11-Day Istanbul & Black Sea Discovery Tour

From Imperial Istanbul to the Emerald Highlands of Northern Türkiye

Tour Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 11-day journey through Istanbul and Türkiye’s spectacular Black Sea region, where vibrant city life meets untouched nature and deep-rooted traditions. This immersive itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a perfect balance of iconic landmarks, scenic coastal routes, cultural heritage, and hidden gems.

Begin in Istanbul, exploring lively districts such as Galata, Istiklal Street, Taksim Square, and the aromatic Spice Bazaar, crowned by an unforgettable Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with live entertainment. After a peaceful escape to the Princes’ Islands, the adventure continues along the Black Sea coast—home to lush mountains, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns.

From Amasra’s postcard-perfect harbor to Sinop’s historic fortress, from Samsun’s symbolic War of Independence landmarks to Ordu’s panoramic cable car views, and from Trabzon’s legendary Sümela Monastery to Rize’s tea-covered hills and the misty Ayder Plateau, this journey reveals the true soul of northern Türkiye.

✔ Expert-guided sightseeing
✔ Comfortable accommodations & scenic drives
✔ Authentic local flavors & cultural encounters
✔ Ideal for nature lovers, culture seekers & explorers

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Tour Highlights

• Explore Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, Taksim Square & Spice Bazaar

• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with live music & performances

• Full-day Princes’ Islands (Büyükada) excursion

• Discover Amasra, one of Türkiye’s most charming coastal towns

• Visit Sinop Fortress, harbor & historic bazaars

• Explore Samsun’s Atatürk Museum & Bandırma Ferry

• Ride the Boztepe Cable Car in Ordu

• Enjoy seaside cafés in Giresun

• Discover Trabzon, Hagia Sophia & the iconic Sümela Monastery

• Visit Rize Castle, Ziraat Tea Garden & Çaykur Tea Museum

• Experience the breathtaking Ayder Plateau

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul City Highlights & Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Arrival in Istanbul and meeting with your professional guide.
Today’s program is ideal for returning visitors or those seeking Istanbul beyond the classics:

• Visit Galata Tower (photo stop)

• Walk along Istiklal Street to Taksim Square

• Explore the colorful Spice Bazaar

In the evening, enjoy a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, featuring:

• Night views of palaces, bridges & mosques

• Traditional Turkish dinner

• Live music & folkloric performances

Overnight in Istanbul

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Day 2: Princes’ Islands – Büyükada Tour

After breakfast, depart for a relaxing Princes’ Islands excursion.

• Ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara

• Explore Büyükada, the largest and most famous island

• Free time for walking, cycling, and seaside lunch

Return to Istanbul in the evening.
Overnight in Istanbul

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Day 3: Istanbul to Amasra (via Zonguldak)

Depart Istanbul and drive toward the Black Sea coast.

• Scenic stop in Zonguldak

• Continue to Amasra, a picturesque harbor town

Explore:

• Amasra Castle & viewpoints

• Charming old town streets

• Seaside atmosphere

Dinner and overnight in Amasra.

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Day 4: Amasra to Sinop

After breakfast, continue along the coastal road to Sinop, one of the Black Sea’s most historic cities.

• Visit Sinop Fortress & Prison

• Walk along the harbor

• Explore local bazaars

Free time to enjoy the seaside.
Overnight in Sinop

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Day 5: Sinop to Samsun

Travel to Samsun, a city of great historical significance.

• Visit the Atatürk Museum

• Explore the Bandırma Ferry, symbol of Türkiye’s War of Independence

• Stroll along the waterfront promenade

Dinner and overnight in Samsun.

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Day 6: Samsun – Ordu – Giresun

Depart Samsun toward Ordu:

• Ride the Boztepe Cable Car for panoramic Black Sea views

Continue to Giresun:

• Enjoy free time at seaside cafés

• Relax and experience local life

Overnight in Giresun or Ordu.

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Day 7: Trabzon City Tour & Sümela Monastery

Drive to Trabzon, the cultural heart of the eastern Black Sea.

• Visit Trabzon Hagia Sophia

• Explore city highlights

Continue to the legendary Sümela Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs of Altındere National Park.

Overnight in Trabzon.

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Day 8: Trabzon to Rize

After breakfast, travel east toward Rize, famous for its tea plantations.

• Visit Rize Castle

• Explore Ziraat Tea Garden

• Visit Çaykur Tea Museum and learn about Turkish tea culture

Overnight in Rize.

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Day 9: Ayder Plateau Tour

Full-day excursion to the stunning Ayder Plateau:

• Drive through lush valleys & waterfalls

• Free time to enjoy cool mountain air

• Optional nature walks & local lunch

Return to Rize.
Overnight in Rize

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Day 10: Rize to Istanbul – Evening Experience

Fly or drive back to Istanbul.
In the evening, choose one of the following:

• Traditional Turkish Night Show

• Relaxing Bosphorus-side dinner

Overnight in Istanbul.

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Day 11: Final Day in Istanbul – Departure

After breakfast, free time depending on flight schedule.
Transfer to Istanbul Airport.
End of services.

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What’s Included

✔ Accommodation in carefully selected hotels
✔ Professional English-speaking tour guide
✔ Daily breakfasts & selected meals
✔ All ground transportation & domestic transfers
✔ Entrance fees as per itinerary
✔ Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

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Not Included

✖ International flights
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Personal expenses & optional activities

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Why Book This Tour?

• Complete Black Sea experience in one seamless journey

• Ideal for nature lovers & culture enthusiasts

• High-demand SEO keywords & Google Ads–ready structure

• Authentic routes, iconic landmarks & hidden gems

📩 Contact us today to customize this tour or reserve your place.
🌿 Discover the untouched beauty of the Black Sea & timeless Istanbul.