Iconic Black Sea Highlands and Batumi Tour | 3-Night Stay, Departing from Istanbul
A rich exploration journey stretching from the lush green valleys of the Black Sea to its misty plateaus, from the traces of the War of Independence to the nights beyond the border in Batum... In this program where nature, history, and culture intertwine; you will experience the Black Sea in all its colors, from Sümela’s steep cliffs to Ayder’s cool plateaus, from Uzungöl’s postcard-like views to the tranquility of Karagöl.
Samsun – Ordu – Trabzon – Rize – Batum – Uzungöl – Ayder Plateau 3 Nights Accommodation Round Trip | BusIstanbul – Izmit – Sakarya – Night Journey
FROM CITY LIGHTS TO THE GREEN OF THE BLACK SEA
Picking up our guests from the designated departure points, we begin our journey towards the misty mountains and rugged coasts of the Black Sea. As we leave behind the crowds and city lights of Istanbul, we enjoy a pleasant trip northward, with breaks along the way throughout the night.
We continue our night journey to welcome the first light of morning on the shores of the Black Sea.
Departure Points:
19:00 Incirli Omur Plaza Opposite Doğtaş Furniture Front
19:30 Mecidiyeköy Mado Front
20:15 Kadıköy Civil Registry Office Front
20:25 Kozyatağı Hilton Hotel Front
20:45 Kartal Bridge (towards Ankara)
21:15 Gebze Center Front
22:00 İzmit Intercity Bus Terminal Entrance Bus Stops
22:30 Sapanca Berceste Facilities
23:59 Bolu Terminal Entrance
Samsun / Anıtkabir / Bandırma Vapuru / Giresun / Trabzon / Hagia Sophia / Atatürk Mansion / Silver Workshop
FROM THE CITY WHERE THE NATIONAL STRUGGLE BEGAN TO THE PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA
In the morning, we arrive in Samsun, one of the symbolic cities of our National Struggle. After a free breakfast break (optional, paid by our guests), we begin our tour. Our first stop in Samsun is the Bandırma Vapour (will be visited if the museum is open), which brought Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his 18 comrades to Samsun on May 19, 1919, and the İlkadım Monument. Then, at the Honorary Monument located in central Samsun, built while Atatürk was still alive, we take commemorative photos.
After this part of our tour, we follow the Ordu and Giresun route towards Trabzon. Passing through Giresun, we view Giresun Island, the only island in the Black Sea, and Giresun Fortress panoramically, and receive brief information about the region from our guide. After a lunch break at a restaurant suitable for our program, we view Trabzon Fortress panoramically and visit the Atatürk Mansion on Soğuksu Hill, an Art Nouveau-style building gifted to Atatürk by the people of Trabzon. Following our visit to the Atatürk Mansion, we proceed to Trabzon Hagia Sophia. After seeing this architectural structure, built during the Kommenos Kingdom period in honor of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, we go to the region's largest silver workshop.
Here, we learn the intricacies of Silver, Telkâri, Trabzon straw bracelets, and Kazaziye art, one of the most valuable art forms introduced to the region by the Kazaz Turks and preserved in Turkey today by only three families in Trabzon. After our shopping break, we head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Meal Information:
Breakfast: Will be taken optionally at a facility suitable for the tour route. (Extra/Optional)
Lunch: Will be taken optionally at a restaurant suitable for our program. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served as buffet or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Sümela Holiday Resort – Bayrak Grand Hotel – Büyük Sümela Hotel - Marap Hotel, etc.
Maçka – Altındere National Park – Sumela Monastery – Sürmene Knife Workshop – Çeçeva Tea Gardens (Extra) – Batumi Night Tour (Included) – Sarp Border Gate
FROM THE DEPTHS OF VALLEYS BEYOND BORDERS
After breakfast at our hotel, we head towards Altındere National Park, entering Değirmendere Valley from the Maçka junction and proceeding along the valley to reach Maçka. In Maçka, our route splits, and we visit Sümela Monastery, perched on steep cliffs at the foothills of Mount Karadağ while overlooking Altındere Valley. After our guided tour, during the free time provided, you can take plenty of photos and enjoy the unique harmony of nature and history.
