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

Tokat, Ballica Cave National Park, Amasya, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Giresun Island, Kuzalan Waterfall, Trabzon, Sumela Monastery, Uzungol, Rize, Zil Castle (Zilkale), Palovit Waterfall, Ayder, Artvin, Şavşat,
Duration

12 day(s)

Tour type

Private

Group size

1-40 people

Physical Level

easy

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Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Turkey’s untouched northern gems with the Grand Black Sea & Highland Wonders Tour. Starting from the historic city of Tokat and ending in the scenic heights of Artvin, this immersive itinerary unveils the rich blend of natural beauty, ancient architecture, and deep-rooted local culture along the Black Sea coast.

Explore timeless cities like Amasya, Samsun, Ordu, and Trabzon. Marvel at the soaring cliffs of Sumela Monastery, the serenity of Uzungöl Lake, the dramatic canyons of Artvin, and the endless tea plantations of Rize. Experience local crafts, Ottoman heritage, and highland life while traveling through lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountain ranges.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural explorers seeking a truly authentic northern Turkey experience.

Activities
Explorer Discovery In-depth Cultural Photography Historical Solo Travel Sightseeing Family Museum

Tour Features

Duration
12 day(s)

Max Group Size
1-40 people

Tour Code
GBSHWTTA

Departure Type
scheduled

Tour Category
Culture & Historical

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Age Requirement
11 - 99

Tokat

Pickup Time:

----------------

Şavşat

Dropoff Time:

Highlights
Discover Tokat Castle and the ancient wonders of Ballica Cave

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Tokat via the Sivas Airport and meet your driver who will take you to the hotel. After you settle in, you'll meet your tour guide and hear the details of the trip. Tokat.

Day 2

Start your first day touring out with the Tokat Castle and other historical monuments in the city. Explore the Ballica Cave before heading to the city of Amasya.

Day 3

Amasya is known as the city of Sehzadeler is famous for its King Tombs from the Pontus period. See these tombs as well as the Yesilirmak River and historic mansions. From Amasya, get your first glimpse of the Black Sea in the seaside town of Samsun

Day 4

In Samsun, see the Bandirma Ferry and the Ataturk Museum. This is where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, started the liberation war. From Samsun, head east along the coastline to the picturesque city of Ordu.

Day 5

The charming small town of Ordu stands out with its natural beauty. See Yason Church and take a cable car ride, soaking in the gorgeous scenery surrounding you! Visit Ulugol Nature Park before heading to Giresun for the night.

Day 6

The province of Giresun is famous for its highlands. While in Giresun, visit Giresun Island, the Kuzalan Waterfall, and Giresun Museum (a historical church). As you explore, you will see many beautiful natural lakes and plateaus around Giresun. Head east to Trabzon.

Day 7

Trabzon is a wonderful city with ancient roads and a port that connects the Black Sea to the whole world. See the iconic Sumela Monastery, situated above the clouds on a cliff. This 1600-year-old Orthodox Christian Monastery sits 1200 meters up in the air among the Pontic Mountains. It is truly an incredible sight. The interior boasts frescoes from the 18th Century and was used until 1923 when it became a museum. From there, head to Uzungol (Long Lake) Nature Park and enjoy a gorgeous sunset.

Day 8

Explore the city center of Trabzon. See the Trabzon Hagia Sophia Church and the Trabzon Castle. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of the area as you visit the Old City.

Day 9

This morning, visit "The Hazelnut Oven" where you will weave baskets, pick hazelnuts and make chocolates. Learn about the local culture by trying out traditional dances and clothing. Drive east along the sea to Rize. Rize is the only place in the world where tea naturally grows under snow! See the Zil Castle, Palovit waterfall, and Kackar Mountain National Park.

Day 10

See tea fields (what makes this gorgeous area of Turkey world famous) and learn about the process of producing tea. Visit the mountain plateau town of Ayder. Venture further east toward the Georgian border to the province of Artvin.

Day 11

Artvin is full of endless breathtaking landscapes and green forests. Visit Savsat Lake, Borcka Karagol National Park, and Hell's Creek Canyon. See many churches and monasteries in this valley before staying overnight in Artvin.

Day 12

Rest, reflect and get ready for your journey home. Say goodbye to your tour guide who is sure to have become a friend. Your driver will escort you to the airport. We will work with you to choose the best airport for your departure.

Included

1 nights hotel in Tokat - Silk Road Museum Hotel or similar

1 nights hotel in Amasya - 4 Stars Hotel or Boutique hotel beside the Green River or similar

1 nights hotel in Samsun - 4 Stars Hotel North Point Hotel or similar

1 nights hotel in Ordu - City Balıktaşı Hotel or similar

1 nights hotel in Giresun Huseyin Hotel or similar

4 nights hotel in Trabzon - 4 Stars Hotel Usta Hotel or similar

2 nights hotel in Artvin - Mars Otel Artvin or similar

Professional English-speaking tour guides

11 open buffet breakfasts

Arrival airport transfer from Tokat or Sivas Airport

Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach

Return transfer to Istanbul Ataturk airport

Guided Tokat Castle Ballica Cave Tour

Guided Amasya King Tombs, Yesilirmak River, Historic Mansions Tour

Guided Samsun Bandirma Ferry - Ataturk Museum Tour

Guided Ordu Yason Church - Cable Car - Ulugol Nature Park Tour

Guided Giresun Giresun Island - Kuzulan Waterfall - Giresun Museum Tour

Guided Trabzon Sumela Monastery - Long Lake Nature Park Tour

Guided Trabzon Trabzon Hagia Sophia Church - Trabzon City Center Tour

Guided Rize Cultural Tour - Zil Castle - Palovit Waterfall - Kackar Mountain National Park Tour

Guided Tea Fields – Ayder Tour

Guided Artvin Savsat Lake - Karagol National Park - Hell's Creek Canyon - Georgian Valley Churches and Monasteries Tour

All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary

Excluded

Domestic & International flights

Insurance: All types

Turkey entry visa

Tipping

Lunch And Dinner

Hotel room taxes

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry

Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the included section

Tour Booking

Travelers
Departure Month
Private Tour Prices
Start End
Sep 9, 2026 Sep 20, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 10, 2026 Sep 21, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 11, 2026 Sep 22, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 12, 2026 Sep 23, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 13, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 14, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 15, 2026 Sep 26, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 16, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 17, 2026 Sep 28, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 18, 2026 Sep 29, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 19, 2026 Sep 30, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 20, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 21, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 22, 2026 Oct 3, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 23, 2026 Oct 4, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 24, 2026 Oct 5, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 25, 2026 Oct 6, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 26, 2026 Oct 7, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 27, 2026 Oct 8, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 28, 2026 Oct 9, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 29, 2026 Oct 10, 2026 €4330
Double room
Sep 30, 2026 Oct 11, 2026 €4330
Double room
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