Arrival in Trabzon and Hotel Check-in

Trabzon - Welcome to Trabzon! Upon arriving at Trabzon Airport, guests are warmly welcomed by the team and transferred to their hotel in the city center. Hotel check-in begins at 14:00. After settling in, the rest of the day is free for relaxation or exploration at your leisure. Consider taking a stroll around Trabzon’s vibrant city center (Meydan), where cafés, restaurants, and shops capture the local charm. This free time is perfect for unwinding from your journey and enjoying your first impressions of the Black Sea region.

Trabzon City Tour and Sera Lake

Trabzon Botanik Park - Visit Trabzon Botanical Park, the first and only botanical garden in the Black Sea region, celebrated for its diverse plant life, walking paths, and panoramic views. After enjoying the park’s serene environment, proceed to Trabzon Aquarium to discover its marine life exhibits and themed tunnels.

Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum - Originally constructed as a Byzantine church in the 13th century, Hagia Sophia now functions as a mosque and is renowned for its early Renaissance frescoes. After exploring the interior, historic frescoes, and the surrounding garden with its archaeological remains, continue to Sera Lake Nature Park, where lunch is served in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Sera Golu - Following lunch at a local restaurant by Sera Lake, proceed to Boztepe Observation Terrace to enjoy panoramic, bird’s-eye views over Trabzon and the Black Sea coastline.

Boztepe - At Boztepe Observation Terrace, take pleasure in the 1,200-meter walking path and visit its glass viewing platforms, offering stunning panoramic views and a beautiful sunset over the city.

Uzungol and Haldizen Valley

Demcay Gida - Visit a local tea factory along the route, where you learn about the tea production process and the art of brewing quality Black Sea tea. Free time is available for shopping at the factory outlet.

Caykara - Travel through the picturesque Solaklı Valley toward Uzungöl, passing traditional village houses, tea plantations, and hazelnut groves before reaching the lakeside town.

Uzungol - Start the visit in Uzungöl at the observation terrace for panoramic views, followed by a stop at the artificial waterfalls built to protect the lake from flooding. Enjoy free time to explore the area, participate in optional activities, or relax at lakeside cafés and restaurants. Depart Uzungöl in the afternoon and return to the hotel, with free time for the evening.

Ayder Plateau and Storm Valley

Firtina Deresi - After breakfast at the hotel, head toward Ayder Plateau via the scenic coastal route. Arrive in Fırtına Valley, where free time is provided to enjoy the natural surroundings or engage in optional activities such as rafting, ziplining, or swinging. The journey then continues uphill to Ayder Plateau.

Ayder Yaylasi - Follow the course of the Fırtına Stream through Fırtına Valley, one of the world’s protected ecological regions, and continue along the Çamlıhemşin road to reach Ayder Plateau. At 1,400 meters above sea level, visit the natural Gelintülü Waterfall, set against the slopes of the Kaçkar Mountains. Free time is given to walk around the plateau and enjoy tea or coffee with views of the waterfall and surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, meet at the vehicle and depart Ayder Plateau. After a short break along the way, return to Trabzon and the hotel, with free time for the evening.

Sumela Monastery, Zigana, Hamsiköy and Karaca Cave

Altindere Vadisi National Park - After breakfast at the hotel, set off for the Sümela Monastery tour. Following a scenic drive of approximately one hour, arrive at Altındere National Park.

Sumela Monastery - Continue within the national park by minibus, followed by a short walk through the forest to reach Sümela Monastery. Along the way, pass historic aqueducts and stone stairways before arriving at the visitor area, where a brief break is given to enjoy the surrounding nature and views.

Explore Sümela Monastery, including its main rock church, chapels, student rooms, library, guesthouse, and sacred spring, all dramatically set into the cliff face.

Zigana - After visiting Sümela Monastery, return to the vehicle and continue toward Zigana Pass. A lunch break is taken at a local restaurant along the route.

Zigana Pass, one of the most significant passages of the Silk Road, has historically been the gateway of Eastern Anatolia and Iran to the West. The New Zigana Tunnel, inaugurated in April 2023 on the Zigana Pass, which still holds its importance today, is the longest road tunnel in Europe.

Karaca Cave - Pass through the 14.5 km-long New Zigana Tunnel to reach Karaca Cave. Visit this remarkable cave, often described as a natural gallery with its stalactites, stalagmites, and travertine formations. After the visit, continue the journey toward the next destination.

Hamsikoy - Travel along the scenic Hamsiköy Road, also known as the historic Old Zigana Road, offering impressive mountain views. Arrive in Hamsiköy, where there is time to taste the village’s famous rice pudding.

At the end of the day, the Sumela Monastery, Hamsiköy, and Karaca Cave Tour concludes in Trabzon. Guests return to their hotel at the end of a delightful day and have free time until the next day’s departure.

Hıdırnebi Plateau and Çal Cave

Cal MagarasI - After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, begin the final day of the tour with a drive to Çal Cave, often regarded as one of the longest caves in the world. Located at an altitude of 1,050 meters in Çal Village, the cave is reached after an approximately one-hour journey. After exploring the cave, enjoy a short break at the nearby cafés before continuing toward Hıdırnebi Plateau.

Hidirnebi Yaylasi - After an approximately one-hour drive, arrive at Hıdırnebi Plateau, located at 1,600 meters above sea level and known for its fresh air and expansive mountain views. This highland area offers a glimpse into traditional plateau life, with walking paths, local restaurants, small shops, and open spaces ideal for relaxing and photography. Free time is provided to explore the plateau and enjoy its natural surroundings.

In the afternoon, meet at the vehicle and depart from Hıdırnebi Plateau. The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport or your hotel, marking the end of the journey.

• All transportation and excursions specified in the program with the new model comfortable vehicle.
• Free pickup and transfer from Trabzon Airport and intercity bus terminal.
• Park and National Park entrance fees, VAT and other taxes
• Breakfast
• National Park shuttle service fee
• Accommodation in 4 stars hotel at Trabzon city center
• All trips specified

• Lunch and dinners
• Museum and historical sites entrance fees.
• Activities at Fırtına Valley: rafting, zipline, swing

Embark on a 6-day adventure through Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region, where nature, culture, and local life converge. The journey starts in Trabzon, featuring visits to Atatürk Mansion, the Botanical Park, and the historic Hagia Sophia Mosque.

Venture to the cliffside Sümela Monastery to admire its frescoes, and traverse the picturesque Zigana Pass, pausing in Hamsiköy to savor its renowned rice pudding. Proceed to Ayder Plateau and Fırtına Valley, enveloped by forests, rivers, and traditional highland landscapes. Optional activities such as rafting or ziplining are available.

Experience the tranquility of Uzungöl, tour a Sürmene knife workshop, and gain insights into regional tea production at a local tea factory. Relish panoramic views at Hıdırnebi Plateau and explore the remarkable formations of Çal Cave.

This thoughtfully paced tour is perfect for travelers eager to experience the authentic Black Sea, enriched by nature and regional heritage.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.