Iconic Black Sea Highlands and Batumi Tour | 3 Nights Accommodation, Flight Included / Departing from Istanbul

Departure Locations: Istanbul
Places to Visit: Rize - Artvin - Trabzon - Batumi

Included Çeçeva Tea Gardens Tour / Included Ayder Plateau / Included Uzungöl Plateau / Included Batumi City Tour / Included Batumi Accommodation / Included Mandatory Georgia Insurance

THE COLORFUL WORLD OF BATUM FROM THE BLACK SEA

On the first day of our tour, we begin our journey to discover the greenery of the Black Sea. In the early hours before dawn, we are at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 05:00 with our new-type chip ID cards for baggage and check-in procedures. We enjoy a pleasant flight to Rize with Ajet Airlines’ scheduled flight departing at 07:35. After an approximately two-hour flight, we arrive at Rize-Artvin Airport and begin our tour with our guide.

Valleys, plateaus, streams, and postcard-perfect views that have become symbols of the Eastern Black Sea welcome us. We go to our restaurant for breakfast with our guests who wish to join us (extra), then turn our route toward the Sarp Border Gate via Hopa. After the necessary ID procedures, we enter Batumi, the tourism capital of Georgia. After crossing the border, we first head to the Makhuntseti region to discover the natural and cultural beauties around Batumi. We stop by an authentic wine house where we can closely get to know the wine tradition, an important part of Georgian culture (Adjarian Wine House). Here we hear about the deep-rooted history of Georgian winemaking, and guests who wish can taste local wines (entrance fee 20 GEL). Then, we visit the historic Makhuntseti Stone Bridge, built during the reign of Queen Tamar of Georgia. Afterward, we take a short walk and a photo break at Makhuntseti Waterfall, located in lush green nature. The coolness of the waterfall and the soothing sound of nature become one of the most pleasant moments of the day.

After these enjoyable visits, we move on to Batumi city center and begin our city tour. We view Gonio Fortress, located on the Black Sea coast, panoramically and learn about its history dating back to the Roman period. After arriving in the city center, we take a break at Europe Square. During the break, our guests may have lunch as guided by our tour guide. After seeing the Medea Statue, one of the symbols of Caucasian mythology, and hearing its story, we continue to Piazza Square, notable for its architecture. This square, reminiscent of European cities, is one of Batumi’s most enjoyable spots with its cafés, lively atmosphere, and music. As part of our tour program, we visit Saint Nicholas Church, then proceed to Theater Square. The golden Poseidon Statue, the historic theater building, and the Cathedral of the Mother of God are among the important structures we will see. Afterward, we view the Alphabet Tower, symbolizing the Georgian alphabet, panoramically, and take a photo break in front of the Ali & Nino Statue on Batumi’s coast, which has become legendary for their love.

After our tour, we head to our hotel to check in. Following the hotel check-in procedures, guests who wish join us in the evening for a dinner Georgian Night program (extra). We experience an unforgettable evening accompanied by live music, local folk dances, and select flavors of Georgian cuisine.

Guests who do not wish to attend the Georgian Night may spend their dinner freely.

Accommodation is at our hotel in Batumi.

Breakfast: Will be taken at a suitable restaurant in Rize or Artvin (Extra/Optional)
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, Euphoria Hotel Batumi, Grand Bellagio Batumi, and similar hotels.

Important Information – Batumi Border Crossing

Within the scope of the agreement between Turkey and Georgia, entry to Batumi can only be made with a new chip-enabled photo ID card bearing a Turkish ID number or with a passport. Crossing with a driver’s license, institutional ID card, etc. is strictly not possible. (It is not possible to cross into Georgia with old-type identity cards.) Our guests are required to carry their new-type photo Turkish ID cards with them during travel.

If our guests under 18 are not traveling with their mother and father, a notarized consent letter is mandatory. In addition, all child and infant passengers must have a photo on their ID cards.

The overseas خروج tax that may be applied during Batumi departure procedures is the responsibility of the guest.

It has become mandatory for all Turkish citizens entering Georgia to obtain overseas travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR. The insurance document may be presented physically or digitally. (INCLUDED IN THE TOUR FEE)

Accommodation: Batumi / La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi, Euphoria Hotel Batumi, Grand Bellagio Batumi, and similar hotels.

A Nature Tale in the Heart of the Black Sea

We start the second day of our tour with breakfast at our hotel. Then, saying goodbye to Georgia, we head toward the Sarp Border Gate. After completing our customs crossing procedures, we allow free time for a short shopping break in the Free Shop area. Once our procedures are completed, we enter Turkey and say hello once again to the unique nature of the Black Sea.

