Escape the city on this full-day excursion from Erzurum into the lush, mist-covered landscapes of Turkey's Black Sea region. This Erzurum day trip takes you deep into the Kaçkar Mountains, where emerald valleys, Ottoman stone bridges, medieval castles and thundering waterfalls await. With a professional English-speaking guide and comfortable air-conditioned transport, this day tour is the most relaxing way to discover Rize's most spectacular scenery in a single day.
Your daily tour begins in the Storm Valley, where the road winds beneath the towering Kaçkar Mountains past houses built in the distinctive Rize architectural style. The first stop is Timisvat Bridge, constructed by the Ottomans in the 18th century with a stone-paved deck and cut-stone balustrades – a perfect photo spot, and the site of an optional zipline activity for those without heart conditions. Continuing through the authentic district of Çamlıhemşin, the route turns into the Çat Valley and follows the creek to Şenyuva Village, a settlement so picturesque that many Turkish TV series and films have been shot here. Enjoy organic tea with views of the historic Şenyuva Bridge before moving on.
Next comes Zilkale, built in the 14th century during the Greek Komnenos Kingdom. Sitting about 750 metres above sea level and 100 metres above the rushing stream below, it has been named Turkey's most magnificent castle by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Afterwards, marvel at Palovit Waterfall, plunging 15 metres within the forested Kaçkar Mountains National Park – you can even walk down to the pool at its base. The day ends on the Ayder Plateau, reached via a scenic 30-minute drive along the Hala stream through fragrant spruce forests. At 1,220 metres, Ayder is the region's oxygen depot, famous for its pine forests, the Kavron stream and lively horon folk dances.
Practical notes: this is a relaxed, fully guided day tour suitable for all ages (0–99). Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Erzurum and all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary are included. Lunch and personal expenses are not included, so bring some extra funds for meals and optional activities such as the zipline.
| Tour type | Private · day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full Day |
| Price | From €420 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 3 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full day programme — click to see every stop.
Erzurum – Fırtına Valley – Şenyuva – Zilkale – Palovit Waterfall – Ayder Plateau – Erzurum
Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Erzurum, setting off by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle towards Rize and the Kaçkar Mountains. The first highlight is the magnificent Fırtına (Storm) Valley, where you will admire traditional Rize-style houses scattered across the green slopes. Stop at the 18th-century Ottoman Timisvat Bridge for photos, with the option to try the zipline if you wish. Continue through the unspoiled district of Çamlıhemşin and into the Çat Valley, following the creek to Şenyuva Village, a well-known filming location. Here you will spend around 30 minutes tasting delicious organic tea with views of Şenyuva Bridge and capturing beautiful photographs. Next, pause at a panoramic viewpoint before exploring Zilkale, the 14th-century castle perched dramatically above the valley. The journey continues to Palovit Waterfall, one of the Black Sea's highest-flowing falls, where you can descend to the lake at its base during a 30-minute stop. Finally, drive along the Hala stream through fragrant spruce forests to the famous Ayder Plateau at 1,220 metres, where you can enjoy the fresh mountain air, pine forests and traditional horon dancing. In the evening, return to Erzurum and drop-off at your hotel.
Erzurum → Ayder → Zil Castle
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!