- Home
- Iconic Black Sea Highlands and Batumi Tour | 4-Night Accommodation, Flight Included, Departing from Istanbul
Iconic Black Sea Highlands and Batumi Tour | 4-Night Accommodation, Flight Included, Departing from Istanbul
While staying amidst nature in lush highlands, enjoying the cool mountain air and unique views, you will experience a comfortable and fulfilling journey as you discover Batumi’s colorful streets and the Black Sea’s hidden paradises all in one tour.
Gümüşhane - Giresun - Trabzon - Rize - Artvin - Batumi - Makhunseti 4 Nights Accommodation Round-Trip | FlightGiresun – Blue Lake – Göksu Travertines – Kümbet Plateau – Tamzara Neighborhood – Tomara Waterfall – Gümüşhane
A Journey from Giresun to Gümüşhane Surrounded by Plateaus, Waterfalls and History
On the first day of our tour, we set out on an unforgettable journey accompanied by the lush nature of the Black Sea, cool plateaus and deep-rooted Anatolian culture. During the night, we are present at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 03:30 with our new-type chip-enabled ID cards to complete our baggage and check-in procedures. We enjoy a pleasant journey to Ordu on AJet Airlines’ scheduled flight at 05:25. Following our flight, which will take approximately 1.5 hours, we arrive at Ordu–Giresun Airport and begin our exploration of the Black Sea with our waiting vehicle.
After having our breakfast consisting of local delicacies with our guests who wish to join (extra), we depart toward the plateau region via Giresun’s Dereli district. One of our first stops, Blue Lake, welcomes us as one of the Black Sea’s hidden beauties with its turquoise color. We then visit the Göksu Travertines, formed by nature in an almost cotton-like appearance, and take a photo break accompanied by unique views.
Afterward, we arrive at Kümbet Plateau, one of the finest examples of Black Sea plateau culture. During our free time at the plateau, which attracts attention with its lush nature and clean air, you can taste the region’s distinctive pine-gum rice pudding; our guests who wish may also try delicacies prepared by local butchers.
Following our plateau visit, we cross Eğribel Pass and arrive at the historic Tamzara Neighborhood of Şebinkarahisar. In this former Greek settlement, located at approximately an altitude of 2,050 meters and having preserved its historic fabric to the present day, stone houses, narrow streets and traces of traditional life welcome us. Here, we have the opportunity to drink Akıl Water, which local people believe to have healing properties.
After seeing Alucra panoramically along our route, we enter the borders of Gümüşhane. We visit Tomara Waterfall, one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders (entrance fee extra). At this natural marvel located within the national park area, we feel the peaceful atmosphere of nature while watching the waterfall’s captivating view from the glass terrace.
After this beautiful day spent surrounded by nature, history and local culture, we settle into our hotel in Gümüşhane. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Dining Information:
Breakfast: Will Be Served at a Suitable Restaurant in Ordu (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Will Be Taken During Free Time at Kümbet Plateau (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will Be Served at the Hotel as a Set Menu or Open Buffet (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Gümüşhane / Trabzon Hotels Çimenler Hotel, Gümüş Hotel, Ramada Gümüşhane Hotel, Bayrak Grand Hotel, Sümela Holiday Hotel and similar hotels.
Gümüşhane – Karaca Cave – Zigana Pass – Hamsiköy – Sumela Monastery – Filigree and Kazaziye – Uzungöl
From Nature’s Underground Art Gallery to the Unique Valleys of the Black Sea
On the second day of our tour, after having breakfast at our hotel, we begin an unforgettable day accompanied by the lush nature, historical heritage and impressive highland landscapes of the Black Sea. Our first stop is Karaca Cave, regarded as one of the most impressive caves not only in Turkey but also in the world.
Karaca Cave, considered “one of the caves with the world’s richest dripstone formations,” resembles an underground natural art gallery with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtain travertines and dripstone pools formed over thousands of years. Accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we learn about the cave’s formation process while enjoying a pleasant exploration thanks to its high oxygen level and refreshing atmosphere.
