11 Days Black Sea Tour of Turkey

Istanbul – Bursa – Lake Abant – Safranbolu – Amasya – Trabzon – Black Sea Highlands
By Bus & Plane | Operated All Year Round

Discover the heart of Turkey on this immersive 11-day Black Sea tour, combining imperial cities, Ottoman heritage, UNESCO towns, alpine lakes, and the lush green highlands of the Black Sea. This journey is ideal for travelers seeking culture, nature, history, and authentic local life in one unforgettable itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax or explore Istanbul independently.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 – Istanbul | Half-Day Bosphorus Tour (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day morning Bosphorus tour, offering a perfect introduction to Istanbul.

Highlights:

• Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) – Exotic aromas, spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs

• Golden Horn – Natural harbor dividing the old and new city

• Historic City Walls – Dating back to the 5th century

• Bosphorus Cruise – Sail between Europe and Asia, passing palaces, mansions, and fortresses

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 – Istanbul → Bursa | Ottoman Capital Tour (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and take the ferry to Bursa. Continue by road through scenic countryside to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.

Highlights:

• Ulu Mosque (Grand Mosque)

• Green Mosque & Green Tomb – Famous for Iznik tiles

• Historic Silk Market & Covered Bazaar

• Uludağ (Mount Olympos) – Ascend by cable car for panoramic views

Experience the authentic daily life of the region before overnight stay in Bursa.

Overnight in Bursa.

Day 4 – Bursa → Lake Abant → Safranbolu (B)

After breakfast, depart for Lake Abant, one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural lakes.

• Walk the 7 km lakeside trail, or enjoy optional horse riding or carriage rides

• Surrounded by pine forests, Abant offers different scenery in every season

Continue to Safranbolu, a former caravan stop on the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage town.

Highlights:

• Historic Safranbolu Bazaar

• Ottoman houses, old bathhouse, mosque, and Süleyman Pasha Madrasa

Overnight in Safranbolu.

Day 5 – Safranbolu → Amasya (B)

After breakfast, drive to Amasya (approx. 4 hours), one of Turkey’s most picturesque historic cities.

Nestled in a narrow valley of the Yeşilırmak River, Amasya boasts over 3,000 years of history.

Highlights:

• Rock-cut Pontic King Tombs

• Ancient citadel ruins

• Ottoman palace, historic bridges, and old medical complex

Overnight in Amasya.

Day 6 – Amasya → Trabzon (B)

After breakfast, depart for Trabzon, driving through forests, mountains, rivers, and highlands. Enjoy ever-changing landscapes and vibrant shades of green.

Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 7 – Trabzon City Tour (B)

After breakfast, explore Trabzon’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

Highlights:

• Hagia Sophia of Trabzon – 13th-century Byzantine church

• Gülbahar Hatun Mosque

• Trabzon Castle

• Atatürk Mansion – Scenic hillside retreat

• Ortahisar Mosque – Former Comneni cathedral

• Boztepe Hill – Tea from a samovar with panoramic city views

• Lake Sera – Peaceful natural lake

Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 8 – Sumela Monastery, Zigana Pass & Karaca Cave (B)

After breakfast, depart for one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks.

Highlights:

• Sumela Monastery – 4th-century monastery clinging to a cliff inside Altındere National Park

• Relax by streams in the national park

• Drive the historic Silk Road via Zigana Mountains

• Karaca Cave – Famous for colorful formations, stalactites, and stalagmites

Return to Trabzon.
Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 9 – Ayder Highlands Tour (B)

After breakfast, full-day excursion to the eastern Black Sea highlands.

Highlights:

• Sürmene – Handmade knife tradition

• Traditional loom weaving

• Ziraat Botanical Garden – Tea plantations

• Fırtına Valley – Ottoman stone bridge

• Ayder Plateau – Waterfalls, alpine meadows, fresh mountain air

Free time to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and absorb the natural beauty.

Return to Trabzon.
Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 10 – Uzungöl Nature Park | Flight to Istanbul (B)

After breakfast, depart for Uzungöl, one of Turkey’s most photographed alpine lakes.

Highlights:

• Visit a horse farm & tea factory

• Explore Uzungöl Nature Park, rich in flora and wildlife

• Spruce forests, wooden houses, and mountain scenery

Transfer to Trabzon Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Arrival and transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 11 – Departure from Istanbul (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport according to your international flight schedule.
End of services with unforgettable memories of Turkey’s Black Sea region.

What’s Included

✔ Airport transfers
✔ Domestic flight tickets
✔ Boutique hotel accommodation
✔ Daily breakfast
✔ Guided tours as mentioned
✔ Entrance fees in the itinerary
✔ Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

✘ Drinks
✘ Tips
✘ Personal expenses
✘ Optional tours

Why Choose This 11-Day Black Sea Tour?

• ✔ Covers Turkey’s most scenic regions in one journey

• ✔ Combines UNESCO sites, Ottoman heritage & Black Sea nature

• ✔ Ideal for long-stay travelers & culture lovers

• ✔ Comfortable pacing with boutique hotels

• ✔ Excellent value, all essentials included