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 14 days in the Black Sea, Turkey.
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, with free time after check-in. You can start discovering the streets of Istanbul at your own will.   
Accommodation in Istanbul. 

Our guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 08:30, and we’ll start the day's tour.
Saint Sophia, also known as Hagia Sophia, was built by Emperor Justinian between 532 and 537. Designed and built as a church, Hagia Sophia was later converted into a mosque in the Ottoman period and became a museum.
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 from the Ottoman Imperial Treasury, including daggers decorated with precious diamonds and stones, swords, war armour, the Spoonmaker's Diamond, crystals, silver items, and Chinese porcelain, as well as elegant dresses once worn by sultans and their family members.

Afterwards, we’ll have a lunch break at a local restaurant (included)
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, the Egyptian Obelisk, the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, 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 that lend the mosque its name.
The Grand Bazaar, the world's oldest and largest covered bazaar, comprises 61 covered streets. It is home to more than 4,000 shops selling a wide range of items, from carpets, jewellery, leather, and souvenirs to garments. End of the tour and transfer to the hotel.
Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
Accommodation in Istanbul. ( Breakfast )

After breakfast, we will depart for Abant Lake in Bolu (approximately 300 km, 5 hours). 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 in 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 traditional handicrafts of the region. The legacy of the Ahi order is still evident in the town, where the Yıldırım Beyazıt Mosque, built in 1374, and the Turkish Bath, built in 1382, have been in operation for nearly 700 years. After we tour the Mudurnu Museum, old bazaar, and historical buildings, we will continue to Abant Lake.
Abant Lake is a crater lake renowned for its natural beauty, situated in the lush forests of Bolu at an altitude of 1,350 meters and designated as a nature park.
We will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local dishes. For the rest of the day, we will take nature walks by the water in the forest and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee while taking in this lush natural setting. You can join a horseback riding tour or take a ride in 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. Visit a walking cane workshop in Devrek, renowned for its stylish and high-quality handmade walking canes, each with a unique design.

Arrive at ancient Amasra, built on a natural harbour and peninsula stretching out to the sea. Known for its natural beauty, beaches, historic castle, and unique fish restaurants, Amasra boasts a history dating back 5,000 years. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and start exploring the town. Afterwards, 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 visit the Safranbolu Mansions, famous for their unique architectural style, the historical Government Building, Clock Tower, Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Mosque, and the sundial in its courtyard, as well as the Cinci Inn and 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.
Sinop: Upon arrival in Sinop, 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 within the castle in 1568 and remained in use until it was closed and converted into a museum in 1999. Afterwards, we will discover the Akliman Nature Park and the Hamsilos Fjord. Then, we will visit the northernmost point of Turkey, İnceburun, and see the scenic lighthouse located 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  Jason Church. Upon our arrival in Ordu, we will take the cable car to Boztepe, the city's highest point, and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee while taking in the views. Afterwards, we will return to the town, have lunch at a local restaurant, and continue towards Giresun. Giresun is also famous for producing the world’s finest and most oily hazelnuts.
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 retained its importance as a gateway on trade routes since ancient times, and reach Hamsiköy, a typical Black Sea village nestled in nature and located 1300 meters above the Kaçkar Mountains. We will reach Altındere Valley, bypassing Coşandere and Maçka, known for their stony roads. Arrival and visit of Sumela Monastery, approximately a 10-15 minute walk on a steep path.
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 the Trabzon Hagia Sophia Church, built between 1238 and 1265 during the Komnenos Kingdom, and known for its frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and the Torah. Next, we will visit the Atatürk Pavilion, which was built by a Greek businessman in 1890 and later 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.
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 travel to Uzungöl via the towns of Çaykara and Of to enjoy its world-renowned scenery. Visit a Rize fabric (Feretiko) workshop, one of the most important traditional handicrafts in Rize. After shopping here, we will head for the Çeceva Village tea gardens in Çayeli town. Let's enjoy our tea while taking in the stunning natural view of the tea gardens, surrounded by some of the world's finest teas. 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.
Acommodation in Ayder Yaylası ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast, we head for the Georgian border.  Welcoming the guests with our guide on the Turkish side of the Sarp border gate, after passing through passport control, we began our tour of Batumi, Georgia's seaside city.
The Gonio Bridge and the Asparos Castle (Gonia) are believed to be the site of the tomb of St. Matthew the Evangelist, one of the 12 Apostles, who is said to have written one of the Gospels. Sightseeing and visiting the Ethnography Museum, the Poseidon Statue, etc
You'll have free time after getting to know the city with our guide. During this time, you can enjoy cafes, shops, and casinos that are open 24 hours a day, which are popular among both foreign and domestic tourists. You can also try local dishes and regional Georgian wines.
Accommodation in Batumi ( Breakfast )

Note: If you are taking prescribed medication, you can take only the accommodation day's worth 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.
Gori: Visit the house where Soviet leader Stalin was born and the World War II museum in Gori. We will explore the city of Mtskheta, one of Georgia's ancient capitals, and the Svetishvili Cathedral. We will 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 breakfast at our hotel in Tbilisi, we depart for the Kakheti plain, Georgia's wine region, located east of Tbilisi. We arrive in the town of Sighnagi, famous for its long historical walls, original architecture, and 24-hour marriage hall, as well as its commanding position overlooking the Caucasus Mountains. We then embark on a Sighnagi tour.
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 )

After breakfast at our hotel, we took a tour of Tbilisi city. Some of the main places we will see include Metekhi 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, and Georgian National Museum, among others.
Lunch break in a local restaurant.
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)