Following our visit to Sümela, we move towards Sürmene. We visit the Sürmene Knife Workshop, where world-famous handmade Sürmene knives are showcased, an important part of the local culture, giving interested guests the opportunity to shop. Afterwards, we take a lunch break at a restaurant suitable for our program. (Extra)
After lunch, with interested guests, we board our minibuses to visit Çeçeva Tea Gardens in Haremtepe (Çeçeva) Village, located in the Çayeli district of Rize, known for having some of Turkey's most famous tea plantations, as part of the Çeçeva Tea Gardens Tour. (Extra)
After taking photos among the lush green tea fields and enjoying this unique view, we return to our vehicle.
Continuing our tour, we head towards our hotel in the Hopa-Arhavi region. After settling into our hotel and taking a short rest, with interested guests, we proceed to Sarp Border Gate for the Batum Night Tour. (Extra)
After completing our entry procedures at the border gate, we cross into Georgia / Adjara Region. First, we view Gonio (Apsaros) Fortress from the Roman era panoramically, then watch the Chorokhi River and Gonio Bridge from our vehicle as we proceed towards Batum city center.
In Batum city center, we conduct our panoramic and walking tour, visiting the Central Mosque, Europe Square, Medea (Golden Fleece) Statue, Poseidon Square, Theater Building, Batumi Boulevard, and the Turkish Consulate Building. During the free time along Batumi Boulevard, you can see and photograph the Ali & Nino Statue, one of the city's symbols representing a tragic love story.
After the free time, we return to Sarp Border Gate, complete our entry procedures into Turkey, and make our way back to our hotel.
Note: The Batum tour and round-trip transfers are included in the tour price.
The exit tax for traveling abroad and travel health insurance are the responsibility of the guests.
Dining Information:
Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a restaurant suitable for our program. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be taken freely during the Batum tour. (Extra/Optional)
Accommodation: Arhavi Resort Hotel – Paluri Hotel – Peronti Hotel, etc.
Borçka Karagöl (Extra) – Fırtına Valley – Çamlıhemşin – Çinçiva (Şenyuva) Village – Zilkale – Palovit Waterfall – Ayder Plateau – Gelin Tülü Waterfall
THE DEEPEST TONES OF GREEN
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we offer an extra tour option for interested guests. We proceed towards Borçka via the Cankurtaran Tunnel, which connects the Black Sea to Eastern Anatolia and is one of the longest tunnels in our country. In Borçka, we board the minibuses waiting for us and head towards (Extra) Borçka Karagöl, one of the Black Sea's untouched natural wonders.
During our journey, we continue along the Klaskur Valley, one of our country's biosphere reserves, passing through Georgian villages and organic tea plantations. We view the Maisur Waterfall from a distance, pass by the Bardnala Waterfall, and arrive at Karagöl. At this unique natural wonder lake, which hosted promotional shoots for the series "Don't Worry About Me," during the free time provided, you can take walks around the lake, enjoy boat rides, and take plenty of photos. After our visit to Karagöl, we return to our main vehicle and continue with our program.
Next, we follow the Fındıklı – Ardeşen route and enter the Fırtına Valley. In this valley, which welcomes us with its rushing river and lush greenery, we take a lunch break at a facility suitable for our program. (Extra)
Then, with interested guests, we board the minibuses waiting for us in Çamlıhemşin and enter (Extra) Çat Valley, located at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains. In the village known as Şenyuva (formerly Çinçiva) and famous for the series "Sevdaluk," we stop for photos at the historic stone bridge. Afterwards, we visit Zilkale, built on a commanding point in the valley to protect trade routes of that era, renowned for its majestic appearance resembling an eagle's nest. After visiting Zilkale, we move to Palovit Waterfall, with its gurgling waters and lush greenery, and capture this unique view from the observation terrace. After our tour, we return to our main vehicle via our minibuses.
