🏛️ Arrival & Introduction to Trabzon – A Journey Through Time

From Byzantine Grandeur to Ottoman Legacy
Your adventure begins as you arrive in Trabzon, a city that has served as a crossroads of civilizations, from the Ancient Greeks and Byzantines to the Ottomans and modern Turkey. Known historically as Trebizond, Trabzon remains one of Turkey’s most culturally rich and historically significant regions.
This day-long introduction to Trabzon will take you through Byzantine monasteries, Ottoman mosques, and historic markets, all while exploring the city’s legacy as the birthplace of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary
🌅 Morning: Ataturk Pavilion & Ottoman Mosques

🏡 Ataturk Pavilion
A beautifully preserved mansion that served as a holiday retreat for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.
Showcasing the elegance of early Republican-era architecture, this pavilion celebrates Ataturk’s contributions to the nation.
Walk through the furnished rooms and lush gardens, offering panoramic views of Trabzon.

🕌 Ottoman Mosques of Trabzon
Mother of Yavuz Sultan Mosque – Named after Sultan Selim I, this mosque reflects Ottoman grandeur and religious significance.
İskender Pasa Mosque – Built in the 16th century, this mosque is one of Trabzon’s most important Ottoman-era places of worship, known for its elegant minarets and traditional design.
Fatih Mosque – Originally a Byzantine church, later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, illustrating Trabzon’s layered religious history.

🏛️ Midday: Kaymaklı Monastery & Byzantine Heritage

🏺 Kaymaklı Monastery
Once an Armenian national church, this historic site stands in ruins today, but its unique history lives on.
Gained its name and fame after serving an Ottoman Sultan a meal consisting entirely of dairy products!
Walk through the ancient stone structures, where the echoes of Byzantine and Armenian heritage remain.

⛪ Hagia Sophia of Trabzon
A smaller but equally breathtaking counterpart to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, this Byzantine-era church was later converted into a mosque under Ottoman rule.
Now preserved as a museum, it showcases Trabzon’s diverse past, featuring well-preserved frescoes, Byzantine mosaics, and Ottoman Islamic additions.

🏛 Trabzon City Museum
A great place to dive deeper into Trabzon’s history, spanning from ancient times to the modern Turkish Republic.
Discover artifacts from the Byzantine Empire, the Empire of Trebizond, and the Ottoman period, all housed in a beautifully restored historical building.

🕌 Afternoon: The Legacy of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent

🏛 Trabzon – The Birthplace of Sultan Suleyman
Trabzon holds historical significance as the birthplace of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, one of the most influential rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
🔹 Suleyman the Magnificent in the West – Famous for military conquests, architectural developments, and expanding Ottoman influence across three continents.
🔹 Suleyman the Lawgiver in the Islamic World – Known for legal reforms, ensuring a balance between religious and civil law, which allowed diverse cultures to flourish under Ottoman rule.

Walk through the historic areas where young Suleyman spent his early years, before rising to power in Istanbul.
Learn how his rule shaped the Ottoman Empire, influencing laws, culture, and governance for centuries to come.

🛍️ Evening: Traditional Markets & Historic Landmarks

🛍 Women’s Bazaar (Kadınlar Pazarı)
A historic textile and clothing market, where families still sell handmade goods, preserving a centuries-old tradition.
Once a place where women could shop freely without social restrictions, today it offers a wonderful selection of locally woven fabrics, hand-stitched garments, and cultural souvenirs.

🌉 Zagnos Pasa Bridge
A historic landmark built by Zagnos Pasa, the son-in-law of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
This Ottoman-era bridge, restored with modern materials while maintaining its original design, offers a scenic glimpse into Trabzon’s past.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Trabzon
After a day filled with historical exploration, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty, check in to your hotel in Trabzon for a relaxing overnight stay.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities:
Take a sunset stroll along Trabzon’s coastal promenade, enjoying the refreshing Black Sea breeze.
Dine at a local Black Sea restaurant, where you can savor Trabzon’s famous seafood dishes, pide (Black Sea-style pizza), and traditional Turkish tea.
Relax at a traditional tea house, where locals gather for friendly conversation over a steaming glass of Turkish cay.