Important Note: Karaca Cave may be closed to visitors periodically due to maintenance and renovation works. If the cave is closed, our program will alternatively include a visit to the Torul Glass Terrace.
Following our visit to Karaca Cave, we continue our journey accompanied by the captivating views of the Zigana Mountains. Having hosted caravan routes, military passages and trade routes throughout history, Zigana Pass is one of the most important natural passes connecting Eastern Anatolia with the Black Sea. Along the way, in this unique geography where harsh mountain silhouettes give way to lush green forests, we have the opportunity to observe the changing face of nature.
Our next stop is Hamsiköy, which resembles a postcard with its appearance among the mists. Located on the foothills of the Zigana Mountains, this charming village is especially known throughout Turkey for its famous Hamsiköy rice pudding. During our break here, guests who wish may taste the famous rice pudding (extra) and take photographs accompanied by unique mountain views.
Following our visit to Hamsiköy, we turn toward Maçka and reach Altındere National Park, one of the most important natural conservation areas of the Black Sea. After our journey by minibuses through the Coşandere Valley (extra), we complete an approximately 350-meter walking trail and reach Sumela Monastery, built on the steep cliffs of Karadağ like an eagle’s nest.
This magnificent structure, dating back to the fourth century, is of great importance not only in terms of Christian history but also for Black Sea culture. Accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we visit the sections of the monastery open to visitors and have the opportunity to photograph its historic frescoes, rock architecture and breathtaking view overlooking the valley.
Following our visit to Sumela Monastery, we proceed to our restaurant to taste one of the most famous flavors of Black Sea cuisine, Akçaabat Meatballs. Guests who wish may have lunch here as an extra.
After our meal break, we follow the Of–Çaykara route and set off toward Uzungöl, which has become a symbol of the Black Sea. Along the way, we take a shopping break where we can become closely acquainted with handicrafts unique to Trabzon. We take a short shopping break at a store where you can see and purchase traditional handicraft products such as Trabzon woven silver, filigree and kazaziye.
Upon reaching Uzungöl, dense forests surrounding the lake, wooden highland houses, suspension bridges and the peaceful atmosphere of nature welcome us. During our free time here, you can walk around the lake, enjoy the scenery and experience the unique nature of the Black Sea up close.
For our guests who wish, there is an opportunity to join the Lustra and Karaster Highlands Tour, organized as an extra. As we ascend by minibuses toward an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters, we take photo breaks at scenic viewpoints and have the opportunity to view Uzungöl from above by taking short walks along the highland roads. Guests who do not join the extra tour may spend their free time in Uzungöl.
At the end of the day, we leave Uzungöl and head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Food and Beverage Information:
Breakfast: Will Be Served at the Hotel as a Set Menu or Open Buffet (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will Be Served at a Suitable Restaurant in Trabzon (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will Be Served at the Hotel as a Set Menu or Open Buffet (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Trabzon / Golden Inn Hotel, Çaykara Park Hotel, Grand Çaykaram Hotel, Royal Comfort Hotel, Arsen Hotel, Bayrak Grand Hotel, Grand 464 Hotel, Rhisos Gold Hotel and similar hotels.
Çeçeva Tea Gardens – Fırtına River – Çamlıhemşin – Çinçiva (Şenyuva Village) – Zilkale – Palovit Waterfall – Ayder Plateau
From Storm Valley to the Sea of Clouds in the Heart of the Black Sea
We begin the third day of our tour with breakfast at our hotel. In the morning, we first visit the Rize Cloth Workshop, one of the important symbols of Black Sea culture. Here, we learn about the region’s unique weaving culture and have the opportunity to closely observe the production stages of Rize cloth. Guests who wish may also shop for local products.
We then depart for Ayder Plateau, one of the first places that comes to mind when the Black Sea is mentioned. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,350 meters, Ayder Plateau is one of the most special regions of the Black Sea with its lush nature, thermal springs and unique atmosphere. Here, we see Gelintülü Waterfall and Horon Meadow, and have free time to enjoy the plateau atmosphere.
