Turkey Collection
The Black Sea Tour Turkey
Explore Turkey's stunning Black Sea region across 10 days, from Istanbul's icons to Trabzon, Uzungol and the Ayder plateau.
Gallery
Moments from the Journey
Full gallery coming soon — for now, explore this journey through our itinerary and highlights above.
Overview
A Journey Through 10,000 Years
Tour Good Travel welcomes you to explore the stunning Black Sea region of Turkey with our 10-day itinerary. With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, we aim to provide you with a memorable and hassle-free vacation. The tour begins with your arrival in Istanbul, where you will have time to explore the city's iconic landmarks before continuing your journey to Trabzon, Uzungol, Hidirnebi, and Ayder. You will discover the region's natural beauty, ancient ruins, and Ottoman architecture. We offer a variety of optional excursions to enhance your experience, including Turkish belly dancing shows, Sufi/whirling dervish shows, or visits to Istanbul's museums.
Highlights
What Makes This Tour Unforgettable
Imperial Istanbul
The Old City, the Spice Bazaar, and a private Bosphorus boat ride
Sumela Monastery
A cliffside Byzantine monastery in Trabzon's Altindere National Park
Uzungol Lake
A scenic lakeside walk, cable car ride and local trout lunch
Ayder Plateau
Hot springs, traditional Muhlama, wooden architecture and a waterfall hike
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul Arrival
Your Turkey tour begins with a pick-up from the airport in Istanbul and a transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have free time to explore the city or join optional excursions. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2
Istanbul Old City Tour
Explore the Old City of Sultanahmet, visit the Blue Mosque, walk to the Hippodrome, see the magnificent Hagia Sophia, and tour Topkapi Palace. Stop for lunch at a local Turkish restaurant before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3
Dolmabahce, Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side Tour
Enjoy a Bosphorus tour, visit the Spice Bazaar, take a private boat ride along the Bosphorus, and visit Camlica Hill and Dolmabahce Palace. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 4
Flight from Istanbul to Trabzon / Trabzon
Check out of the hotel, transfer to Istanbul airport, take a flight to Trabzon on the Black Sea, and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy free time for sightseeing and shopping. Overnight stay in Trabzon.
Day 5
Trabzon (Sumela Monastery)
Visit the Altindere National Park to see Sumela Monastery, have lunch, and visit the Karaca Caves. Drive back to Trabzon for an overnight stay.
Day 6
Hidirnebi Plateau / Trabzon
After breakfast, we will start the Hidirnebi trip with a scenic exploration of the plateau and a traditional Turkish breakfast, followed by a nature walk through vibrant wildflower fields and lunch of grilled meats and fresh salads at a hillside restaurant. Spend the afternoon interacting with local shepherds, and end your visit with a tranquil sunset viewing. Return to the hotel for overnight in Trabzon.
Day 7
Trabzon / Uzungol
After breakfast at the hotel, drive through a scenic route to Uzungol. Begin your day in Uzungöl with a lakeside walk, followed by a scenic cable car ride for stunning views. Enjoy a local trout lunch, visit the charming Uzungöl Mosque, and explore nearby shops for souvenirs. Overnight in Uzungol.
Day 8
Uzungol / Ayder
After breakfast and checking out the hotel, we will continue to Ayder. Start your Ayder adventure with a stroll to the hot springs for relaxing. Enjoy a local lunch of Muhlama, then explore the wooden architecture and lush meadows. End your visit with a hike to a nearby waterfall. Overnight stay in Ayder.
Day 9
Ayder / Artvin / Flight from Rize to Istanbul
Drive from Ayder to Artvin, stop at Karagol, visit Dolishane and Yeni Rabat, and see the Coruh River. Drive to Rize, take a flight to Istanbul, transfer to the hotel, and overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 10
Departure from Istanbul
Check out of the hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for the outbound flight.
What's Included
Your Journey Covers
- Hotel accommodation in the category of your choice
- Domestic flight tickets inc. taxes
- Sightseeing tours on a regular group basis (private basis on request)
- Licensed tour guide assistance during the sightseeing tours
- Main entrance fees to all sites visited as per the itinerary
- Fast-track entries to the museums and natural parks
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Deluxe air-conditioned vehicles for tours and airport transfers
- Domestic land transport between each destination
- Taxes and handling service
- 24/7 support during your trip
Questions
Frequently Asked
Is the Black Sea region very different from Turkey's Aegean/Mediterranean coast?
Yes — the Black Sea region is greener, more mountainous, and known for tea plantations, plateaus (yaylas), and a distinct local cuisine, offering a very different landscape from the Aegean coast.
Are optional cultural shows (belly dancing, whirling dervishes) included?
These are offered as optional add-on excursions and are not part of the core included itinerary.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
Late spring through early autumn (May–September) is best, when the highland plateaus like Ayder and Hidirnebi are most accessible and green.
Can this tour be customized or made private?
Yes, the itinerary can be adapted in pace and content, and arranged on a private basis upon request.
Private Design Service
Not exactly the journey you had in mind?
Tell us your travel style, dates, pace and wish list. We'll design a private journey around what you actually want to experience.