Black Sea & Istanbul Explorer: 12 Day Cultural Odyssey

Culture & Historical Tours From Istanbul to Istanbul

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Duration
12 days

Tour languages
English

Guiding type
Fully guided

Group size
1 - 40

Hygiene protocol
Included

Budget Class
comfort

Physical Rating
easy

Suitable ages
11 - 99

Tour overview

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day coastal odyssey that begins with a magical Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul and winds northward along Turkey’s storied Black Sea coast before crossing into Georgia’s Batumi. You’ll delve into Istanbul’s imperial heart, savor island serenity on the Princes’ Islands, and wander Safranbolu’s UNESCO-listed Ottoman streets. From Turkey’s modern capital Ankara to the ancient cliffside Sumela Monastery near Trabzon, every day reveals new landscapes and cultures. Experience misty lakes at Uzungöl, fragrant tea gardens in Rize, the high-mountain pastures of Ayder Plateau, and the vibrant seaside boulevard of Batumi. Conclude in Erzurum, uncovering Seljuk‐era marvels before your departure. This is the ultimate blend of history, nature, and cross-border discovery

Tour Roude : Istanbul - Safranbolu - Ankara - Trabzon - Uzungol - Rize - Artvin - Erzurum

Highlights

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise beneath illuminated palaces and bridges
Istanbul Old City (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern)
Horse-drawn carriage ride on Buyukada, Princes’ Islands
UNESCO Safranbolu walking tour of timber-framed mansions
Ankara’s Anıtkabir & Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Sumela Monastery cliffside complex & Hamsiköy sütlaç tasting
Uzungöl lakeside hike, optional paragliding, and local craft visits
Sürmene knife workshop → Rize tea factory → Zilkale fortress → Ayder Plateau
Cross into Georgia: Gonio-Apsaros Castle, Batumi Boulevard, Europe Square
Artvin’s Çoruh River vistas → Hopa port → scenic return to Erzurum

Itinerary

Day {item.day}: {item.title}

VISITED PLACES

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Routes

Included

Accommodation

3
nights hotel in Istanbul - Central Palace Hotel

1 nights hotel in Safranbolu - Süleyman Bey Konağı

1 night hotel in Ankara - Güvenay Business Hotel

2 night hotel in Trabzon - City Port Hotel

1 night hotel in Uzungol - Poyraz Hotel Uzungöl

1 night hotel in Rize - Hotel Milano Rize

1 night hotel in Artvin - Villa Da Otel

1 night hotel in Erzurum - Ramada By Wyndham Erzurum

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost

Guide

Professional English
speaking tour guide during the tour

Meals

Meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary

Other included

All Tour Transportation

Transportation in a fully air-conditioned,
non-smoking coach

All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Dinner
Bosphorus Cruise
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Princes’ Islands Tour
Guided Safranbolu Tour
Guided Ankara Tour
Guided Sumela Monastery – Hamsikoy Tour
Guided Uzungol Tour
Guided Sürmene - Rize - Cayeli - Zilkale - Ayder Plateau Tour
Guided Hopa, Georgia Batumi, Artvin Tour
Guided Erzurum Tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel
Room Taxes

Hygiene protocol

·
Group Size & Transport: Max 16 guests; private
A/C coach & two domestic flights (Ankara→Trabzon, Trabzon→Istanbul).

·
Accommodation: 3–4★
hotels (Istanbul × 3, Safranbolu, Ankara, Trabzon × 2, Uzungöl, Rize, Artvin,
Erzurum; mountain lodge in Ayder).

·
Meals: Daily breakfasts; 9 lunches; 1 dinner
cruise; restaurant dinners on touring days.

·
Fitness & Footwear: Moderate walking on
uneven historic sites and light hikes; sturdy shoes recommended.

·
Entry Fees & Extras: All itinerary entrance
fees included; optional fees (Topkapı, Basilica Cistern) paid on-site.

·
Visas & Border: Turkish & Georgian
e-visa required; passport valid ≥ 6 months.

·
Climate & Packing: Coastal temps 15–25
°C; mountain nights drop to 5–15 °C—pack layers and rain gear.

·
Currency & Connectivity: Turkish ₺ &
Georgian ₾; ATMs in major towns. Local SIM or roaming for data.

·
Optional Add-Ons: Hamam experience in
Istanbul; Uzungöl paragliding; Rize tea-plucking session.

·
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended
to cover activities and cross-border travel.

Excluded

Flights

International and Domestic flight tickets

Insurance

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Transport

All airport transfers and domestic flight (Ankara → Trabzon, Trabzon → Istanbul)

Other not included

Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)

Dinner meals (unless mentioned)

Optional entrance tickets (Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern)

Tips for guide and driver

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