After our tour, we depart from Çamlıhemşin and head towards Ayder Plateau, located at an altitude of 1350 meters and surrounded by pine forests. Along the way, we view Aşağı and Yukarı Ambarlık and Şenlik Düzü panoramically, and stop for photos at Gelin Tülü Waterfall, which has become the symbol of Ayder. During the free time at Ayder Plateau, you can take short walks and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
After our tours, we head back to our hotel.
Dining Information:
Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken at a facility suitable for our program in Fırtına Valley. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be served as buffet or set menu at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Accommodation: Ars Hotel – Minerva Hotel – Green Suada Hotel, etc.
Rize Bezi Workshop – Uzungöl – Karaster (Garaster) – Memişağa Mansion – Tea Factory – Ordu (Boztepe) – Istanbul
GOODBYE TO THE BLACK SEA
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and head to the Rize Bezi Workshop, where we can closely discover the local folk crafts of the Black Sea. Here, we receive information about the production process of hand-woven Rize cloths specific to Rize, and guests who wish can make purchases.
Next, we arrive at Uzungöl, one of the most popular natural beauties of the Black Sea. We are given free time with a view of the lake, providing ample opportunity to take many photos.
After our visit to Uzungöl, we carry out an additional tour to Karaster (Garaster) Plateau for guests who wish. (This is done using regional vehicles depending on weather and road conditions.) We stop for photo breaks amidst the plateau's unique scenery. (Extra tour)
Continuing with our program, we stop at Memişağa Mansion for shopping for local products. We gain information about Black Sea-specific products such as tea, honey, hazelnuts, and butter, and have the opportunity to make purchases.
Next, we move to the Tea Factory, one of the symbols of the Black Sea. Here, we receive information about the stages of tea production, and guests who wish can buy tea.
As we begin our return journey, we stop in Ordu province. Guests who wish can additionally take the cable car up to Boztepe. (The cable car fee is borne by the guests.) Guests who do not wish to use the cable car can spend their free time in central Ordu.
After the break, we continue our return journey and complete our tour with our arrival in Istanbul in the morning hours.
Food and Beverage Information:
Morning Breakfast: Buffet or set menu breakfast at the hotel (Included in Tour Price)
Lunch: Will be taken freely around Uzungöl. (Extra/Optional)
Dinner: Will be taken at rest facilities along the route. (Extra)
Child Discount and Circular Rules
Child discount is valid for the age range of 7–12 years.
The tour circular is valid as of the publication date of 19.01.2026. Circles published on later dates for the same tour invalidate previous circles.
Mandatory extra services are included in the tour price.
Important Information Regarding Flight Tours
- In flight tours, all operations related to flights are subject to the terms of the airline contract.
- Cancellation insurance does not cover air travel.
- A tiered pricing system is applied; advertised prices start from the lowest class.
- Economy class flights are used in flight tour programs.
- Air tickets are issued as round-trip together. If the outbound flight is not used, the return flight also becomes invalid due to the airlines' "sequential use" rule. Therefore, participation in only the return flight is not possible.
Museum – Archaeological Site – National Park Entries
All museum, archaeological site, and national park entry fees are borne by our guests. Guests can obtain a card from Müzekart sales points before or during the tour to take advantage of benefits at museums and archaeological sites where the Müzekart is valid.
Packaged Price Coverage
Our package tour prices include: hotel accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing tours specified in the program.
Rest Stops
Rest stops are provided at rest facilities along the route. Due to congestion, renovation, or other compelling reasons, changes may be made to rest stop locations, provided 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 staff. Extra tours conducted along the route may take place even if not all guests participate. Guests who do not wish to join an extra tour will be directed by our guide to rest areas before city entrances or to city centers. In this case, guests who agree to wait in the rest area are considered to have participated in the tour.
Due to weather conditions, road status, or similar reasons; if the guide deems it necessary, changes can be made to the program sequence (visits within the day or between days).