After our visit to Ayder, we continue towards Ardeşen and arrive at our facility located on the banks of Storm Valley. During our free time here, guests who wish may have lunch consisting of local delicacies as an extra. You will also have the opportunity to try Laz böreği, one of the indispensable flavors of Black Sea cuisine.
Following our meal break, fun-filled activities for adrenaline and nature enthusiasts begin. The zipline activity offered as an extra on the Fırtına River provides exciting moments with its course measuring approximately 10 meters in height and 400 meters in length. Guests who wish may enjoy an unforgettable experience in the rushing waters of the Black Sea by joining the extra rafting activity lasting approximately 1.5 hours under the guidance of expert instructors. We also have the opportunity to make our day even more colorful with the additionally organized giant swing and ATV safari activities.
After these enjoyable moments, we arrive in Çamlıhemşin. In this region, one of the Black Sea’s most special natural destinations, we proceed to our minibuses with guests who wish to join our extra plateau tours. The plateau tours, which will be organized subject to weather conditions and sufficient participation, offer the opportunity to discover the Black Sea’s most pristine and impressive nature.
1. Plateau Tour Package
Çinçiva Village (Şenyuva) – Palovit Waterfall – Zilkale – Boxwood Forests – Elevit Plateau
On this tour, we visit Şenyuva (Çinçiva) Village, one of the most iconic points of Storm Valley. In this region, which draws attention with its stone arch bridges, wooden houses and authentic village atmosphere, we take pleasant walks and capture unique photographs. We then see Palovit Waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Black Sea region. Afterwards, we view the historic Zilkale, which stands out with its dominant position overlooking the valley, from a panoramic perspective; passing through the Boxwood Forests, considered one of the world’s most special ecosystems, we arrive at Elevit Plateau. We take enjoyable breaks during which we can fully experience the plateau atmosphere.
2. Plateau Tour Package
Çinçiva Village (Şenyuva) – Zilkale – Pokut Plateau – Sal Plateau
Our alternative plateau tour also begins with Şenyuva Village, followed by a visit to the historic Zilkale. We then climb to Pokut Plateau, which offers one of the most impressive views of the Black Sea. At this plateau, famous for its sea of clouds views, we feel the enchanting atmosphere of nature and take unique photographs. Our tour continues with a visit to Sal Plateau, which preserves its natural character and stands out with its postcard-like scenery.
Guests who do not wish to join the extra plateau tours can spend free time in Çamlıhemşin. We especially recommend the plateau tours to our guests who wish to see the nature of the Black Sea in its most impressive form.
After this beautiful day filled with nature, adventure and Black Sea culture, we depart for our hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.
Dining Information:
Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel as a Set Menu or Buffet (Included in the Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be served at the facility in Storm Valley (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served at the hotel as a Set Menu or Buffet (Included in the Tour Price)
Accommodation: Rize / Patulya Otel, Oris Green Otel, Çay Butik Otel, Huzur Konak Otel, Zafran Otel, Ceymakçur Zafran Otel, Doğra Resort Otel, Oris Otel, Natura Otel and similar hotels.
Borçka Karagöl – Sarp Border Gate – Batumi – Georgian Night
The Colorful World of Batumi from the Black Sea to the Caucasus
We begin the fourth day of our tour with breakfast at our hotel. Today, a special route awaits us, where we will see the unique nature of the Black Sea together with the modern face of Caucasian culture.
In the morning, together with guests who wish to join, we set off for our Borçka Karagöl optional tour, heading toward Karagöl, located within the borders of Artvin’s Borçka district and known as a “hidden paradise” due to its natural beauty (optional). In Borçka, we transfer to minibuses and set out for our visit to Karagöl. Formed as a landslide-dammed lake, Karagöl offers its visitors a natural beauty where time seems to stand still, with its dense surrounding forest, silence, and peaceful atmosphere. Guests who do not wish to join this optional tour may enjoy free time in central Borçka. Following our visit to Karagöl, we return to Borçka by minibus and continue in our vehicle.
