Departure Points: Adnan Menderes Airport
Places to Visit: Trabzon – Hamsiköy – Sümela Monastery – Filigree and Kazaziye – Uzungöl - Çeçeva Tea Gardens – Fırtına Stream – Çamlıhemşin – Çinçiva (Şenyuva Village) – Zilkale – Palovit Waterfall – Ayder Plateau - Borçka Karagöl – Sarp Border Gate – Batumi – Georgian Night - Sarp Border Gate - Çeçeva Tea Gardens (Haremtepe Village) – Sürmene Knife Workshop - Tea Factory – Atatürk Mansion - Trabzon – Airport Transfer
From Nature’s Gallery to the Unique Valleys of the Black Sea
On the first day of our tour, we will be ready at Adnan Menderes Airport at least two hours before our morning flight for baggage and ticket procedures. After completing our procedures, we take our Trabzon flight at 06:20. Following our pleasant journey, which will take about 1.5 hours, we arrive in Trabzon, the gateway to the unique nature of the Black Sea. Meeting our vehicle waiting for us at the airport, we begin to discover the enchanting geography of the Black Sea, where green meets blue.
Our first stop is Hamsiköy, which resembles postcards with its view among the mist, accompanied by the enchanting scenery of the Zigana Mountains. Here, with a magnificent view, we will have our breakfast, which our guests who wish may take as an extra. This charming village, located on the slopes of the Zigana Mountains, is especially known for the Hamsiköy rice pudding that has become famous throughout Turkey. During the break we will give here, guests who wish may taste the famous rice pudding (extra) and take photos accompanied by unique mountain views.
After our visit to Hamsiköy, we turn our route toward Maçka and arrive at Altındere National Park, one of the most important natural protected areas of the Black Sea. After the journey we will make by minibuses along the Coşandere Valley (extra), we complete an approximately 350-meter walking trail and reach Sümela Monastery, built on the steep cliffs of Karadağ like an eagle’s nest.
This magnificent structure, dated to the fourth century, is of great importance both in terms of Christian history and Black Sea culture. Accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we tour the parts of the monastery open to visitors; we have the opportunity to photograph the historical frescoes, rock architecture, and the breathtaking view dominating the valley.
After our visit to Sümela Monastery, we head to our restaurant to taste Akçaabat Meatballs, one of the most famous flavors of Black Sea cuisine. Guests who wish may have their lunch here as an extra.
After our meal break, following the Of – Çaykara route, we head toward Uzungöl, which has become a symbol of the Black Sea. Along the way, we take a shopping break where we can closely get to know the handicrafts unique to Trabzon. We give a short shopping break at a store where you can see and purchase traditional handcrafted products such as Trabzon hash, filigree, and kazaziye.
When we arrive at Uzungöl; dense forests surrounding the lake, wooden highland houses, suspension bridges, and the peaceful atmosphere of nature welcome us. During the free time we will have here, you can walk around the lake, enjoy the view, and experience the unique nature of the Black Sea up close.
For guests who wish, the Lustra and Karaster Highlands Tour is offered as an extra option. As we ascend by minibuses to an altitude of approximately 2400 meters, we stop for photo breaks at scenic viewpoints; by taking short walks along the highland roads, we get the chance to view Uzungöl from above. Guests who do not join the extra tour may spend their free time in Uzungöl.
At the end of the day, we leave Uzungöl and head to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Food and Beverage Information:
Breakfast: Will be Served at the Hotel as a Set Menu or Open Buffet (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will Be Taken at a Suitable Restaurant in Trabzon (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be Served at the Hotel as a Set Menu or Open Buffet (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Trabzon / Golden Inn Hotel, Çaykara Park Hotel, Grand Çaykaram Hotel, Royal Comfort Hotel, Arsen Hotel, Bayrak Grand Hotel, Grand 464 Hotel, Rhisos Gold Hotel and similar hotels.
Accommodation: Golden Inn Hotel, Çaykara Park Hotel, Grand Çaykaram Hotel, Royal Comfort Hotel, Arsen Hotel, Bayrak Grand Hotel, Grand 464 Hotel, Rhisos Gold Hotel and similar hotels.
