12 Days Grand Black Sea & Highland Wonders from Tokat to Artvin Private Tour

Upon landing at Sivas Airport you will be met by your driver and escorted to your hotel in Tokat. After settling in, a professional English‑speaking guide will introduce the itinerary and answer any questions. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town’s charming streets or simply relax after your journey.

Today you will climb the fortified walls of Tokat Castle, enjoying sweeping views of the city and surrounding valleys. The guide will share stories of the Seljuk and Ottoman periods that shaped the region. In the afternoon you descend into the Ballica Cave, a natural marvel of stalactites and underground chambers, before heading east to Amasya for an overnight stay.

Amasya greets you with its iconic rock‑carved royal tombs, a testament to the ancient Pontic kingdoms. You will stroll along the banks of the Yesilirmak River, admiring the elegant Ottoman houses that line the waterfront. The day ends with a scenic drive to the Black Sea port city of Samsun.

In Samsun you will visit the historic Bandırma ferry, the vessel that carried Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the city at the start of the Turkish War of Independence. The adjoining Atatürk Museum displays personal artifacts and documents from that pivotal era. After the tour, you continue eastward along the coast to the picturesque town of Ordu.

Ordu’s spiritual heritage is showcased at the centuries‑old Yason Church, set against a backdrop of pine‑covered hills. A cable‑car ride lifts you to a viewpoint where the Black Sea stretches to the horizon. The afternoon is spent wandering the serene Ulugöl Nature Park, where crystal‑clear lakes reflect the surrounding forest.

The day begins with a short boat trip to Giresun Island, a tranquil spot offering panoramic sea views. Next, you will trek to the powerful Kuzalan Waterfall, listening to its roar amidst lush vegetation. The tour concludes at the Giresun Museum, housed in a former church, where regional history and art are displayed.

One of the Black Sea’s most iconic sights, the Sumela Monastery clings to a sheer cliff face overlooking the Altındere Valley. Inside, you will admire 18th‑century frescoes and learn about the monastery’s 1,600‑year legacy. In the late afternoon you travel to Uzungöl, a mountain lake famed for its mirror‑like surface, and enjoy a sunset that paints the surrounding peaks in gold.

Today you explore Trabzon’s historic heart. The Hagia Sophia Church, originally built in the 13th century, showcases Byzantine architecture and intricate stonework. A short walk brings you to the medieval Trabzon Castle, offering panoramic views of the harbor. The guide will narrate the city’s multicultural past as you wander the bustling bazaars.

Rize welcomes you with a hands‑on cultural experience: you will pick fresh hazelnuts, weave traditional baskets, and create hazelnut‑infused chocolate. Afterward, you visit the hilltop Zil Castle, explore the cascading Palovit Waterfall, and take a brief drive into Kaçkar Mountain National Park, where alpine meadows stretch beneath towering peaks.

The world‑renowned tea plantations of Rize are your classroom today. Guided by a local expert, you will learn how tea leaves are harvested, processed, and brewed. The journey continues to the charming mountain village of Ayder, where wooden houses line the river and mist‑covered valleys invite leisurely walks.

Entering Artvin, you are greeted by the emerald waters of Savsat Lake, a perfect spot for photography. The adventure proceeds to Karagöl National Park, where pristine forests surround a high‑altitude lake. A short hike leads to the dramatic Hell’s Creek Canyon, famous for its turquoise waters. The day ends with visits to several Georgian‑style churches and monasteries tucked in the valley, reflecting the region’s diverse heritage.

After a final breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your departure. Your guide will bid farewell, and you will board your flight home or onward, carrying memories of Turkey’s untouched northern landscapes.