BLACK SEA WIND AND BATUM TOUR
(6 NIGHTS 7 DAYS)
(4 NIGHTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION)
BATUM TOUR INCLUDED
TRANSPORTATION BY BUS
TURKISH GUIDE
TOUR DEPARTURE POINT: ISTANBUL, KOCAELİ
CANCELLATION AND REFUND GUARANTEE PACKAGE
A 100% unconditional refund guarantee is offered for cancellation requests or changes made at least 72 hours (3 days) before the tour departure date. For tours with accommodation, the insurance fee is 1,300 TL for up to 3 days of accommodation and 1,500 TL for 4 days or more.
- Luxury Vehicle Transportation
- 4 Nights Half Board Accommodation in Hotels
- Environmental Tours as specified in the program
- Professional guiding services
- In-bus refreshments (Water)
- Mandatory travel insurance according to Tourism Law No. 1618
- Travel Health Insurance
- First day breakfast to be taken on the way
- Last day dinner
- Lunches
- Beverages taken with all meals
- International exit fee
- All extra specified organizations
- All personal expenses
- Ordu Boztepe Cable Car Fee
- All museum and historic site entrance fees
- Sinop Boat Tour
- Zilkale, Çat Valley and Palovit Waterfall Tour
- Çeçeva Tea Gardens Tour
- Huser Plateau Misty Sea Tour
- Rafting on Fırtına Stream
- Zipline
- Karagöl Tour
- Mençuna Waterfall Tour
- Lustra – Karaster Plateau Tour
- Haldizen Stream – Demirkapı Plateau Tour
Our package prices include accommodation, transportation, and surrounding tours. Child discounts applied to tour packages are valid for one child accompanying two adults. For children aged 0-6, a bed may not be provided during hotel accommodation. Our tour is a package that includes guidance, transportation, accommodation, and surrounding tours and cannot be considered separately. Unused transportation, accommodation, tours, etc. will not be refunded. Changes to accommodation areas and hotels may occur, provided that they remain of the same standard, depending on occupancy. Our stopover locations can also change in terms of location and service standards for compelling reasons such as congestion, renovations, etc. The guide reserves the right to change the timing and program flow if deemed necessary, provided that the entire program is implemented, due to weather conditions and adverse road conditions. The agency is not responsible for places that cannot be visited due to compelling reasons (weather, road conditions, congestion at visitation sites, etc.), even if they are listed in the tour program. Extra tours, such as night tours included in the tour program, are carried out depending on the number of participants and the available personnel. Extra tours conducted on the way will be carried out even if not all passengers participate. Passengers who do not wish to participate in the extra tours on the way will be directed by our guide to the designated rest areas or city centers before entering the city. Passengers who do not want to participate in the extra tours have joined the tour by accepting to wait at the rest area. The guarantee of seat numbers cannot be given during the reservation process. There is no guarantee for transportation and hotel notes entered into the reservation. Seats 3 and 4 in vehicles are reserved for the guide and assistant. In our tours with flights, the airline contract is valid for flight-related sections. Cancellation insurance does not cover air transportation. Our tours have a tiered pricing system. The announced price is the price opened from the lowest category. (In flight tour programs, 'economy class' is used.) If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the agency reserves the right to cancel up to 3 days before the tour departure date. In such a cancellation situation, the agency is obliged to inform its guests personally. If children under the age of 18 are not accompanied by one or both parents, it is necessary to have the consent forms required for participation in the tour with the individuals during travel. Individuals are required to carry reports regarding their health issues, pregnancy status, and medications they are using constantly. The 1618 numbered mandatory travel insurance covers the agency's bankruptcy or any reason that prevents the provision of package tour services. It does not cover health insurance or treatment expenses. Private health insurance is a personal expense of the guest. The Cancellation Assurance Package allows you to cancel your purchased package tour without specifying any reason up to 72 hours before the start date. After cancellation, the total amount of the tour fee you paid will be refunded without deduction, according to your payment method. In all our cultural tour products, a tiered pricing system is applied. As the number of reservations in the package tour increases (as the occupancy rate of the tour increases), prices gradually rise. In this case, it is not possible to secure a price without an advance payment. If sufficient participation does not occur, ticketing may be done to the nearest departure point to enable our guests to participate in the tour. Information regarding arrival times at the end of the tour is as written in the package program, and the agency is not responsible for delays arising from compelling reasons. Our guests will be dropped off at the points where they were picked up. According to the Traffic Law, it is mandatory to wear seat belts during the entire travel period in the vehicle, and the agency is not responsible for situations that occur otherwise. The personal belongings in the vehicle are the responsibility of the individual at rest areas, etc. Night Tours and Extras: All Night Tours are Extra and will be carried out based on participation and the number of people.