From the Storm Valley to the Sea of Clouds in the Heart of the Black Sea
We begin the third day of our tour with the breakfast we will have at our hotel. In the morning, we first visit the Rize Cloth Workshop, one of the important symbols of Black Sea culture. Here, we learn about the region’s traditional weaving culture and have the opportunity to closely see the production stages of Rize cloth. Guests who wish may also shop for local products.
Then we head to Ayder Plateau, one of the first places that comes to mind when the Black Sea is mentioned. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,350 meters, Ayder Plateau is one of the most special regions of the Black Sea with its lush nature, thermal springs, and unique atmosphere. Here we see Gelintülü Waterfall and Horon Plain, and free time is given to enjoy the plateau atmosphere.
After our Ayder visit, we continue toward Ardeşen and arrive at our facility located on the shore of the Storm Valley. During the free time we will have here, guests who wish may have lunch consisting of regional delicacies for an extra fee. You will also have the chance to try Laz böreği, one of the indispensable flavors of Black Sea cuisine.
After our meal break, fun-filled activities begin for adrenaline and nature lovers. The zipline activity offered as an extra over the Storm Creek, with a course approximately 10 meters high and 400 meters long, provides exciting moments. Guests who wish may join the extra rafting activity, which lasts about 1.5 hours, under the guidance of expert instructors and experience an unforgettable adventure in the lively waters of the Black Sea. In addition, with the extra giant swing and ATV safari activities, we have the opportunity to make our day even more colorful.
After the fun moments, we arrive in Çamlıhemşin. In this region, one of the Black Sea’s most special natural spots, those who wish will transfer to our minibuses for our extra plateau tours. On plateau tours, which will be carried out depending on weather conditions and sufficient participation, the opportunity is offered to discover the purest and most impressive nature of the Black Sea.
Plateau Tour Package
Çinçiva Village (Şenyuva) – Palovit Waterfall – Zilkale – Boxwood Forests – Elevit Plateau
On this tour, we visit Şenyuva (Çinçiva) Village, one of the most iconic points of the Storm Valley. In the area, which stands out with its stone arch bridges, wooden houses, and authentic village atmosphere, we take pleasant walks and capture unique photos. Then we see Palovit Waterfall, one of the strongest waterfalls of the Black Sea. Afterward, we view the historic Zilkale, which stands out with its commanding position over the valley, and proceed through the Boxwood Forests, considered one of the world’s most special ecosystems, to reach Elevit Plateau. We make pleasant stops where we can fully enjoy the plateau atmosphere.
Plateau Tour Package
Çinçiva Village (Şenyuva) – Zilkale – Pokut Plateau – Sal Plateau
Our alternative plateau tour again starts with Şenyuva Village, then we visit the historic Zilkale. After that, we go up to Pokut Plateau, which has one of the most impressive views of the Black Sea. On this plateau, famous for its sea of clouds view, we feel the enchanting atmosphere of nature and take unique photos. Our tour continues with a visit to Sal Plateau, which preserves its natural character and draws attention with its postcard-like scenery.
Guests who do not wish to join the extra plateau tours may spend free time in Çamlıhemşin. We especially recommend the plateau tours to our guests who want to see the nature of the Black Sea in its most impressive form.
After this beautiful day full of nature, adventure, and Black Sea culture, we head to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.
Food and Beverage Information:
Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel as a set menu or open buffet (included in the tour price)
Lunch: Will be served at a facility in the Storm Valley (extra/optional)
Dinner: Will be served at the hotel as a set menu or open buffet (included in the tour price)
Accommodation: Rize / Patulya Hotel, Oris Green Hotel, Çay Boutique Hotel, Huzur Konak Hotel, Zafran Hotel, Ceymakçur Zafran Hotel, Doğra Resort Hotel, Oris Hotel, Natura Hotel and similar hotels.
Accommodation: Rize / Patulya Hotel, Oris Green Hotel, Çay Boutique Hotel, Huzur Konak Hotel, Zafran Hotel, Ceymakçur Zafran Hotel, Doğra Resort Hotel, Oris Hotel, Natura Hotel and similar hotels.