Then we board our vehicle and head to the Borçka Karagöl extra tour, traveling to Karagöl, located within the borders of Borçka district of Artvin and known as a “hidden paradise” for its natural beauty (extra). In Borçka, we transfer to minibuses and set off for our Karagöl excursion. Formed by a landslide-dammed lake, Karagöl offers visitors a nature experience where time seems to stand still, with its dense surrounding forest cover, 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. Then we head to our restaurant in Hopa for a lunch break (extra). After our meal break, we continue to Fırtına Valley, one of the most special routes of the Black Sea. Along the Fırtına River, we enjoy a pleasant journey amid lush green nature, bridges, valleys, and unique views.

Then we arrive at Çamlıhemşin town center. In Çamlıhemşin, one of Rize’s most special spots, guests who wish to join us transfer to our minibuses for our extra highland tours. If weather conditions and sufficient participation are met, our highland tours are carried out at the discretion of our guide, offering the chance to closely experience the purest and most impressive nature of the Black Sea.

1. HIGHLAND TOUR PACKAGE

Çinçiva Village (Şenyuva) – Palovit Waterfall – Zilkale – Boxwood Forests – Elevit Plateau

On this tour, we see Şenyuva (Çinçiva) Village, one of the most iconic points of Fırtına Valley, and experience its stone arch bridges and authentic village life. We take photos to create wonderful memories. Then we visit Palovit Waterfall, one of the strongest waterfalls in the Black Sea. We watch panoramic views at the historical Zilkale, and travel into the heart of nature by passing through the Boxwood Forests, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Our tour continues at Elevit Plateau, one of the most simple and peaceful points of highland life, and we enjoy the highland experience.

2. HIGHLAND TOUR PACKAGE

Çinçiva Village (Şenyuva) – Zilkale – Pokut Plateau – Sal Plateau

This alternative tour again begins with Şenyuva Village, followed by our visit to Zilkale. Then we head up to Pokut Plateau, famous for its unique view above the clouds. Here we have the chance to watch the landscape known as the Black Sea’s “sea of clouds.” Our tour continues with a visit to Sal Plateau, which preserves its natural character and stands out with its postcard-like scenery.

Note: Guests who do not wish to join our extra highland tours may spend free time in Çamlıhemşin. We especially recommend these highland tours for our guests who want to truly feel the Black Sea and experience nature in its purest form.

After our highland programs, we return to Çamlıhemşin by minibuses and get back on our vehicle to head to our hotel. Accommodation and dinner are at our hotel.

Food, Drink and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Buffet or set-menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a restaurant in Hopa (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served at the hotel as a buffet or set menu (Included in the Tour Price)

Rize Ardeşen or Çamlıhemşin / Pugari Hotel, Oris Green Hotel, Çay Boutique Hotel, Ayder Zafran Hotel, Ceymakçur Zafran Hotel, Doğra Resort Hotel, Oris Hotel Ayder, Nehirim Hotel Ayder, Ayder Natura Hotel, Ayder Kuşpuni Hotel and similar hotels.

Accommodation: Rize Ardeşen or Çamlıhemşin / Pugari Hotel, Oris Green Hotel, Çay Boutique Hotel, Ayder Zafran Hotel, Ceymakçur Zafran Hotel, Doğra Resort Hotel, Oris Hotel Ayder, Nehirim Hotel Ayder, Ayder Natura Hotel, Ayder Kuşpuni Hotel and similar hotels.

EXPERIENCE THE BLACK SEA IN EVERY SHADE OF GREEN

On the third day of our tour, after the breakfast we will have at our hotel, we begin our day with a visit to Ayder Plateau, one of the most iconic spots in the Black Sea region. Ayder Plateau, one of the first plateaus that comes to mind when the Black Sea is mentioned, offers a true natural spectacle at an altitude of approximately 1350 meters, with its rich vegetation, thermal waters, and unique nature. Accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we learn about Gelintülü Waterfall and Horon Plain, and then we have free time on the plateau. During this time, our guests can fully enjoy the plateau’s natural atmosphere. After our pleasant time in Ayder Plateau, we board our vehicle and continue toward Fırtına Valley.

We continue our program by arriving at our activity area located on the banks of the Fırtına Stream. The fun begins for our adrenaline-loving guests. Guests who wish may experience zipline on the Fırtına Stream (extra); they can enjoy an unforgettable thrill at a height of approximately 10 meters and a length of 350 meters. Then, with expert instructors, we enjoy pleasant moments in the turbulent waters of the Black Sea with a rafting activity (extra) lasting about 1.5 hours. ATV Safari in Fırtına Valley (extra): On one side, the wild stream of Fırtına Valley, on the other, a course continuing through hundreds of shades of green. An ATV tour in the heart of nature, approximately 6 km and 30 minutes long. There are also fun activities such as a giant swing (extra) for guests who wish. Guests who wish may have lunch at our restaurant in the activity area for an extra fee.

