life jackets, helmets, knee pads, and special insurance are provided.

We then begin our exploration of locations that served as natural film sets, including the area where the internationally acclaimed film “Honey (Bal)”, winner of the Golden Bear Award, was shot. Using minibuses waiting for us in Çamlıhemşin, we enter the Çat Valley, one of the most important branches of the historic Silk Road. We pass through the village formerly known as Çinçiva, now called Şenyuva, which was also a filming location for the TV series Sevdaluk and is home to the region’s oldest stone bridge with the widest arch span.

Our final stop is Zil Castle, built at one of the most commanding points of the valley to protect historic trade routes. From inside the castle, we enjoy views over a 100-meter-deep cliff, overlooking Çat Valley, Tatar Mountain, and Sico Peak. After a photo break in what is known as the hidden garden of the Kaçkar Mountains, we continue deeper into the valley to enhance the Zil Castle scenery, traveling through dense forests that include some of the oldest yew trees in Türkiye. Following the rushing stream, we reach Palovit Waterfall, the widest waterfall in the region. We take stunning photographs at the deep pool formed by the waterfall and then return to Çamlıhemşin.

After the tour, we depart Çamlıhemşin and head towards Ayder Plateau, located at an altitude of 1,350 meters and surrounded by pine forests. Passing Lower and Upper Ambarlık and Şenlik Düzü by vehicle, we stop at Kalegon Plain to photograph the Gelintülü Waterfall and enjoy the fresh mountain air. During free time in Ayder Plateau, guests may take a pleasant walk and experience the unique atmosphere of the plateau.

After completing our visits, we transfer to our hotel in Ayder.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Uzungöl – Rize: 70 km (approx. 1 hour 5 minutes)

• Rize – Fırtına River: 50 km (approx. 37 minutes)

• Fırtına River – Palovit Waterfall: 31 km (approx. 47 minutes)

• Palovit Waterfall – Zil Castle: 5 km (approx. 10 minutes)

• Zil Castle – Ayder: 37 km (approx. 1 hour)

Total: 193 km (approx. 3 hours 39 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Ayder

Day 6

Tour Program

ARHAVİ – (Pokut & Sal Plateaus, if weather permits) – Ardeşen – Fındıklı – Çağlayan Village – Double Bridge – Arılı Village – Mençuna Waterfall

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards Pokut Plateau, weather permitting. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,000–2,050 meters, we enjoy free time on the plateau. During this time, guests may enjoy local snacks such as grilled sausage sandwiches, drink tea, take photographs, and fully appreciate the natural beauty.

We then proceed to the nearby Sal Plateau, where we take more photos and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the highlands before boarding our vehicles and departing for Arhavi.

Upon arrival in Arhavi, we travel through the Kamilet Valley and take a break at the Double Bridges (Çifte Köprü) in the Düzköy area. After a photo stop, our scenic valley drive ends, and we begin a walk along a forest path beside the stream, passing through the dense Black Sea forest and seeing rhododendron (komar) flowers, eventually reaching the Mençuna Waterfall.

At the Mençuna Waterfall, the highest single-drop waterfall in Türkiye, we enjoy free time by the plunge pool, where guests may relax and enjoy thyme tea in this spectacular natural setting.

Afterwards, we return and continue by vehicle to Arılı Village. We visit a local home in the village, where traditional regional dishes are served to our valued guests. Following the meal, we return to Arhavi.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Ayder – Mençuna Waterfall: 90 km (approx. 1 hour 44 minutes)

• Mençuna Waterfall – Arılı Village: 6 km (approx. 20 minutes)

• Arılı Village – Arhavi: 15 km (approx. 22 minutes)

Total: 111 km (approx. 2 hours 26 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Arhavi

Day 7

Tour Program

ARHAVİ – Borçka – Borçka Karagöl – Gonio (Apsaros) Village & Castle – Çoruh River & Bridge – Batumi Central Mosque – Europe Square – Medea (Golden Fleece) Monument – Poseidon Square – Turkish Consulate Building

After breakfast at our hotel, we offer you an alternative tour option. Traveling via the Cankurtaran Tunnel Road, one of the longest tunnels in Türkiye connecting the Black Sea region with Eastern Anatolia, we arrive in Borçka. We then board minibuses waiting for us and head towards Karagöl, a pristine natural wonder of the Black Sea.

During our journey through the Klaskur Valley, a designated biosphere reserve, we pass through villages of Georgian origin and see organic tea gardens. Along the way, we have the chance to see Maisur Waterfall from a distance and pass by Bardnala Waterfall. Traveling through a tunnel-like corridor of lush green trees, we reach Karagöl, a landslide lake formed by the blockage of the Klaskur Stream and known as a filming location for the promotional shoots of the TV series “Benim İçin Üzülme”.

During our free time at this hidden lake surrounded by mountains, guests may enjoy a boat ride on the lake, take a peaceful walk, or capture beautiful photographs. After the visit, we return to our hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel, guests who wish to join the Batumi Tour proceed to the Sarp Border Gate, where we complete the border crossing procedures and enter Georgia / the Adjara Autonomous Region. We see the Gonio–Apsaros Fortress, dating back to the Roman period and believed to house the tomb of St. Matthias, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, panoramically from our vehicle. Continuing towards Batumi city center, we also observe former Soviet-era military training areas.

