Uzungol
Trabzon
Commence an enchanting 8-day journey exploring the vibrant charm of Istanbul and the serene beauty of Turkey's Black Sea region. Begin in Istanbul, where historic wonders like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque meet lively bazaars and scenic Bosphorus views. Then, retreat to the lush landscapes of the Black Sea, known for its rolling tea plantations, picturesque villages, and peaceful coastal charm. A highlight of your trip is a stay in cozy & luxurious bungalows in Ayder, nestled amidst verdant valleys and cascading waterfalls—a perfect escape into nature's tranquility. This tour promises a harmonious blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, ideal for travelers seeking urban vibrance and rural serenity alike!
✔ 6-11 Years Old Children: 30% Discount
✔ 1-5 Years Old Children: 60% Discount
✔ Especial discount for (6+ people) private groups
(we do NOT have mixed group tours)
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8 Days Istanbul & Black Sea
Breathtaking Sceneries!
Tour Type: Private Basis (Escorted)
Start City: Istanbul
End City: Istanbul
Overnights: (by itinerary order)
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Istanbul: 2 nights
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Trabzon: 2 nights
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Uzungol: 1 night
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Rize-Ayder: 1 night
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Istanbul: 1 night
Domestic Flights: 2 (each max 1hr45m)
Road Trip: Yes
Transportations: Luxury vans
Accommodation: 7 nights / 4* Hotels & Bungalows
TOUR SUMMARY
What's included, what's not!
INCLUSIONS:
✔ All Accommodations in 4* Hotels & Bungalows
✔ All Breakfasts + Lunches(on tour)
✔ All Entrance Fees for Sites
✔ All Domestic Flights
✔ All Transportations by Luxury Vans
✔ Guiding by Professional Licensed Tour Guide
✔ Tips at Hotels & Restaurants
EXCLUSIONS:
- International Flights(click for cheap flights)
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Tips to Tour Guides and Drivers
- Optional Activities
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Istanbul / Arrival - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Dinner)
Welcome to Turkey!! After landing at one of the Istanbul airports, you'll be welcomed at the exit gate by your tour guide (holding a sign with your name on it) and will be transferred by a VIP van/bus to your hotel. There are two international airports in Istanbul. (IST and SAW). At either one, after collecting your luggage, follow the exit signs and go to the exit gate. ▶ At IST airport, you need to exit from gate No.14 and meet your tour guide. ▶ At SAW airport, there's only one exit gate where you'll be welcomed by your tour guide. Today, we have no planned activity, so you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight: Istanbul Meals: N/A
Day 2: Walking Tour in Old Istanbul - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After having an open buffet breakfast at the hotel, you'll be picked up by your tour guide to begin the Istanbul city tour. Istanbul is a vibrant blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and modern urban life. The main historical part of Istanbul is called Old Istanbul where you will be amazed by witnessing the fascinating Byzantine(East Roman) and Ottoman empires' historical and cultural structures. In today's tour, we will visit the following highlights of Old Istanbul: Topkapi Palace: Explore the former palace of Ottoman sultans, showcasing imperial collections, courtyards, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. This palace was the first administrative palace of the Ottoman Empire after conquering the city. Hagia Sophia: This iconic building has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Hagia Sophia is known for its massive dome and innovative architectural design. It was considered the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Known for its stunning blue tiles, this mosque is a significant religious and architectural landmark with 6 minarets. This mosque has a capacity of more than 10000 prayers. Hippodrome: A chariot-racing track originally constructed by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in AD 203 and later expanded by Constantine the Great in the 4th century. Grand Bazaar: Finally, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4000 shops. After finishing your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 3: Flight from Istanbul to Trabzon - Overnight in Trabzon (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After breakfast, you'll check out from your hotel in Istanbul and will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Trabzon. This flight takes 1hr45m. As soon as you land in Trabzon, you'll be transferred to your hotel and will have time to explore the neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful coast of the Black Sea. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Trabzon 4* Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 4: Trabzon – Sumela Tour - Overnight in Trabzon (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll start your tour. Today we begin our trip by visiting the 4th-century Sumela Monastery and Altindere National Park. Later on, we drive you up to Zigana Mountain, crossing the mountain with spectacular views of villages on the Pontic Mountains. We arrive at Gümüshane to visit Karaca Cave, considered the most beautiful in Turkey for its colors and formations. After finishing your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Trabzon 4* Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 5: Trabzon to Uzungol Tour - Overnight in Uzungol (Hotel/Bungalow)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
Following breakfast, you will complete the hotel check out from your hotel in Trabzon and begin your tour. Today we will explore the highlights of Trabzon City; study the extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes in the 13th-century church of St. Sophia, visit Ataturk’s Mansion on Soguksu Hill facing the Black Sea with a mesmerizing view, Girls’ Monastery on Boztepe Hill, Sera Lake on the way to Akçaabat, lunch at a seaside restaurant serving famous Akcaabat Meatball. In the afternoon we drive to Uzungol (Long Lake). It’s a hidden paradise in the Pontic Alps. We hike around the lake and village and check in to our wooden hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Uzungol (Hotel / Bungalows) Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 6: Uzungol to Rize Tour - Overnight in Rize/Ayder Plateau (Hotel/Bungalow)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
After breakfast, you’ll check out from your hotel in Uzungol and begin your daytime tour. Today we will begin with a short break at Rize for a panoramic view of the city from the Botany Garden, we visit kiwi and tea plantations here, and then we arrive at Firtina (Storm) Valley which takes us to Ayder Plateau. Before arriving in Ayder we will see Camlihemsin, Konaklar, Senyuva Bridge, ZilKale. Gentle trekking to Goksu Fall which is the highest and most beautiful in the region. After finishing your tour and the optional activities mentioned below, you’ll be transferred to your hotel/Bungalow in Ayder. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Ayder / Bungalow Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 7: Flight to Istanbul from Trabzon Airport - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
Following breakfast, you’ll check out from your hotel in Ayder and begin your journey to Trabzon Airport. Depending on your flight time and the season/month you come, we will visit more places in the area before we head to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. We may explore that beautiful Alpine Plateau Ayder, traditionally dressed village ladies, thermal springs, and waterfalls dropping down from hundreds of meters. After finishing your tour, you will be transferred to Trabzon Airport to fly to Istanbul. We have booked your Istanbul hotel in the Taksim Square area so you can enjoy the most famous nightlife neighborhood of Istanbul and the crowded Istiklal Street. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Istanbul (Taksim) Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 8: Istanbul / Departure
(Meals: Breakfast)
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to check out and will be transported to the airport for your departure flight. We sincerely hope you’ve cherished every moment of your vacation and are leaving with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories and photos! We can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure. Safe travels! 😇 Overnight: N/A Meals: Breakfast