After this adventure-filled section, we head toward the Çayeli district of Rize. First, we visit the Rize Cloth Weaving Workshop, an important part of Black Sea culture. Here, we observe the traditional weaving process on site, learn about Rize cloth, known for its sweat-absorbing and cooling properties, and have the opportunity to shop.

Next, we join our Çeçeva Village (Haramtepe) Tea Gardens tour, which is included in the tour fee. Entry to the tea gardens in Çeçeva Village is subject to a fee (80 TL). On this excursion, which we will reach by local minibuses, we take a pleasant journey among endless tea fields that have hosted TV series and commercial shoots. The tea gardens stretching step by step will adorn our unforgettable photos with one of the Black Sea’s most iconic views. Then, following the Of–Çaykara route, we head toward Uzungöl, one of the most well-known natural beauties of the Black Sea. Along the way, we take a short shopping break at a store where we can find local products.

When we arrive in Uzungöl, the dense forest cover surrounding the lake, wooden houses, and unique view welcome us. During free time, you can walk around the lake, take photos, and fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Black Sea. For guests who wish, an extra Lustra and Karaster Plateaus Tour is arranged. By minibuses, we ascend to an altitude of approximately 2400 meters, and photo breaks are given at scenic viewpoints. Short walks are made along flower-covered plateau paths, and the most impressive panoramic view of Uzungöl is enjoyed. Guests who do not join the extra tour may spend their free time in Uzungöl.

In the evening, we leave Uzungöl and head to our hotel in the Trabzon region. Dinner and accommodation are at our hotel.

Food and Accommodation Information:

Breakfast: Open buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the tour fee)
Lunch: Will be taken in free time in Şavşat (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served at the hotel as open buffet or set menu (Included in the tour fee)

Accommodation: Trabzon / Grand Çaykaram Hotel, Çaykara Park Hotel, Park Square Hotel, Bayrak Grand Hotel, Hotel Milano Rize and similar hotels.

Accommodation: Trabzon / Grand Çaykaram Hotel, Çaykara Park Hotel, Park Square Hotel, Bayrak Grand Hotel, Hotel Milano Rize and similar hotels.

FAREWELL TO THE BLACK SEA: THE LAST DAY WHERE CULTURE, NATURE, AND HISTORY MEET

On the final day of our tour, after the breakfast we will have at our hotel, we begin our farewell journey to the Black Sea. Our first stop is Sürmene. Here, we have the opportunity to closely observe the making of Sürmene knives unique to the region and receive information about these special products handcrafted by artisans. Guests who wish may shop for souvenirs or gifts. We take a tea and coffee break at this point. Then, we head to our tea factory to closely get to know the tea culture, one of the most important values of the Black Sea. Here, we observe all stages of production firsthand, from tea picking to processing, and receive detailed information from experts. Guests who wish may wear traditional outfits and take souvenir photos. Afterwards, we take a shopping break at our local store featuring Black Sea honey and cheese products.

We arrive at Sümela Monastery, located within Altındere National Park, the most impressive stop of the day.
Built on the steep cliffs of the Black Sea like a true engineering marvel, Sümela Monastery is one of the region's most important cultural heritages with its history dating back to the 4th century, impressive architecture, and location integrated with nature. It holds great importance in terms of Christian history and the Black Sea's cultural heritage. Accompanied by our guide's narration, we learn about the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spring, the Guard Rooms, the Guesthouse, the Aqueducts, and the rock frescoes, visit the monastery's open sections, and photograph the unique valley view. With its rock-cut structure, frescoes, and unique scenery, it offers visitors an unforgettable atmosphere. After our visit to Sümela Monastery, we take an extra lunch break in Maçka. We especially recommend that guests who wish try the famous Hamsiköy rice pudding here. After our meal break, we head to Trabzon city center. Here, we first visit Atatürk Mansion. This historic mansion, gifted to Atatürk by the people of Trabzon, stands out with its architecture and details that shed light on the period. With our guests who wish, we take a shopping break at the Silver store where we can closely get to know the handicrafts unique to Trabzon, made with the Art of Kazaziye. We have the opportunity to see and buy traditional handmade products such as Trabzon handwoven bracelets, filigree, and Kazaziye. Originating as far back as the Lydians, this art was developed during the Ottoman period especially in Anatolia and the Black Sea region (Trabzon area) and has survived to the present day. Afterwards, we visit the Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum and get to know the region's historical and cultural fabric more closely.

At the end of our tour, we arrive at Trabzon Airport and begin our return journey with AJet Airlines' Trabzon – Sabiha Gökçen flight at 20:20 or 22:10. We complete this special tour full of the unique nature, deep-rooted culture, and unforgettable memories of the Eastern Black Sea, and bid you farewell until we meet again in another organization.

Food and Accommodation Information:
Breakfast: Open buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in the tour fee)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Trabzon (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: No dinner is organized on the return day. (Extra/Optional)

Accommodation: There is no accommodation on the return day.