Following our enjoyable visit surrounded by nature, we reach the Sarp Border Gate via Hopa and, after completing our identity procedures, enter Georgia. We begin our journey toward Batumi, located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and notable for its modern architecture.
Our first destination is the Makhuntseti region, located near Batumi. Here, we visit an authentic wine house (Adjarian Wine House) where we can learn more closely about wine production, one of the most important traditions of Georgian culture. Guests who wish may taste Georgian wines and shop (entrance fee extra).
We then see the Makhuntseti Stone Bridge, believed to have been built during the reign of Georgian Queen Tamar. Afterwards, we take a short walk and a photo break at Makhuntseti Waterfall, located amid lush green nature. We enjoy pleasant moments accompanied by the waterfall’s cool atmosphere and the soothing sounds of nature.
Following our visit to Makhuntseti, we head to Batumi city center and begin our city tour. On the way, we enjoy a panoramic view of Gonio Fortress, located on the Black Sea coast and notable for its history dating back to the Roman period.
Upon reaching the city center, our first stop is Europe Square. Here, our guide provides information about the Medea Statue, one of the important figures of Caucasian mythology. Afterwards, we proceed to Piazza Square, one of Batumi’s most enjoyable spots. We have free time in the square, which attracts attention with its European-style buildings, cafés, and lively atmosphere.
As our tour continues, we visit Saint Nicholas Church, which is still open for worship. Then, at Theater Square, we see the Statue of Poseidon, the historic theater building, and the Cathedral of the Mother of God. We view the Alphabet Tower, one of Batumi’s symbols dedicated to the Georgian alphabet, from the outside and take a photo break.
Our next stop is the Ali & Nino Statue, located on the Batumi waterfront and famous for its stories. We take photographs in front of this impressive statue, notable for its moving structure, and experience the pleasant atmosphere of Batumi Boulevard.
Following our city tour, we check in to our hotel. Guests who wish may join the optional Georgian Night dinner program arranged in the evening. An unforgettable night awaits us with live music, traditional folk dances, and special flavors of Georgian cuisine.
Guests who do not wish to join the Georgian Night program may spend the evening freely in Batumi city center. Overnight accommodation is at our hotel in Batumi.
Food and Beverage Information:
Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel as a Set Menu or Buffet (Included in the Tour Fee)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Batumi (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served at the Georgian Night to be held in Batumi (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: Batumi / La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi, Marina Club Batumi, Euphoria Hotel Batumi, Grand Bellagio Batumi and similar hotels.
Important Information – Batumi Border Crossing
Under the agreement between Türkiye and Georgia, entry into Batumi is permitted only with a new chip-enabled photographic identity card containing a Turkish Republic ID number or a passport. Crossing is strictly not possible with other documents, such as driving licenses or institutional identity cards. (Entry into Georgia is not possible with old-style identity cards.) Our guests are required to carry their new-style photographic Turkish Republic identity cards with them during the trip.
Guests under the age of 18 who are not traveling together with both their mother and father are required to present a notarized letter of consent. In addition, all child and infant passengers must have a photograph on their identity cards.
The international departure fee that may be applied during departure procedures from Batumi is payable by the guest.
It has become mandatory for all Turkish Republic citizens entering Georgia to obtain international travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. The insurance certificate may be presented physically or digitally. (INCLUDED IN THE TOUR FEE)
Sarp Border Crossing – Çeçeva Tea Gardens (Haremtepe Village) – Sürmene Knife Workshop – Tea Factory – Atatürk Mansion – Trabzon – Airport Transfer
On the last day of our tour, after having breakfast at our hotel, we head toward the Sarp Border Gate. We allow free time for customs procedures and shopping at the Free Shop, then enter Turkey. Before saying goodbye to the greenery of the Black Sea, we travel to Rize’s Çayeli district. We will take a tour of Çeçeva Village (Haremtepe), which has gained fame in recent years through TV series, film, and commercial shoots. This excursion, which we will take using local minibuses, is included in the tour fee. As we proceed among lush green tea gardens that seem endless, we witness one of the Black Sea’s most iconic views. During the photo breaks we take among the tea fields stretching out step by step, we have the opportunity to capture unforgettable shots.
