Turkey Black Sea Region and Georgia Tour - 12 Days

A fantastic journey that blends the historical riches of the Turkish Black Sea region with the magnificence of nature begins in Istanbul for 12 days in the Black Sea, Turkey and Georgia.
Arrive at Istanbul Airport, which is the third-largest airport in the world. Upon landing, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel—free time after check-in. You can start discovering the streets of Istanbul at your own will.   

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise  20:00 – 24:00               
Menu: Grill fish or meatballs or chicken, cold and hot appetisers, 
Beverages.; Unlimited soft and alcoholic ( Raki, Beer, Wine, vodka)
Program: Music, Folklore performance, Whirling Dervishes show, Traditional wedding ceremony, Oriental belly dancer Show, and more.
Return transfer from the hotel. 19:30 – 24:00 
Accommodation in Istanbul.

Our guide will meet you at your hotel’s lobby at 08:30, and we’ll start the day's tour.
Saint Sophia, or Hagia Sophia, was built by the emperor Justinian in 532 - 537. Designed and built as a church, Hagia Sophia was later converted into a mosque in the Ottoman period and became a museum afterwards. Topkapı Palace served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th centuries, and as the home of the Sultans and their families. It hosts an outstanding collection of famous jewels of the Ottoman Imperial Treasury, daggers decorated with precious diamonds and stones, swords, war armours, the Spoonmaker's Diamond, crystals, silver items and Chinese porcelain, and elegant dresses once used by sultans and their families members.

Afterwards, we’ll have a lunch break at a local restaurant. Selected by guest.
Stroll around Hippodrome Square, where chariot races took place and entertainment, sports, and political activities were organised during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Here, we will see the Serpent Column from Delphi in India, the Egyptian Obelisk, the German Fountain of Wilhelm ll, and the tombs of Ottoman sultans and princes.
Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Mosque, was built between 1609 and 1617. It is best known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles, which give the mosque its name.
Grand Bazaar, the world's oldest and largest covered bazaar, comprises 61 covered streets. It is home to more than 4000 shops selling anything from carpets, jewellery, leather, and souvenirs to garments, bags, decorations, spices, and home textiles—end of the tour and transfer to hotel.
Accommodation in Istanbul. ( Breakfast )

After breakfast, we will depart for Abant Lake in Bolu (approx. 300 km - 5 hrs). Approximately 240 km later, we will visit the town of Mudurnu, which has been an important place in Turkish history since the Seljuk period. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List 2014 as the Historic Guild Town of Mudurnu and declared an Urban Site. This small town is home to historic mosques, baths, fountains, and 173 buildings of high architectural value. Here, we will visit landmark mansions offering some of the most beautiful examples of Turkish civil architecture. In its bazaar, we will see blacksmiths and stove heater sellers who continue the old handicraft traditions of the region. The legacy of the Ahi order is still present in the town where Yıldırım Beyazıt Mosque, built in 1374, and the Turkish Bath, built in 1382, has been operating for nearly 700 years. After we tour the Mudurnu Museum, old bazaar, and historical buildings, we will continue to Abant Lake. After a 20-km ride, we will arrive at the restaurant by the lake at 1350 meters. We will have a delicious lunch consisting of local dishes. For the rest of the day, we will have nature walks by the water in the forest and have a relaxing cup of coffee while enjoying this lush nature. You can join a horseback riding tour or ride a phaeton around the lake.
Dinner and accommodation in Bolu.   ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast, a 3-hour fantastic journey to Amasra, on the western Black Sea route. Along the way, we will pass through heavily forested mountains, canyons, valleys, and villages with magnificent views. We will visit a walking cane workshop in Devrek, which is famous for its stylish and quality handmade walking canes, each with a different model.

Amasra is built on a natural harbour and peninsula stretching to the sea. Known as a local tourist region with its natural beauties, beaches, historic castle, and unique fish restaurants, Amasra boasts a history dating back 5,000 years. Upon arrival, we will have a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants and start exploring the town.