🏛️ A Journey Through Ancient Monasteries & Pontic Greek Heritage

Explore Zigana Pass, a Living Greek Pontic Village & the Historic Imera Monastery
Today, you will embark on an extraordinary journey through history, exploring the remains of ancient monasteries and experiencing the unique culture of a living Greek Pontic village. This day-long adventure offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, allowing you to uncover the hidden gems of the Trabzon region.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Zigana Pass & The Living Pontic Culture
Begin your day traveling through the Zigana Pass, one of the most scenic and historically significant mountain crossings in the Pontic Mountains.

🌄 Zigana Pass – The Ancient Trade Route
The Pontic Mountains are named after the Pontic Greeks, descendants of the original Greek colonists who settled in the Black Sea region thousands of years ago.
This pass has served as a crucial trade and travel route for centuries, connecting Anatolia to the Caucasus and beyond.
Take in the breathtaking views, with winding roads, lush valleys, and mist-covered peaks stretching across the rugged landscape.

🏡 Gumushane Suleymaniye Mahallesi – A Living Greek Pontic Village
Step into a traditional Greek Pontic village, where the culture, language, and traditions of the Pontic Greeks have been preserved for generations.

🔹 Experience a Living Heritage
Meet the descendants of Greek settlers, who have maintained their unique dialect, which still includes words from ancient Greek origins.
Discover their distinct musical traditions, featuring the kemençe (Pontic lyra)—an instrument central to weddings, dances, and local celebrations.
Learn about the impact of the 1922 population exchange, when many Pontic Greek families were forced to leave, yet still return to reconnect with their heritage.
This rare cultural experience offers a glimpse into a world that has endured despite history’s many challenges.

🍽️ Midday: Local House Visit & Traditional Cuisine
While in the region, visit Torul Cam Teras & Sütlacin Memleketi Hamsiköy, where you will stop at a local family home to experience authentic Pontic hospitality.

🍴 Enjoy a Traditional Pontic Meal
Savor dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, prepared using traditional cooking techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Taste homemade specialties, such as:Hamsiköy sütlacı – A creamy rice pudding, famous throughout the Black Sea region.
Cornbread, fresh cheeses, and locally caught fish, reflecting the simple yet delicious flavors of Pontic cuisine.
Engage in warm conversations with the host family, gaining insights into their way of life and traditions.
This intimate experience allows you to connect with the heart and soul of the Pontic Greek culture.

⛪ Afternoon: Imera Monastery – A 650-Year-Old Architectural Wonder
Your journey continues to Imera Monastery, an ancient monastery over 650 years old, located in what was once a Pontic Greek village.

🏺 Why Visit Imera Monastery?
One of the most stunningly preserved monasteries in the Pontic region, showcasing a blend of Byzantine and local architectural styles.
Once a flourishing center of worship and learning, the monastery remains a symbol of faith, resilience, and artistic craftsmanship.
Marvel at the detailed stone carvings, preserved frescoes, and grand archways, all of which tell the story of a sacred place that endured through changing rulers and cultures.

Learn how local communities have worked to preserve the monastery, ensuring its historical and architectural significance remains intact.
Walking through Imera Monastery’s halls and courtyards, you will step back in time, imagining the monks, scholars, and artists who once lived here.

🏨 Evening: Return to Trabzon & Overnight Stay
After a day filled with cultural immersion, historical exploration, and breathtaking landscapes, return to Trabzon for an overnight stay.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities:
Visit a traditional Trabzon tea house, where locals gather to sip on Black Sea-grown tea while enjoying lively conversations.
Take a relaxing walk along Trabzon’s coastal promenade, reflecting on the unique experiences of the day.
Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant, sampling the region’s famous hamsi (Black Sea anchovies) and meze platters.