The Colorful World of Batumi from the Black Sea to the Caucasus
We start the fourth day of our tour with the breakfast we will have at our hotel. Today’s program awaits us with a special route where we will see together the unique nature of the Black Sea and the modern face of Caucasian culture.
In the morning hours, with our guests who wish to join us, we head toward Karagöl, known as a “hidden paradise” for its natural beauty, located within the borders of Borçka district of Artvin, for our Borçka Karagöl extra tour (extra). In Borçka, we will transfer to minibuses and set off for our Karagöl visit. Formed by a landslide dam lake, Karagöl offers its visitors a natural beauty where time seems to stand still, thanks to the dense forest cover surrounding it and its silence and peaceful atmosphere. Guests who do not wish to join this extra tour may spend free time in Borçka town center. After our visit to Karagöl, we return to Borçka by minibuses and get back on our vehicle.
After this enjoyable visit immersed in nature, we reach the Sarp Border Gate via Hopa and enter Georgia after our identity procedures are completed. We begin our journey toward Batumi, located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and notable for its modern structure.
First, we head to the Makhuntseti region near Batumi. There, we visit an authentic wine house (Adjarian Wine House) where we can closely get to know wine production, one of the most important traditions of Georgian culture. Guests who wish may taste Georgian wines and shop (entrance fee extra).
Then, we see the historic Makhuntseti Stone Bridge, believed to have been built during the period of Georgian Queen Tamar. After that, we take a short walk and photo break at Makhuntseti Waterfall, located amid lush green nature. We enjoy pleasant moments accompanied by the waterfall’s cool atmosphere and the soothing sound of nature.
After our Makhuntseti visit, we move to Batumi city center and begin our city tour. Along the way, we see panoramically Gonio Fortress, located on the Black Sea coast and notable for its history dating back to the Roman period.
When we reach the city center, our first stop is Europe Square. There, we receive information from our guide about the Medea Statue, one of the important figures of Caucasian mythology. Then we move on to Piazza Square, one of Batumi’s most enjoyable spots. We give free time in the square, which stands out with its Europe-like architecture, cafes, and lively atmosphere.
Continuing our tour, we visit Saint Nicholas Church, which is still open for worship. Then at Theater Square, we see the Poseidon Statue, the historic theater building, and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. We panoramically view the Alphabet Tower, which has become one of Batumi’s symbols and is dedicated to the Georgian alphabet, and take a photo break.
Our next stop is the Ali & Nino Statue, located on Batumi’s coast and famous for its story. We take photos in front of this impressive statue, notable for its moving structure, and feel the pleasant atmosphere of Batumi Boulevard.
After our city tour, we check into our hotel. Guests who wish may join the extra Georgian Night dinner program organized in the evening. An unforgettable night awaits us with live music, local folk dances, and special flavors of Georgian cuisine.
Guests who do not wish to join the Georgian Night program may spend the evening freely in Batumi city center. Accommodation at our hotel in Batumi.
Food and Beverage Information:
Breakfast: Will be Served at the Hotel as a Set Menu or Open Buffet (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be Taken During Free Time in Batumi (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be Taken at the Georgian Night Organized in Batumi (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: Batumi / La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi, Marina Club Batumi, Euphoria Hotel Batumi, Grand Bellagio Batumi and similar hotels.
Accommodation: Batumi / La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi, Marina Club Batumi, Euphoria Hotel Batumi, Grand Bellagio Batumi and similar hotels.
On the final day of our tour, after the breakfast we will have at our hotel, we head to the Sarp Border Gate. We allow free time for customs procedures and shopping at the Free Shop, then enter Turkey. Before bidding farewell to the green of the Black Sea, we head to Çayeli district of Rize. We will carry out our Çeçeva Village (Haremtepe) tour, which has gained fame in recent years through TV series, films, and commercial shoots. This excursion, which we will take by local minibuses, is included in the tour price. As we move through lush tea gardens that give the feeling of being endless, we witness one of the most iconic views of the Black Sea. During our photo breaks among the terraced tea fields stretching step by step, we have the opportunity to capture unforgettable shots.
