9-Day Northern Turkey & Black Sea Journey

From Istanbul to Trabzon – History, Nature & Ancient Civilizations

Duration: 9 Days
Tour Ending: Istanbul
Route: Istanbul – Abant Lake – Safranbolu – Ankara – Hattusa – Amasya – Trabzon – Istanbul

🌍 Tour Overview

Welcome to Turkey! This 9-day Northern Turkey & Black Sea Tour offers a fascinating journey through the heart of Anatolia and along the scenic Black Sea coast. Following ancient trade routes that once connected India, Arabia, and the Orient to Europe, this itinerary blends Ottoman heritage, Hittite civilization, Byzantine legacy, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

From the imperial monuments of Istanbul to the preserved Ottoman town of Safranbolu, the political heart of Ankara, the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa, the riverside beauty of Amasya, and finally the Byzantine treasures of Trabzon, this tour reveals a side of Turkey that is rich, authentic, and unforgettable.

⭐ Tour Highlights

• Istanbul Old City: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque & Hippodrome

• Abant Lake – Alpine scenery and forest landscapes

• Safranbolu (UNESCO) – Ottoman caravan town

• Ankara – Capital of Turkey & Atatürk Mausoleum

• Hattusa (UNESCO) – Capital of the Hittite Empire

• Amasya – Rock-cut tombs & riverside Ottoman houses

• Trabzon – Byzantine heritage on the Black Sea

• Sumela Monastery – Cliffside monastery in the Pontic Alps

• Zigana Pass & Karaca Cave

• Black Sea tea culture & coastal scenery

🗓️ Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Istanbul | Arrival Day

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

• Hotel check-in

• Free time at leisure

• Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2 – Istanbul City Tour

Depart at 08:30 for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historic heart.

• Topkapi Palace – Residence of Ottoman sultans and home to the Imperial Treasury and Sacred Relics

• Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – Famous for its Iznik tile interiors

• Hippodrome of Constantinople – Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column & Column of Constantine

• Lunch break

• Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) – Aromatic spices, herbs, and local delicacies

• Optional Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 – Istanbul → Abant Lake → Safranbolu

Depart Istanbul after breakfast for a scenic journey.

• Abant Lake – One of Turkey’s most famous lakes, surrounded by pine forests

  • Optional walking trail, horse carriage, or horseback riding

• Lunch at a countryside restaurant

• Continue to Safranbolu, a former Silk Road caravan town

• Walking tour of the Safranbolu Bazaar

• Visit Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cinci Hodja Bath, and Kaymakamlar House Museum

Overnight in Safranbolu.

Day 4 – Safranbolu → Ankara

After breakfast, depart for Ankara (approx. 3–4 hours).

• Lunch upon arrival

• City tour of Ankara, Turkey’s capital

• Visit Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey

• Atatürk Museum

Overnight in Ankara.

Day 5 – Ankara → Hattusa → Amasya

A day dedicated to ancient civilizations.

• Drive to Hattusa, capital of the Hittite Empire (UNESCO)

• Visit Yazılıkaya Open-Air Sanctuary with rock reliefs of Hittite gods and goddesses

• Explore Hattusa ruins, Lion Gate, King’s Gate, and Great Temple

• Visit Alacahöyük, an important Hittite and Hatti settlement

• Continue to Amasya, birthplace of the geographer Strabo

Overnight in Amasya.

Day 6 – Amasya → Trabzon

Explore the historic beauty of Amasya before continuing east.

• Rock-cut Tombs of the Pontic Kings

• Yeşilırmak River & Ottoman riverside houses

• Drive to Trabzon, former Byzantine stronghold on the Black Sea

Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 7 – Trabzon City Tour

Discover the cultural and historical landmarks of Trabzon.

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

• Gülbahar Hatun Mosque

• Trabzon Castle

• Atatürk’s Mansion

• Ortahisar Mosque (former Comneni cathedral)

• Lunch in Akçaabat, famous for Black Sea cuisine

• Walk through Trabzon’s old streets

• Tea break at Boztepe with panoramic city views

Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 8 – Sumela Monastery – Zigana Pass – Karaca Cave

A spectacular nature and history day.

• Sumela Monastery – 4th-century monastery clinging to a cliff face

• Walk in Altındere Valley National Park

• Lunch

• Scenic drive through Zigana Mountains (Pontic Alps)

• Visit Karaca Cave, known for its colorful formations

Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 9 – Trabzon → Istanbul | End of Tour

• Breakfast at hotel

• Transfer to Trabzon Airport

• Domestic flight to Istanbul and onward international departure

• End of services

📦 What’s Included

✔️ Airport transfers as per itinerary
✔️ 8 nights accommodation
✔️ Daily breakfast
✔️ Lunches during tours
✔️ Professional English-speaking guides
✔️ All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
✔️ All ground transportation & transfers

❌ What’s Not Included

✖️ International flights
✖️ Domestic flight tickets (unless specified)
✖️ Travel insurance
✖️ Drinks & personal expenses