Go-Turkey cannot be held responsible for points that are part of the program but cannot be visited due to compelling reasons (weather conditions, road status, congestion at visit points, etc.) or because guests fail to adhere to the timing given by the guide.
Health Declaration
Guests must carry reports and information regarding any health issues they may experience during the tour, pregnancy status, or medications they continuously use.
Accommodation Information
The hotel names specified in the program are priority accommodation facilities. Changes may be made to hotels depending on availability. At the latest 48 hours before the tour departure, upon request, accommodation information will be shared with our guests. In case of hotel changes due to congestion or compelling reasons, provided standards remain the same, guests will be informed by Go-Turkey officials.
Important Notes
- In flight tours, flight delays may occur due to congestion.
- Night tours are extra and are organized depending on participation.
Vehicles Used
Tour vehicles are planned according to the number of participants as follows:
Bus (28–46 people):
Mercedes Travego / Tourismo, Neoplan Cityliner / Tourliner, Mitsubishi Safir
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, kitchen unit, reading lamps, announcement system, CD/DVD)
Minibus (17–27 people):
Isuzu Turkuaz
(ABS, ASR, air conditioning, monitor, refrigerator, announcement system)
Mini-bus (up to 16 people):
VW Volt, VW Volt EL, Mercedes Sprinter, Mercedes Sprinter EL
(Special design reclining seats, ABS, ASR, air conditioning, refrigerator, announcement system)
Suggestions
- Clothing and footwear suitable for the geographical structure and weather conditions of the tour region should be chosen.
- It is recommended that you bring necessary charging equipment for photo and video shooting.
- Do not forget regularly used medications; allergic, chronic, or hereditary conditions should be reported to the guide.
- Personal care products, backpacks, and personal items that will make the journey enjoyable should be carried with you.
- In programs featuring boat tours and swimming breaks; it is recommended to bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and similar sea equipment.
The tour program and explanations above have been originally prepared by Go-Turkey. They cannot be copied, reproduced, or published without permission. The program has been arranged in accordance with Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers and should be evaluated as a whole.
GEORGIA (BATUM – TBILISI) BORDER CROSSING INFORMATION
- Transfers to Georgia can only be made with the new type chip-enabled Republic of Turkey Identity Card or passport. Old-type identity cards are not valid.
- The chip on the identity card must be intact; it must not be broken, cracked, or excessively worn. The chip on the back of the identity cards must be checked.
- Identity cards for all guests, including babies and children, must be of the new type and contain a photograph. 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, damage, or lack of a photograph on the identity cards.
- For guests under 18 years of age to enter Georgia, both parents must be present.
- If one parent is absent, a notarized consent letter from the absent parent is required.
- If both parents are absent, notarized consent letters from both parents are mandatory.
- Stamp duty is mandatory for transfers to Georgia. Stamp duty can be obtained from Sarp Border Gate and is paid by the guests.
- According to Georgian laws, no medication is allowed to be brought into the country. Legal action may be initiated against individuals found with medication.
- In day trips, only one box of medication, unwrapped and wrapped in paper, intended for use within the day, may be carried.
- When returning from Georgia to Turkey, there is a requirement to have stayed in Georgia for at least three days to bring alcohol, cigarettes, and similar products. Bringing these products is not permitted in day trips.
- Periodic congestion may occur at Sarp Border Gate. Therefore, early departure from the hotel in the morning or late arrival at the hotel in the evening may occur.
- Foreign guests who entered Turkey with a passport must have multiple-entry visas to Turkey in order to go to Georgia and return to Turkey again.
- Entry conditions to Georgia may vary depending on visa agreements between the country of origin of the passport or identity card and Georgia.
- North Cyprus Turkish Republic citizens who have entered Turkey with a TC identity card can also enter Georgia with a TC identity card.
- North Cyprus Turkish Republic citizens entering Turkey with a European Union passport must obtain a multiple-entry visa to return to Turkey.
- During border crossings, all guests are required to follow the guide's instructions.
- Border crossing procedures are entirely under the control of Georgian and Turkish official authorities, and the tour company cannot be held responsible for any delays that may occur.