After our Çeçeva visit, we will see Rize Castle panoramically and give a short free time for lunch. Then we stop by our store where we will get to know the knife-making tradition of the Black Sea and can shop for Sürmene knives. Later in the day, we take a short break at a local shopping store where we can find products such as regional butter, honey, kolot cheese, and corn flour. Afterwards, we move on to the tea production facility to discover the story of tea, an indispensable part of the Black Sea. Here we experience tea picking, taste loose-leaf and flavored tea varieties, and complete our shopping. After time filled with local products, we will go to our restaurant for an extra meal break.
After our meal break, we head to Trabzon city center. Here, we first visit Atatürk Pavilion. This historic mansion, gifted to Atatürk by the people of Trabzon, draws attention with its architecture and details that shed light on the period. Then, accompanied by our guide’s narration, we listen to the Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum panoramically and get to know the region’s historical and cultural fabric up close.
In the evening, we arrive at Trabzon Airport, and to leave one last memory of our enjoyable Black Sea tour, we take our group photo in front of the airport and say goodbye to our guide and captain. After completing baggage and ticket procedures at the airport, we begin our return journey with the 23:10 Trabzon – Izmir flight. By completing this special tour filled with the unique nature, plateaus, culture, and unforgettable memories of the Eastern Black Sea, we bid you farewell, hoping to meet again on another trip.
Food and Beverage Information:
Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel as a set menu or open buffet (Included in the tour price)
Lunch: Will be taken in free time in Rize or Trabzon (Extra/optional)
Dinner: The return-day dinner plan will be arranged according to preference (Extra/optional) Accommodation: There is no accommodation on the return day.
3 Nights Accommodation in Hotels
3 Breakfasts to be Served at Hotels
2 Dinners to be Served at Hotels
Mandatory Travel Insurance No. 1618 Mandatory Georgia Insurance
All Surrounding Tours Included in the Program
Transportation by Tour Vehicles and Complimentary Water on the Vehicle
Ferry, Parking, Highway, and Bridge Fees
Professional Guidance and Escort Services
Batumi Tour
Batumi Transfer Fee
Batumi Accommodation
Çeçeva Tea Gardens Tour
Izmir / Trabzon - Economy Class Outbound Ticket
Trabzon / Izmir - Economy Class Return Ticket
First Day Breakfast
All Lunches
Last Day Dinner
Drinks to be Taken at All Meals
Batumi Dinner
Georgian Night Programs
All Personal Expenses
All Museum and Ruins Entrance Fees
Cable Car and Funicular Fees
All Extra Specified Organizations
Exit Fee for Going Abroad (1,250 TL)
Sümela Monastery Minibus Fee
Plateau Tours by Minibus
Çeçeva Tea Garden Entrance Fee (80 TL)
Adjarian Wine House Entrance Fee
Flight Dates and Times
Outbound ADB - TZX 06:20
Return TZX - ADB 23:10
Departure Locations
Adnan Menderes Airport (04:20)
Extra Tours and Program Flow
The night tours and extra excursions included in the tour program are arranged depending on the number of participants and the availability of the assigned staff. Extra tours carried out en route may be conducted even if not all guests participate. Guests who do not wish to join the extra tour are directed by our guide to rest areas or city centers before entering the cities. In this case, guests who agree to wait at the break area are considered to have joined the tour.
Due to weather conditions, road conditions, or similar reasons; if deemed necessary by the guide, changes may be made to the order of the program (between daily visit points or between days).
itctur.com cannot be held responsible for points included in the program but not visited due to force majeure (weather conditions, road conditions, congestion at visit points, etc.) or because guests do not comply with the timing given by the guide.
Health Notice
Our guests are required to have with them reports and information regarding any health issues they may experience during the tour, pregnancy status, or medications they take regularly.
Accommodation Information
The hotel names specified in the program are the primary accommodation facilities. Depending on availability, hotels may be changed. No later than 48 hours before the tour departure, hotel information for the stay will be shared with our guests upon request. In cases where a hotel change is made due to high occupancy or force majeure, provided that the standards remain the same, our guests will be informed by itctur.com officials.
Important Notes
On tours with flights, flight delays may occur due to high volume.
Night tours are extra and are arranged according to participation.