VEHICLES TO BE USED
The vehicles to be used in the tours are determined according to the number of people.
For 38 people and above: Otokar Doruk Mercedes Travego – Tourismo, Man Fortuna, Mitsubishi Safir, Neoplan Tourliner – Cityliner
For up to 31 people: luxury Otokar Sultan Maxi
For up to 27 people: luxury Isuzu Novo – Isuzu Turkuaz – Otokar Sultan
For up to 18 people: luxury Mercedes Sprinter–Volkswagen Crafter vehicles will be used.
DAY 1: ISTANBUL – SİNOP
DEPARTURE/NIGHT TRAVEL
6:00 PM In front of Bakırköy Doğtaş Store
6:30 PM In front of Mecidiyeköy Torun Center
7:00 PM In front of Kadıköy Marriage Registration Office Parking
7:15 PM Underneath Kartal Bridge (towards Ankara)
7:40 PM In front of Çayırova McDonald's
DAY 2: SİNOP – SAMSUN
SİNOP – SİNOP PRISON – SİNOP PORT – MODEL SHIP MAKING WORKSHOP – SAMSUN – FIRST STEP MONUMENT – BANDIRMA STEAMER – ATATÜRK STATUE
We will begin our Black Sea tour after meeting our valued guests at the designated departure points. Our first destination will be Sinop, a historic port city surrounded by seas on three sides, which is the northernmost point of Turkey. We will start our tour in Sinop by visiting the historic Sinop Prison, which is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List and is currently used as a museum. (As of January 15, 2021, Sinop Prison has been taken under renovation. If it has not opened by the date of the tour, only photos will be allowed from outside.) After the prison visit, we will have our lunch with the famous Sinop manti (dumplings) (Extra) and then those who wish can join a Boat Tour (Extra). After the boat tour, we bid farewell to Sinop and head to Samsun, located at the point where the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak rivers flow into the sea, where the foundations of the Republic were laid. The first stop in our Samsun tour will be the Atatürk Statue, which has become a symbol of Samsun. After taking a souvenir photo with the statue, we will visit the Bandırma Steamer, which Mustafa Kemal Atatürk took to Samsun with 18 friends to start the national struggle on May 19, 1919. After a short photo break, we will visit the First Step Monument, which is now 250m inland from the shore, where Atatürk set foot in Samsun on May 19, 1919, as the Samsun Port was being constructed. We will conclude our Samsun tour and head to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Breakfast: Will be taken at a Rest Area on the way (Extra).
Lunch: Will be taken in Sinop (Extra).
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: My House Hotel – Samsun Palas Hotel and similar hotels
DAY 3: SAMSUN – TRABZON
ORDU – BOZTEPE – GİRESUN CASTLE – TRABZON – ATATÜRK PAVILION – AYASOFYA MUSEUM – SUMELA MONASTERY
Dear guests; After having our breakfast at the hotel, we will pass through one of the longest tunnels in our country, the Nefise Akçelik tunnel (3820m), and have the opportunity to go up to Boztepe, the symbol of Ordu, by cable car (Extra), where we will have free time at the cable car park. In Boztepe, we will feel Ordu and all the Black Sea geography beneath our feet. After our pleasant time there, we will leave Ordu and panoramically see the Giresun Island and Giresun Castle, built during the period of King Farnakes of Pontus, where the grave of Topal Osman, who was the bodyguard of our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal, is located. After doing some shopping for hazelnuts and hazelnut products, we will have our lunch after passing through the districts of Vakfıkebir and Akçaabat. After lunch, we will visit the Atatürk Pavilion, which was gifted to Atatürk by the people of Trabzon. Following this, we will visit Trabzon's Ayasofya, built between 1238-1265 during the Komnenos Kingdom, along with its frescoes related to the history of Christianity on the western front. We will then head to the Sumela Monastery located within the borders of Maçka in Trabzon. After the explanations from our guide during the visit to the Sumela Monastery, you will be mesmerized once again. (Restoration work is currently ongoing by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, and it will depend on the conditions of the period whether visits can be made inside the monastery.) After our visit to Sumela Monastery, we will move to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken with a menu in Trabzon.