🏞️ A Journey Through Lost Pontic Towns, Tea Plantations & Mountain Wonders
Explore Santa Ruins, Uzungöl’s Tea Culture & the Majestic Highlands of Sultan Murat Flatlands
Today, you will venture beyond Trabzon, uncovering abandoned Pontic villages, lush tea plantations, and breathtaking highland landscapes. This full-day adventure will take you through ancient ruins, traditional craftsmanship, and stunning natural scenery, offering an unforgettable experience in the Black Sea region.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Santa Ruins – A Lost Pontic Town
Your day begins with a visit to the Santa Ruins, an abandoned Pontic Greek settlement that once thrived as a mining town.

🏛 Why Visit Santa Ruins?
Originally a prosperous mining village, Santa was abandoned following the closure of the mines and the 1922 Greek-Turkish population exchange.
Wander through its stone-built houses, abandoned churches, and village squares, experiencing the eerie yet fascinating remains of a forgotten civilization.
The scattered hilltop villages provide breathtaking panoramic views over the valleys below, making this a perfect location for photography.
Discover how the surrounding areas have been repopulated, with families now specializing in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Exploring Santa Ruins is like stepping back in time, offering a rare glimpse into the Pontic Greek legacy of Northern Turkey.

🍃 Midday: Uzungol – Turkey’s Tea Capital & Traditional Handcrafts
Continue to Uzungol, one of Turkey’s most famous lake towns, renowned for its tea culture and breathtaking views.

🍵 Visit a Tea (Cay) Plantation & Factory
Walk through endless rows of tea plants, where locals hand-harvest tea leaves on the mountainsides.
Learn about the traditional process of tea production, from harvesting to drying and packaging.
Visit a tea factory, where you can see how fresh green leaves are transformed into Turkey’s beloved rich, aromatic çay.
Enjoy a tea-tasting session, savoring different varieties of Black Sea-grown tea.

🔪 Traditional Craftsmanship – Surmene Knife House
The Uzungol region is famous for handcrafted goods, particularly metalwork and knife-making.
Stop by the Surmene Knife House, where you can:See locally crafted knives, used for harvesting crops, cooking, and decorative purposes.
Learn about the centuries-old techniques of knife-making, which local artisans still preserve today.
A perfect opportunity to purchase a unique, handcrafted souvenir from the Black Sea region.

🌲 Why Uzungol is a Must-Visit
A picturesque town set against towering pine forests and misty mountain peaks.
Stroll along the serene lakeside, taking in the fairy-tale-like scenery of wooden cottages reflected in the water.
Indulge in Black Sea cuisine, featuring local specialties like hamsi (anchovies), kuymak (cheesy cornmeal dish), and cornbread.

🌄 Afternoon: Sultan Murat Flatlands – Nature’s Wonderland
After lunch, journey into the Sultan Murat Flatlands, one of Turkey’s most beautiful and untouched highland plateaus.

🌿 What Makes Sultan Murat Flatlands Special?
An expansive highland plateau, stretching for kilometers, with rolling meadows, wildflowers, and scattered wooden cottages.
Experience the fresh mountain air, far from city life, where only the sounds of nature surround you.
Enjoy peaceful walks and breathtaking panoramic views, ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
Witness the traditional highland lifestyle, where villagers still follow ancient pastoral traditions, herding sheep and cattle.
This is a true escape into nature, allowing you to disconnect and embrace the serene beauty of the Northern Turkish highlands.

🏨 Evening: Overnight Stay in Ayder Plateau
After a day filled with history, cultural immersion, and stunning landscapes, check in to your accommodation in Ayder Plateau.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities in Ayder:
Relax in a local hot spring, as Ayder is famous for its natural thermal waters.
Stroll through the charming village, where you’ll find traditional Black Sea wooden chalets and mountain markets.
Enjoy a home-cooked meal, tasting the authentic flavors of Northern Turkey, made with locally sourced ingredients.

