7 Days Black Sea Northeast Turkey Tour

Day 1: Istanbul ✈ Rize – The Emerald Coast

Private VIP transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Rize/Trabzon. Upon arrival, meet your private guide and luxury vehicle. Dive into the world of Turkish tea.

• Activity: Private visit to a working Tea Plantation with tasting.

• Culture: Introduction to the warm, vibrant Black Sea culture (Karadeniz).

• Overnight: Rize Region (Boutique/5★ Hotel).

Day 2: The Alpine Serenity of Ayder Plateau

A breathtaking scenic drive into the Kaçkar Mountains. The air is fresh, the scenery dramatic.

• Highlight: Explore Ayder Plateau, famous for its lush forests and powerful waterfalls.

• Experience: Time for relaxation or a rejuvenating dip in the region’s famous thermal waters.

• Overnight: Ayder or Rize Region.

Day 3: Rize ✈ Erzurum – Seljuk Architectural Majesty

Morning transfer and domestic flight to Erzurum. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Seljuk and Ottoman heritage.

• Explore: The imposing Double Minaret Madrasa and the intricate tilework of the Yakutiye Madrasa.

• History: Ascend the ancient Erzurum Fortress for panoramic city views.

• Overnight: Erzurum (5★ Hotel).

Day 4: Erzurum → Kars & The Ghosts of Ani

Journey to Kars. Today features a profound historical experience.

• UNESCO Site: Spend the afternoon walking the deserted streets of the Ani Ruins, a powerful Silk Road capital known as the “City of 1001 Churches.”

• City Tour: Discover the unique, geometric Russian-era architecture of Kars city center.

• Overnight: Kars (Boutique Hotel).

Day 5: Kars → Doğubeyazıt – Facing Mount Ararat

A scenic drive leading to the biblical scale of Mount Ararat.

• Iconic Visit: Tour the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, a stunning blend of Ottoman, Seljuk, and Persian architectural styles, dramatically set on a hillside.

• Viewpoint: Capture spectacular, unobstructed views of the snow-capped Mount Ararat ($5,137m$).

• Overnight: Doğubeyazıt Area (Best available hotel).

Day 6: Doğubeyazıt → Van – Urartu & Lake Van

Continue to the historic city of Van, nestled by Turkey’s largest lake.

• Ancient History: Explore the vast ruins of Van Castle, a fortress dating back to the Urartian Kingdom (9th Century BC).

• Spiritual Oasis: Take an optional, beautiful boat trip to Akdamar Island to visit the exquisitely preserved Church of the Holy Cross.

• Sunset: Enjoy the unforgettable sunset over the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Van.

• Overnight: Van (5★ Hotel).

Day 7: Van ✈ Istanbul – Departure

After a final Turkish breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Van Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul, concluding your unforgettable private journey through Eastern Turkey.

💰 What’s Included (The VIP Treatment)

✔️ Private, Dedicated Transportation (Luxury Minibus & Private Transfers)

✔️ All Domestic Flights (As per Itinerary)

✔️ Premium Accommodation (6 Nights in 5★ or Luxury Boutique Hotels)

✔️ Daily Gourmet Breakfasts

✔️ Professional Private Local Guides

✔️ Guaranteed VIP/Skip-the-Line Entrance Fees to all listed sites

What’s Not Included

✖️ Lunches and dinners (allows for flexibility and personalized local experiences)

✖️ Optional Akdamar Island boat trip fee

✖️ Personal expenses