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: Büyük Sümela Hotel – Black Pearly Hotel – Grand Mela Hotel – Barutçu Hotel and similar hotels
DAY 4: TRABZON – BATUM
SÜRMENE – SÜRMENE KNIVES – ÇEÇEVA TEA GARDENS – RIZE CLOTH – FIRTINA VALLEY – ÇAMLIHEMŞİN – ZİLKALE and PALOVİT WATERFALL – RAFTING – AYDER
After having breakfast at our hotel, we will go to Sürmene to get to know the famous Sürmene knives and have free time for shopping. After free time, we depart from Sürmene and head to the Çayeli district. Our first stop in Çayeli will be a visit to the Rize cloth workshop where we will see the making of Rize cloth (Feretiko), which is known for absorbing sweat and keeping the body cool and dry. In Çayeli district, those who wish can board the minibuses waiting for us to go on a tour of the Çeçeva Tea Gardens (Extra). In the Çeçeva village, we will see the endless tea gardens where many tea brands, movie, and advertisement shoots have taken place, and will have the chance to take photos while picking tea. After our time here, we will depart to reach the Fırtına Valley while also getting a panoramic view of Rize. After our lunch, guests who wish can participate in the following alternative tours.
1st Tour Option: Zilkale, Çat Valley and Palovit Waterfall Tour (Extra): We will start an amazing tour by taking the minibuses from Çamlıhemşin. We will enter Çat Valley, one of the important valleys that create the Fırtına valley. First, we will pass through Ortan village, where many scenes of the Sevdaluk series and other productions were shot, then we will see Şenyuva village, formerly known as Çinciva. Here, we will take a photo break on one of the long and wide stone bridges in this area, between many ancient Fırtına Mansions. We will then head up to Zilkale, which rises in the wild nature of the Çat Valley, known for its eagle’s nest-like appearance. You will be amazed by the view of Zilkale, which is 750 m above sea level and 100 m above the Çat Stream. After spending some time at Zilkale, we will rise even higher to reach Palovit Waterfall, known for its cool breeze. After enjoying beautiful moments here, we will return to Şenyuva village for a tea break. After enjoying our tea while gazing at the stunning scenery, we will return to Çamlıhemşin by minibuses.
2nd Tour Option: Huser Plateau Sea of Clouds Tour (Extra): We will start a fun tour by taking minibuses from Çamlıhemşin. The recently popular Huser Plateau is located just above Ayder Plateau. From Huser Plateau, you can see many of the most important plateaus of the Black Sea, such as the Kavrun valley from a bird's eye view. Depending on the weather, you might find yourself floating above the clouds with unforgettable experiences. After witnessing this incredible moment, we will return to the minibuses for our return journey.
3rd Tour Option: Rafting on the Fırtına River (Extra): You will experience rafting excitement in the rushing waters of the Fırtına River for approximately 1.5 hours while experts explain what you need to know.
4th Tour Option: Zipline, the rising trend of the Black Sea (Extra): You can perform a zipline activity across the Fırtına River which is about 10 meters high and 350 meters long with steel cables.
Guests who do not wish to participate in the alternative tours will be given free time at a gas station along the route. After the free time and alternative program finish, we will drive to Ayder Plateau, which is one of the most beautiful spots of the Kaçkar Mountains. In Ayder, we will see the Gelin Tülü Waterfall and other waterfalls. We will enjoy a pleasant walk during our free time in Ayder before heading to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Fırtına Valley as a menu (Extra).
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: Rize Ela Hotel – Köksal Hotel – Doğa Hotel – Naliya Hotel – Sarp Hotel – Terzioğlu Hotel and similar hotels.
DAY 5: BATUM – RİZE
BATUM – GONİO (APSAROS) VILLAGE and FORTRESS – CENTRAL MOSQUE – EUROPE SQUARE – GOLDEN FLEECE MONUMENT – POSEIDON SQUARE – ÇORUH RIVER – HOPA – BORÇKA KARAGÖL
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head towards Batum. After completing our entry procedures at the Sarp Border Gate, we will enter Georgia and start our tour with Gonio (Apsaros Fortress) which was used during the Ottoman period, where the tomb of St. Matthias, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ is located. As we continue towards the center of Batum, we will see the Çoruh River, which creates its sharp lines from Bayburt to the borders of Batum, and the ancient Gonio Bridge over it. Afterward, we will go to the city center to see the Historical Central Mosque, the Theater Building, the Medea Statue, the Batum Port, and the recently developed face of Europe Square. After a stroll along the Batum Boulevard, we will have free time for shopping. After free time, we will exit from the Sarp Border Gate, have our lunch in Hopa, and then board the bus for our journey to Borçka. Once we arrive in Borçka, guests can optionally join the Karagöl tour (Karagöl Tour Extra). Guests who do not wish to participate can have some free time in Borçka. After our sightseeing, we will move to our hotel for dinner and accommodation.