After our Çeçeva visit, we will have a short amount of free time for a lunch break while enjoying a panoramic view of Rize Castle. Afterwards, we stop at our shop, where we will learn about Sürmene Knives, unique to the Black Sea region, and have the opportunity to shop for knives. Later in the day, we take a short break at a local shopping store where we can find regional products such as butter, honey, kolot cheese, and corn flour. We then proceed to the tea production facility to discover the story of tea, an indispensable part of the Black Sea region. Here, we enjoy a tea-picking experience, taste loose-leaf and flavored tea varieties, and complete our shopping. After our time among local products, we will go to our restaurant for an extra meal break.
After our meal break, we head to Trabzon city center. Here, we first visit Atatürk Mansion. This historic mansion, presented to Atatürk by the people of Trabzon, draws attention with its architecture and details that shed light on the era. Afterwards, accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we learn about the Hagia Sophia Museum of Trabzon panoramically and become closely acquainted with the region’s historical and cultural character.
In the evening, we arrive at Trabzon Airport, take a group photo in front of the airport to leave one final memory of our enjoyable Black Sea trip, and say goodbye to our guide and captain. After completing the baggage and ticket procedures at the airport, we begin our return journey on AJet Airlines’ scheduled 21:20 Trabzon – Sabiha Gökçen flight. Having completed this special tour, filled with the unique nature, highlands, culture, and unforgettable memories of the Eastern Black Sea, we say goodbye to you until we meet again on another organization.
Food and Beverage Information:
Breakfast: Will be served at the hotel as a Set Menu or Open Buffet (Included in the Tour Fee)
Lunch: Will be taken during free time in Rize or Trabzon (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Dinner arrangements for the return day will be made according to preference (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: There is no accommodation on the return day.
Child Discount and Circular Rules
Child discount is valid for the 7–12 age range.
The tour circular is valid as of the date it was published, 19.01.2026. Circulars published on later dates for the same tour invalidate the previous circular.
Mandatory additional services are included in the tour price.
Important Information About Tours with Flights
- For tours with flights, all procedures related to flights are subject to the provisions of the airline agreement.
- Cancellation insurance does not cover air transportation.
- A tiered pricing system is applied; the advertised prices are those starting from the lowest class.
- Economy class flights are used in tour programs with flights.
- Airline tickets are issued as a round trip together. If the outbound flight is not used, the return flight also becomes invalid pursuant to the airlines’ “sequential use” rule. Therefore, participation in only the return flight is not possible.
Museum – Archaeological Site – National Park Entrances
All museum, archaeological site and national park entrance fees are the responsibility of our guests. To benefit from advantages at museums and archaeological sites where the Museum Card is valid, our guests may obtain a card from Museum Card sales points before or during the tour.
Package Price Coverage
Our package tour prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and the sightseeing tours specified in the program.
Rest Stops
Breaks are taken at rest facilities along the route. Due to crowding, renovations or similar force majeure reasons, rest stops may be changed provided that they are equivalent in terms of service quality and location.
Extra Tours and Program Flow
Night tours and extra excursions included in the tour program are organized depending on the number of participants and the availability of the assigned personnel. Extra tours conducted en route may take place even if not all guests participate. Guests who do not wish to join the extra tour will be directed by our guide to rest areas before the city entrances or to city centers. In this case, guests who agree to wait at the rest area will be deemed to have participated in the tour.
Due to weather conditions, road conditions or similar reasons, the guide may make changes to the program sequence (visiting points within the day or between days) if deemed necessary.
Go-Turkey cannot be held responsible for points that cannot be visited despite being included in the program due to force majeure (weather conditions, road conditions, crowding at visiting points, etc.) or because guests do not comply with the schedules provided by the guide.