🏰 From Byzantine Fortresses to Thrilling Adventures in the Black Sea Mountains

Explore Rize Castle, Traditional Handcrafts & Zipline Over the Fırtına Valley
Today, you will continue exploring the beauty and history of the Black Sea region, from the ancient ruins of Rize Castle to thrilling adventures in the mountains. This journey blends history, culture, and adrenaline, offering an unforgettable day in the heart of Turkey’s Black Sea highlands.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Rize Castle – A Byzantine Stronghold
Begin your day with a visit to Rize Castle, a medieval fortress that has stood the test of time, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Black Sea.

🏛 Why Visit Rize Castle?
Built during the Byzantine era, it is widely believed to have been commissioned by Emperor Justinian I.
Divided into two main sections, including a citadel and outer defensive walls, many parts of the castle have been carefully restored for visitors.
Unlike other castles, Rize Castle has a unique architectural design, featuring towers of varying shapes—round, square, and rectangular.
From the hilltop fortress, enjoy panoramic views of the lush green hills, the city of Rize, and the Black Sea stretching to the horizon.
This historic fortress is a testament to the region’s rich Byzantine past, making it a must-visit site in Rize.

🧵 Midday: Rize Woven Cloth Workshop – Local Artistry & Handcrafts
Rize is known for its locally crafted woven textiles, produced using traditional methods passed down for generations.

🌿 Experience the Art of Weaving
Visit a historic woven cloth workshop, where skilled artisans craft fabrics using locally sourced materials.
Learn about the patterns and techniques used in traditional weaving, each design carrying cultural significance.
Browse and purchase authentic handcrafted textiles, perfect as souvenirs or gifts, supporting local craftsmanship.
This experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry of Rize’s textile traditions, showcasing the enduring heritage of Black Sea craftsmanship.

⚡ Afternoon: Ziplining Over Fırtına Valley – A Thrilling Adventure
Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping experience as you zipline over the Fırtına River, one of the most scenic valleys in Turkey.

🪂 Why Zipline Over Fırtına Valley?
The Fırtına (Storm) River flows through dense forests, deep gorges, and towering cliffs, making it one of the most picturesque adventure spots in Turkey.
Soar across the river from high above, feeling the rush of excitement as you take in the stunning natural landscapes below.
Enjoy a thrilling experience combined with breathtaking scenery, making this a highlight for adventure lovers.
Take time to relax by the riverside, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and capturing stunning photos of the surrounding mountains.
For those who prefer extra adventure, the Fırtına Valley is also a hotspot for white-water rafting, off-road jeep safaris, and nature hikes!

🌄 Late Afternoon: Turkey’s Smallest County & Breathtaking Flatlands
Continue to Turkey’s smallest county, located near Ayder Plateau, an area known for its peaceful landscapes and stunning open fields.

🌿 Experience the Black Sea’s Hidden Natural Beauty
Unlike the steep mountain ranges that dominate the region, this area offers vast, open flatlands, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Stroll through rolling meadows and plateaus, where only small groves of trees and scattered wooden cottages break the endless greenery.
Capture unforgettable views of unspoiled nature, where the fresh mountain air and tranquil surroundings create the perfect setting for relaxation.
This peaceful escape is a great way to unwind before the evening, offering a completely different perspective of the Black Sea’s diverse landscapes.

🏨 Evening: Overnight Stay in Ayder Plateau
After a day of history, adventure, and nature, check in to your accommodation in Ayder Plateau, a charming mountain retreat.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities in Ayder:
Relax in a thermal hot spring, as Ayder is known for its natural healing waters.
Explore Ayder’s traditional wooden chalets and village shops, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and locally made honey.
Enjoy a warm, home-cooked Black Sea dinner, featuring regional specialties such as cornbread, kuymak (cheesy cornmeal dish), and fresh mountain honey.
This peaceful and cozy evening is the perfect way to reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.

