Grand Black Sea & Highland Wonders Tour – 12 Days from Tokat to Artvin
Highlights
- Discover Tokat Castle and the ancient wonders of Ballica Cave
- Cruise along the Yesilirmak River and visit the King Tombs in Amasya
- Explore Bandirma Ferry and the Ataturk Museum in Samsun
- Visit Yason Church, enjoy a scenic cable car ride and Ulugöl Nature Park in Ordu
- Explore Giresun Island, Kuzulan Waterfall, and Giresun Museum
- Visit the iconic Sumela Monastery and tranquil Uzungöl Lake in Trabzon
- Tour the Trabzon Hagia Sophia Church and city center
- Engage in a cultural immersion in Rize: hazelnut picking, tea crafting, local dancing
- Walk through tea fields and visit the scenic Ayder Plateau
- Discover Karagöl National Park, Savsat Lake, and Hell’s Creek Canyon in Artvin
Overview
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Turkey’s untouched northern gems with the Grand Black Sea & Highland Wonders Tour. Starting from the historic city of Tokat and ending in the scenic heights of Artvin, this immersive itinerary unveils the rich blend of natural beauty, ancient architecture, and deep-rooted local culture along the Black Sea coast.
Explore timeless cities like Amasya, Samsun, Ordu, and Trabzon. Marvel at the soaring cliffs of Sumela Monastery, the serenity of Uzungöl Lake, the dramatic canyons of Artvin, and the endless tea plantations of Rize. Experience local crafts, Ottoman heritage, and highland life while traveling through lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountain ranges.
This tour is perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural explorers seeking a truly authentic northern Turkey experience.
Route
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View the route on Google MapsItinerary
Arrive in Tokat via the Sivas Airport and meet your driver who will take you to the hotel. After you settle in, you'll meet your tour guide and hear the details of the trip. Tokat.
Start your first day touring out with the Tokat Castle and other historical monuments in the city. Explore the Ballica Cave before heading to the city of Amasya.
Amasya is known as the city of Sehzadeler is famous for its King Tombs from the Pontus period. See these tombs as well as the Yesilirmak River and historic mansions. From Amasya, get your first glimpse of the Black Sea in the seaside town of Samsun
In Samsun, see the Bandirma Ferry and the Ataturk Museum. This is where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, started the liberation war. From Samsun, head east along the coastline to the picturesque city of Ordu.
The charming small town of Ordu stands out with its natural beauty. See Yason Church and take a cable car ride, soaking in the gorgeous scenery surrounding you! Visit Ulugol Nature Park before heading to Giresun for the night.
The province of Giresun is famous for its highlands. While in Giresun, visit Giresun Island, the Kuzalan Waterfall, and Giresun Museum (a historical church). As you explore, you will see many beautiful natural lakes and plateaus around Giresun. Head east to Trabzon.
Trabzon is a wonderful city with ancient roads and a port that connects the Black Sea to the whole world. See the iconic Sumela Monastery, situated above the clouds on a cliff. This 1600-year-old Orthodox Christian Monastery sits 1200 meters up in the air among the Pontic Mountains. It is truly an incredible sight. The interior boasts frescoes from the 18th Century and was used until 1923 when it became a museum. From there, head to Uzungol (Long Lake) Nature Park and enjoy a gorgeous sunset.
Explore the city center of Trabzon. See the Trabzon Hagia Sophia Church and the Trabzon Castle. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of the area as you visit the Old City.
This morning, visit "The Hazelnut Oven" where you will weave baskets, pick hazelnuts and make chocolates. Learn about the local culture by trying out traditional dances and clothing. Drive east along the sea to Rize. Rize is the only place in the world where tea naturally grows under snow! See the Zil Castle, Palovit waterfall, and Kackar Mountain National Park.
See tea fields (what makes this gorgeous area of Turkey world famous) and learn about the process of producing tea. Visit the mountain plateau town of Ayder. Venture further east toward the Georgian border to the province of Artvin.
Artvin is full of endless breathtaking landscapes and green forests. Visit Savsat Lake, Borcka Karagol National Park, and Hell's Creek Canyon. See many churches and monasteries in this valley before staying overnight in Artvin.
Rest, reflect and get ready for your journey home. Say goodbye to your tour guide who is sure to have become a friend. Your driver will escort you to the airport. We will work with you to choose the best airport for your departure.
Trip includes
Included
1 nights hotel in Tokat - Silk Road Museum Hotel or similar
1 nights hotel in Amasya - 4 Stars Hotel or Boutique hotel beside the Green River or similar
1 nights hotel in Samsun - 4 Stars Hotel North Point Hotel or similar
1 nights hotel in Ordu - City Balıktaşı Hotel or similar
1 nights hotel in Giresun Huseyin Hotel or similar
4 nights hotel in Trabzon - 4 Stars Hotel Usta Hotel or similar
2 nights hotel in Artvin - Mars Otel Artvin or similar
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Guiding Method Fully guided
English
11 open buffet breakfasts
Arrival airport transfer from Tokat or Sivas Airport
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Return transfer to Istanbul Ataturk airport
Guided Tokat Castle Ballica Cave Tour
Guided Amasya King Tombs , Yesilirmak River , Historic Mansions Tour
Guided Samsun Bandirma Ferry - Ataturk Museum Tour
Guided Ordu Yason Church - Cable Car - Ulugol Nature Park Tour
Guided Giresun Giresun Island - Kuzulan Waterfall - Giresun Museum Tour
Guided Trabzon Sumela Monastery - Long Lake Nature Park Tour
Guided Trabzon Trabzon Hagia Sophia Church - Trabzon City Center Tour
Guided Rize Cultural Tour -Zil Castle - Palovit Waterfall - Kackar Mountain National Park Tour
Guided Tea Fields – Ayder Tour
Guided Artvin Savsat Lake -Karagol National Park -Hell's Creek Canyon -Georgian Valley Churches and Monasteries Tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Grand Black Sea & Highland Wonders Tour – 12 Days
From Tokat to Artvin
Key Info & Tips – Good to Know
Weather: The Black Sea region has a mild and humid climate. Summers are pleasantly warm, but be prepared for occasional rain showers, especially in highland areas like Artvin. Pack layers and waterproof clothing.
Terrain: Expect a mix of coastal views, lush green hills, and mountainous terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for nature trails and city exploration.
Cultural Highlights: This tour offers a rich blend of history, from ancient Roman and Ottoman sites in Tokat and Amasya to traditional Black Sea culture in Trabzon and Artvin. Local hospitality is warm and genuine.
Cuisine: Don’t miss tasting regional specialties such as hamsi (anchovies), kuymak (cornmeal with cheese), and local teas. Fresh mountain herbs and trout dishes are also common.
Transport: Travel involves a combination of comfortable coach rides between cities and some light walking. Roads in mountainous areas may be winding.
Language: Turkish is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, but knowing a few basic Turkish phrases can enhance your experience.
Health & Safety: The region is generally safe. Stay hydrated and follow guides’ advice during outdoor activities, especially in highland and forest areas.
Currency & Payments: Turkish Lira (TRY) is used. Cash is preferred in smaller towns and markets, while credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities.
Connectivity: Mobile coverage is good in urban areas but may be limited in remote mountain regions. Consider downloading offline maps.
Local Etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and ask permission before photographing people.
Excluded
Domestic & International flights
Insurance: All types
Turkey entry visa
Tipping
Lunch And Dinner
Hotel room taxes
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section
Need help or have a question about this tour?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
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Availability
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