Health Notification
Our guests are required to carry with them reports and information regarding any health problems they may experience during the tour, pregnancy status or medications they regularly use.
Accommodation Information
The hotel names specified in the program are the priority accommodation facilities. Hotels may be changed depending on availability. Upon request, information about the hotel where guests will stay is shared with them no later than 48 hours before the tour departure. If the hotel is changed due to crowding or force majeure reasons, provided that the standards remain the same, our guests will be informed by Go-Turkey representatives.
Important Notes
- On tours with flights, flight delays may occur due to congestion.
- Night tours are extra and are organized according to participation.
Vehicles Used
Tour vehicles are planned as follows according to the number of participants:
Bus (28–46 people):
Mercedes Travego / Tourismo, Neoplan Cityliner / Tourliner, Mitsubishi Safir
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, kitchenette, reading lamps, announcement system, CD/DVD)
Midibus (17–27 people):
Isuzu Turkuaz
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, announcement system)
Minibus (up to 16 people):
VW Volt, VW Volt EL, Mercedes Sprinter, Mercedes Sprinter EL
(Specially designed reclining seats, ABS, ASR, air conditioning, refrigerator, announcement system)
Recommendations
- Clothing and footwear suitable for the geographical structure and weather conditions of the tour region should be preferred.
- It is recommended that you bring the necessary charging equipment for taking photographs and videos.
- Regularly used medications should not be forgotten; allergic, chronic or hereditary conditions should be reported to the guide.
- Personal care products, a backpack and personal belongings that will make the journey enjoyable should be kept with you.
- For programs including boat tours and swimming breaks, it is recommended that you bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and similar sea equipment.
The tour program and explanations above have been originally prepared by Go-Turkey. They may not be copied, reproduced or published without permission. The program has been arranged in accordance with the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 and must be evaluated as a whole.
GEORGIA (BATUMI – TBILISI) BORDER CROSSING INFORMATION
- Entry into Georgia is possible only with a new-type chip-enabled Republic of Türkiye Identity Card or passport. Old-type identity cards are not valid.
- The chip on identity cards must be intact and not broken, cracked or excessively worn. The chip on the back of the identity cards must be checked.
- All guests, including babies and children, are required to have new-type identity cards with photographs. The Georgian authorities do not accept identity cards without photographs.
- The tour company is not responsible for border crossing problems that may arise due to deformation or damage to identity cards or the absence of a photograph.
- For guests under the age of 18 to cross into Georgia, both their mother and father must be present with them.
- If one of the parents is absent, a notarized consent letter must be obtained from the absent parent.
- If both parents are absent, a notarized consent letter from both parents is mandatory.
- It is mandatory to obtain a fee stamp for entry into Georgia. The fee stamp can be obtained at the Sarp Border Gate, and the fee is paid by the guests.
- According to Georgian law, no medication is permitted to be brought into the country. Legal proceedings may be initiated against persons carrying medication.
- For same-day entries, only one medication may be carried for use during the day, without its box and wrapped in paper.
- To bring alcohol, cigarettes and similar products from Georgia into Türkiye, it is required to stay in Georgia for at least three days. Bringing these products is not permitted for same-day entries.
- Periodic congestion may occur at the Sarp Border Gate. Therefore, guests may depart from the hotel early in the morning or arrive at the hotel late in the evening.
- Foreign-national guests who entered Türkiye with a passport must have a multiple-entry Turkish visa to travel to Georgia and return to Türkiye.
- Entry requirements for Georgia may vary according to the visa agreements between Georgia and the country to which the passport or identity card belongs.
- Citizens of the TRNC may enter Georgia with a Republic of Türkiye identity card if they entered Türkiye with a Republic of Türkiye identity card.
- TRNC citizens who entered Türkiye with a European Union passport must obtain a multiple-entry visa to be able to return to Türkiye.
- All guests are required to follow the guide’s instructions during border crossings.
- Border crossing procedures are entirely under the control of the official authorities of Georgia and Türkiye, and the tour company cannot be held responsible for any delays that may occur.