🏔️ A Grand Finale: Exploring Villages, Castles & Waterfalls in the Black Sea Highlands

Discover Senyuva Village, Zilkale Fortress & Palovit Waterfall Before Departing from Trabzon
On your final day in the Black Sea region, you will venture deep into the mountains, exploring historic castles, charming villages, and breathtaking waterfalls before concluding your journey at Trabzon Airport. This day blends history, nature, and tradition, offering a memorable farewell to Northern Turkey’s stunning landscapes.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary
🌅 Morning: Senyuva Village – A Hidden Gem in the Mountains
Begin your day in Senyuva Village, a picturesque rural settlement where traditional Turkish village life meets untouched natural beauty.

🏡 Why Visit Senyuva Village?
A historic village nestled in the heart of the Kackar Mountains, featuring centuries-old wooden houses and stone pathways.
Home to a unique Ottoman-era stone bridge, with a high arch that gracefully spans the river, connecting both sides of the settlement.
Experience the peaceful rural lifestyle, surrounded by lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and mist-covered peaks.
Interact with locals, who still practice traditional farming, honey production, and livestock herding, offering an authentic glimpse into Black Sea village life.
A morning walk through Şenyuva is a serene way to start the day, immersing yourself in a world untouched by time.

🏰 Midday: Zilkale – The Fortress in the Mountains
Journey deep into the Kackar Mountains to reach Zilkale, one of Turkey’s most spectacular medieval fortresses.

🏛 Why Zilkale is a Must-See
Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this iconic stronghold served as a key defensive structure along the Silk Road trade route.

Features three layers of walls:
✅ Outer walls for primary defense.
✅ Inner fortress walls for additional protection.
✅ An inner citadel with a chapel and garrison, showcasing Byzantine and medieval Ottoman military architecture.
Perched dramatically on a sheer cliff, Zilkale was nearly impenetrable, providing strategic control over the entire valley.
Climb to the highest lookout point, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of deep valleys, endless forests, and the winding Fırtına River below.
Zilkale is one of the most awe-inspiring historical landmarks in Turkey, offering both history enthusiasts and nature lovers an unforgettable experience.

🌊 Afternoon: Palovit Waterfall – A Hidden Natural Treasure
Continue your journey into the untamed wilderness of the Kaçkar National Park, where you will discover Palovit Waterfall (Palovit Şelalesi), the largest and most powerful waterfall in the region.

🌿 Why Visit Palovit Waterfall?
One of Turkey’s most beautiful waterfalls, hidden within a lush, untouched forest.
Water cascades powerfully down rocky cliffs, creating a dramatic scene of mist, greenery, and rushing sound.
The short forest trail leading to the waterfall immerses you in pure nature, where the air is fresh, cool, and filled with the scent of pine trees.
Capture incredible photos of the waterfall, as it emerges suddenly from dense forest, offering a truly magical sight.
Palovit Waterfall is a perfect way to conclude your adventure, experiencing one last hidden wonder of the Black Sea highlands.

✈️ Evening: Return to Trabzon & Departure
After a day of traditional villages, historic castles, and breathtaking waterfalls, you will transfer to Trabzon Airport for your departure.

🌟 Optional Last-Minute Activities in Trabzon (If Time Permits):
Stop at a Trabzon tea house, enjoying a final cup of Black Sea tea before your flight.
Take a short walk along Trabzon’s coastal promenade, watching the sunset over the Black Sea.
Pick up last-minute souvenirs, such as handwoven textiles, Black Sea honey, or locally crafted knives.

🌍 End of Tour – A Perfect Farewell to the Black Sea Region
Your unforgettable journey through Northern Turkey comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of castles, villages, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes.

📌 Looking to explore more of Turkey?
We can help plan your next trip to:
✅ Cappadocia – The Land of Fairy Chimneys & Hot Air Balloons
✅ Ephesus & Pamukkale – Turkey’s Most Iconic Ancient & Natural Wonders
✅ Eastern Anatolia – Mount Ararat & Van Lake Explorations
📅 Book your next adventure & continue exploring the wonders of Turkey!