Visit the Amasra Museum, Amasra Castle, and the lighthouse, and we will learn about the livelihood of the people and villages of Amasra, which are fishing, forestry, and woodworking. For hundreds of years, the local people of Amasra have been woodworking ornaments using the woods from the linden, boxwood, ash, walnut, cherry, and alder grown in Amasra forests. These ornaments include spice holders, salt shakers, trays, napkin holders, pencils, and rare souvenirs. After the Amasra trip, we will head for Safranbolu, best known for its historical Ottoman-style houses and mansions (approx. 90 km).
Safranbolu town, which takes its name from the rare and expensive Saffron grass grown in the region, is an important tourist location thanks to its houses, urban culture, authentic lifestyle, customs, local flavours, and natural beauty. Walk down Safranbolu’s nostalgic cobblestone streets and see Safranbolu Mansions, famous for their unique architectural style, the historical Government Building, Clock Tower, Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Mosque and the sundial in its courtyard,  Cinci Inn,  handicraft shops in the Arasta Bazaar.
At the end of our tour, we’ll check in at our hotel and have dinner in an authentic mansion.
Accommodation in Safranbolu.  (Breakfast - Dinner )

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for our next destination, Yörük Village (Nomad Village), one of the oldest villages in the region, dating back 700 years.  Afterwards, we’ll have a 4.5-hour-long trip to Turkey’s northernmost city, Sinop, Via Kastamonu. Upon arrival, take a lunch break in a local restaurant and visit Sinop Castle, built in the 8th century BC, and the famous Sinop Historic Prison, known as the Alcatraz of Anatolia. The prison, the subject of many novels, was built inside the castle in 1568 and was used until it was closed and turned into a museum in 1999. Afterwards, 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. e will depart for Samsun (approx. 2 hrs - 150 Km )   
Dinner and accommodation in  Samsun  ( Breakfast – Dinner )  

After an early breakfast, we will depart for Samsun (approx. 2 hrs). After an enjoyable ride along the coastline, we’ll arrive at our destination and start exploring the city 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. Afterwards, we will visit 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 to 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 city's highest hill, and have a relaxing cup of coffee here while enjoying the views. Afterwards, we will return to the town, have lunch at a local restaurant, and continue towards Giresun. We will see the Giresun Island and Giresun Castle, built during the reign of Pontus Ruler Farnakes. Giresun is also famous for the world’s most oily and quality hazelnuts. Finally, we will drive to Mavigöl Nature Park and Kuzalan Falls, located 45 km from the city centre.
Dinner and accommodation in Trabzon.  ( Breakfast – Dinner )

We will set off for Trabzon early in the morning and first visit the tea factory in Tirebolu, known for its unique local teas. We will cross the Zigana Pass, which has preserved its importance as a gateway on trade routes since ancient times, and reach Hamsiköy, a typical Black Sea village surrounded by nature. Located 1300 meters over the Kaçkar Mountains, Hamsiköy is famous for its trekking, mountain biking activities, and delicious rice pudding. We will reach Altındere Valley, bypassing Coşandere and Maçka, known for their stony roads.

Next, we will visit the Sumela Monastery (Panagia Soumela Monastery), a Greek Orthodox monastery and church complex built on a mountain slope 1150 m above sea level by carving inside the rocks between 360 and 395 AD. The complex consists of priest chambers, a kitchen, chapels, and aqueducts adorned with frescoes.

