Day 1: Day 1 – Arrival & City Highlights
Welcome to Trabzon! Upon arrival at Trabzon Airport (TZX), you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to the hotel. After a short rest, the exploration begins. We start with the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a 13th-century Byzantine church famous for its frescoes and architecture (Entrance is Optional). Then we visit the Atatürk Mansion, a hillside residence surrounded by lush gardens. As the day ends, we head to Boztepe Hill, a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Black Sea. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Day 2 – Uzungöl & çaykara
After breakfast, we set off for Uzungöl, the Black Sea’s most iconic alpine lake, formed by a landslide centuries ago. Surrounded by spruce forests and traditional wooden houses, the scenery feels like a living postcard. Guests enjoy free time to walk along the lakeshore, sip tea, or shop for local products. Overnight at the hotel. (B)
Day 3: Day 3 – Rize, Fırtına Valley & Ayder Highlands
Today we journey east to Rize, the capital of Turkish tea. Guests stroll through tea plantations and learn about local tea culture. We continue into the Fırtına Valley, famous for its stone bridges and roaring river. Guests can relax by the river or choose adventure with rafting, zipline, or the giant swing. We then climb to the Ayder Highlands, a plateau with waterfalls, alpine meadows, and wooden chalets. Overnight at the hotel. (B)
Optional Add-ons (Fırtına Valley): Rafting, zipline, giant swing.
Day 4: Day 4 – Sumela Monastery & Zigana Pass
After breakfast, we head inland towards the Sumela Monastery, a 4th-century Orthodox monastery dramatically clinging to a cliff (Entrance is Optional). Marvel at its frescoes and unique mountain setting. Afterwards, we continue to Zigana Pass, a historic Silk Road crossing with panoramic mountain views. Overnight at the hotel. (B)
Optional Add-on (Evening): Traditional Turkish bath (hamam) & spa experience.
Day 5: Day 5 – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping at Trabzon’s bazaars, known for silver jewelry and local sweets. Guests are then transferred to Trabzon Airport for their return flight. (B)
Optional Add-on (if flight is late): Guided shopping tour with tastings.
