4-Day Eastern Black Sea Tour from Trabzon – Uzungol, Ayder & Sumela (Group Tour)

After breakfast we drive east along the coast towards Uzungöl. The first stop is a tea factory, where you learn how the region's famous black tea is harvested, processed and best brewed, followed by time at the factory outlet. A little further on we pause at a Sürmene knife outlet, a town renowned for its hand-made blades. The road then turns inland through the Solaklı Valley, passing traditional wooden village houses, tea plantations and hazelnut gardens before reaching Uzungöl. We begin with the Observation Terrace for the classic view of the lake and mosque, then visit the artificial waterfalls created to protect the lake from flooding. Free time follows for walks around the shore, a look up towards the Haldizen Valley, optional activities and a meal in one of the lakeside restaurants or cafes. We leave Uzungöl at around 16:00 and return to your hotel in Trabzon, where the evening is free. Overnight in Trabzon.

Following breakfast we travel along the coast into Rize province and turn inland at the Fırtına (Storm) Valley, recognised as one of the 200 ecological regions in the world most in need of protection. We take a break by the river, where you may join optional activities such as rafting, zipline or a giant swing. The route then follows the valley through Çamlıhemşin and climbs to the Ayder Plateau, a green highland at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains, about 1,400 metres above sea level. Here we visit the Gelintülü Waterfall, one of the natural landmarks of the Black Sea, and you have free time to stroll along the plateau, breathe the mountain air and enjoy a tea or coffee facing the falls. We meet at the vehicle at around 16:00 and drive back to Trabzon with a comfort stop on the way. Free evening and overnight in Trabzon.

After breakfast and check-out, a one-hour drive brings us to Altındere National Park. A park minibus and then a 300-metre forest path take us to the Sumela Monastery, passing historic aqueducts, stone stairs and a small visitor area where we pause to enjoy the scenery. We then explore the monastery, built into a sheer cliff like a medieval castle, with its main rock church, chapels, student cells, library, guesthouse and holy spring. Back on the road we head for the Zigana Pass, a historic Silk Road crossing between Eastern Anatolia and the West, and stop for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense). Through the 14.5 km New Zigana Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Europe, we reach Karaca Cave, a natural gallery of stalactites, stalagmites and travertines. Next come a factory outlet selling Black Sea fruit pulp and kome, the Torul Glass Terrace and the scenic old Zigana road to Hamsiköy, where we taste its celebrated rice pudding. The tour ends in Trabzon city centre or at the airport between 18:00 and 19:00; airport transfers run between 19:00 and 23:00, so return flights from 20:30 onwards are recommended.