We will take a lunch break at a local restaurant in Maçka and drive to Trabzon. Upon arrival, we will visit Trabzon Hagia Sophia Church in Trabzon, built between 1238 and 1265 during the Komnenos Kingdom and known for its frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and Torah. Next, we will visit the Atatürk Pavilion, built by a Greek businessman in 1890 and gifted to Atatürk. In Trabzon, you can shop at precious handmade jewellery shops and learn about the Kazaziye and Silver Filigree artworks, which are unique to Trabzon.
Dinner and accommodation in Trabzon.  ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit a knife workshop in Sürmene, known for its custom-made knives from Sürmene steel. Afterwards, we will go to Uzungöl, via the towns of Çaykara and Of, to enjoy its world-famous scenery. Visit a Rize fabric (Feretiko) workshop, which is one of the most important traditional handicrafts of Rize. After shopping here, we will head for the Çeceva Village tea gardens in Çayeli town. Let's drink our tea while enjoying the tea gardens with a dreamy natural view, among the best quality teas in the world. Then, a rest and lunch break at Fırtına Creek ( Fırtına Deresi ). Visit local restaurants where Zipline and Rafting activities are also available. We visit the 1700-year-old Zilkale and arrive at the Ayder plateau.
Ayder Yaylası (Ayder Plateau) is 19 km from Camlıhemsin town, at an altitude of 1218 m. It is within walking distance of Gürgendibi and Gelintülü Waterfalls. In addition to its rich flora and fauna, it is also famous for its hot springs. Take a relaxing walk to enjoy this lovely plateau, have a cup of tea while chatting with the local people in the open air, and admire the magnificent views of Ayder Yaylası.
Dinner and accommodation in Ayder Yaylası or Hopa.   ( Breakfast – Dinner )

** You can join a unique entertainment program with regional Black Sea dances and music in the evening.

After breakfast, we head for the Georgian border from Rize. Welcoming the guests by our guide on the Turkish side of the Sarp border gate, after passport control, we started our tour of Batumi, the shore city of Georgia. Visit the Batumi Botanical Park, one of the largest botanical parks in the world; Gonio Bridge and the Asparos Castle (Gonia) are believed to be the tomb of St. Matthew the Evangelist, one of the 12 Apostles said to have written the Gospel. Europe Square, the Clock Tower, the Georgian Alphabet Monument, the Ali & Nino statue, the Medea and Argonauts monument, the Adjara History and Ethnography Museum, the Posseidon Statue, etc

After getting to know the city with our guide, you'll have free time. During this time, you can enjoy cafes, shops, and night and day casinos, popular among foreign and domestic tourists. You can also try local dishes and regional Georgian wines.
Accommodation in Batumi ( Breakfast )

Note: If you take prescribed medication, you can take only one day of pills through Georgian customs.

After breakfast in Batumi, visit the Batumi Botanical Park, one of the largest botanical parks in the world, located in the Chakvi region. Then, via Samtredia, arrive in Kutaisi, the second largest city in Georgia. Visit the Bagrationi Cathedral and Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi. Then, pass through the Rikoti tunnel from Zestaponi and arrive in Gori.

After visiting the house where Soviet leader Stalin was born and the World War II museum in Gori, we will see the city of Metskheta, one of the ancient capitals of Georgia, and Svetishoveli Cathedral. also visit the Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century monument overlooking the Aragvi and Kvari rivers, and the capital city late in the evening. We will then arrive in Tbilisi. Check-in and stay at our hotel in the heart of the town in the Avlabari region of Tbilisi. 
Accommodation in Tbilisi ( Breakfast )

After late breakfast at our hotel, we took a Tbilisi city tour. Some of the main places we will see are Metehkhi Bridge, Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral, Peace Bridge, Mother of Georgia Statue, Narikala castle, Sulfur baths, Turkish Mosque, Sameba Cathedral, Antique market, Tbilisi metro, Freedom Square, Opera House, Georgian Parliament, Georgian National Museum, etc. Lunch break at a Local restaurant. At the end of the tour, you can have a delicious dinner with local wines at a restaurant of your choice with the advice of your guide.
Accommodation in Tbilisi ( Breakfast )

If your departure flight time from Tbilisi is after 5.00 pm (17.00), we will tour Kagheti and Sighnagi.
After breakfast in our hotel in Tbilisi, departure to the Kakheti plain, Georgia's wine region, located in the east of Tbilisi, arrival to the town of Sighnagi, famous for its long historical walls, original architecture and 24-hour marriage hall, and a commanding position overlooking the Caucasus mountains, Sighnagi tour. After visiting the wine cellars and tasting wine in the Kakheti plain, return to Tbilisi.
Transfer to Tbilisi Airport, and take a Flight to your country. ( Breakfast )

Note: Flight to Istanbul from Tbilisi International Airport  (THY and PEGASUS flights after 16.00 should be preferred)