We then see the Çoruh River, which originates in Bayburt and flows toward the Batumi border, along with the historic Gonio Bridge, before continuing to the city center. In Batumi, the administrative center of the Adjara Autonomous Region, we visit and see the Historic Central Mosque, Piazza Square, Piazza Clock Tower, Georgian Orthodox Church (exterior), Armenian Church (exterior), Europe Square, the Medea Statue, the Poseidon Monument, the Theatre Building, and the newly developed Batumi Port area.

After a walk along Batumi Boulevard, we also see the Turkish Consulate Building and enjoy free time. Following free time, we return to Sarp Border Gate and complete our exit procedures.

* Turkish citizens may enter Georgia with a new biometric Turkish ID card or a passport. Entry with non-photo ID cards is not permitted, regardless of age. Other forms of identification (such as driver’s licenses or family booklets) are not accepted.
This tour is an optional (extra) tour and operates depending on the number of participants, with a minimum limit of 15 people.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Arhavi – Borçka: 36 km (approx. 36 minutes)

• Borçka – Borçka Karagöl: 27 km (approx. 56 minutes)

• Borçka Karagöl – Arhavi: 61 km (approx. 1 hour 41 minutes)

Total: 124 km (approx. 3 hours 13 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Arhavi

Day 8

Tour Program

TRANSFER TO AIRPORT

After enjoying an open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to the airport and bid you farewell, hoping to meet again on another tour.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Arhavi – Rize Airport: 46 km (approx. 34 minutes)

Total: 46 km (approx. 34 minutes)

Overall Total Distance

• Grand Total: 1,163 km (approx. 20 hours 53 minute

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS ACCOMMODATION IN QUALITY HOTELS

Day 1 – SAMSUN: Anemon Hotel, Sheraton Grand, or similar
Day 2 – ORDU: Hilton Hotel, or similar
Day 3 – TRABZON: Hilton Hotel, or similar
Day 4 – UZUNGÖL: İnan Kardeşler Hotel, Golden Hotel, or similar
Day 5 – AYDER: Haşimoğlu Hotel, Kaçkar Hotel, or similar
Day 6 – ARHAVİ: Arhavi Resort Hotel, Fındıklı Ramada Hotel, or similar
Day 7 – ARHAVİ: Arhavi Resort Hotel, Fındıklı Ramada Hotel, or similar

General Terms & Conditions

The general terms and conditions are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered separately. The tour brochure is valid as of 15.04.2024. Any tour brochure published for the same tour at a later date supersedes and invalidates the previous one.

• The tour may be canceled free of charge up to 30 days prior to departure and credited as open credit, or refunded with a €250 deduction. Cancellations made within 30 days of departure are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.

• Reservations can be made by bank transfer with a 50% deposit of the tour price. The remaining balance must be paid 1 month before the tour date.

• For credit card payments, the full tour price is required at the time of reservation.

• The tour duration is 8 days / 7 nights, with 7 nights of hotel accommodation.

• Seat numbers are not guaranteed at the time of reservation.

• Transportation and hotel notes entered into the reservation are not guaranteed.

• Child discounts applied in tour packages are valid for one child only, when accompanied by two adults.

• For children aged 0–7, a separate bed may not be provided in hotel accommodations.

• A gradual price increase system may be applied during the sales period.

• Unused transportation, accommodation, sightseeing tours, or similar services are non-refundable.

• If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the producer agency reserves the right to cancel the tour up to 7 days before departure. In such cases, the producer agency is obliged to inform guests directly.

• In the event of a tour cancellation by the producer agency, the full amount paid will be refunded without any deductions.

• For tours including flights, the airline’s terms and conditions apply to flight-related services. Cancellation insurance does not cover air transportation. All flight-inclusive tours use economy class tickets.

• The tour guide may make changes to the program schedule (order of visits during the day or between days) due to weather conditions, road conditions, or other necessary reasons.

• The producer agency is not responsible for sites that cannot be visited due to force majeure (weather conditions, road issues, overcrowding at attractions, etc.), even if they are listed in the program.

• Participants are required to carry medical reports related to any health conditions, pregnancy, or regularly used medications.

• The hotels listed in the program are priority accommodation facilities. Due to high occupancy or force majeure, hotels may be changed, provided they are of the same standard.

• Participants should choose clothing, accessories, and footwear (boots, slippers, sandals, water shoes, etc.) suitable for the geographical conditions, weather, and tour concept.

• The type of vehicles used during the tour is determined by the number of participants as follows:

  • Coaches: 28–46 passengers

  • Midibuses: 17–27 passengers

  • Minibuses: up to 16 passengers

THE ABOVE TOUR PROGRAM HAS BEEN ORIGINALLY PREPARED BY THE PRODUCER AGENCY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW NO. 6502 ON CONSUMER PROTECTION.