NOTE: According to the agreement made between Turkey and Georgia, Turkish citizens can enter Batum with a new chip-enabled ID card containing T.C. identity number. Other identity cards (driver’s license, corporate ID, etc.) cannot be used to cross the border. Minors traveling without both parents must obtain an officially approved consent letter from a notary. It is mandatory for infants and children to have a photo in their identity cards. Identity cards must not be torn or worn out, and their integrity, including the chip, must not be compromised.
WARNING: DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR IDENTITY CARD WITH T.C. NUMBER WHEN YOU GO ON THE TRIP. A 1,250 TL EXIT FEE WILL BE PAID BY THE GUEST.
Alternative Program: Mençuna Waterfall Tour (Extra): Guests who cannot go to Batum or do not wish to can optionally (provided enough participation is achieved) join our Mençuna Waterfall tour. From Arhavi, our minibus will pass through the Çiftekemer Bridge to reach Küçükköy. In Küçükköy, we will get off the minibuses and start a delightful walk over the suspension bridge. Our approximately 30-minute journey will pass through trees reminiscent of a botanical park. Along the same route, we will walk through tea gardens to reach Mençuna, which means “inaccessible” in Laz language. After this magnificent tour, we will return to Arhavi and meet with our group and bus.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Hopa as a menu (Extra).
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Accommodation Hotel: Rize Ela Hotel – Köksal Hotel – Doğa Hotel – Naliya Hotel – Sarp Hotel – Terzioğlu Hotel and similar hotels.
DAY 6: RİZE
UZUNGÖL – TEA FACTORY – LUSTRA KARESTER PLATEAU TOUR – Haldizen Stream DEMİRKAPI PLATEAU HOUSE TOUR – TELSER – KAZAZIYEA LOCAL SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go to the tea factory where we can taste the most delicious teas of the Black Sea. After the tea factory visit, we will have free time for shopping. We will proceed along the Soaklı Stream and Valley through the Of – Çaykara – Taşkıran route to arrive at Uzungöl, a set lake formed by landslides blockading the valley front. Here, our guests will have the opportunity to participate in the following tours. (Depending on the weather conditions, it will be possible for the group to go on 1 of the 2 tours.)
Lustra - Karaster Plateau Tour (Extra): We will begin this tour by taking minibuses from Uzungöl to get a bird's eye view of Uzungöl. After a photo break at Lustra Plateau, we will continue by minibuses to Karester Plateau. After getting off the vehicles, we will have a short walk to our break area where, amidst a breathtaking view, those who wish can pay for tea, ayran, or milk with honey, and enjoy the famous rice pudding of Trabzon. After the break, we will gather back in the minibuses and return to Uzungöl.
Haldizen Stream – Demirkapı Plateau Tour (Extra): The Haldizen Stream is the reason for Uzungöl's existence. We will visit Demirkapı Plateau, one of the furthest highland villages in the city, where we will explore old Highland houses while far away from the city's noise. Here we will visit a very old highland house, where those who wish can pay to enjoy tea brewed in highland water and eat potatoes baked in a stove. After the visit, we will meet back in the minibuses and return to Uzungöl.
After our pleasant highland tours, we will leave Uzungöl and go to shops where we can see Trabzon’s traditional crafts of Trabzon Hasır, Telsari, and Kazaziye, with an opportunity for shopping. Following our shopping, we will go to a store where all products are produced by local residents, including real butter and various cheeses, so you can take some of the delicious Black Sea flavors home. After the shopping, we will conclude the Black Sea Tour and start our journey back to the points where we picked you up.
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel and included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken freely in the area.
Dinner: Will be taken freely while returning.
Accommodation Hotel: No hotel accommodation on this night.
DAY 7: RİZE – ISTANBUL
ISTANBUL
After dropping off the guests who joined from Ankara later, we continue our journey to Istanbul. After arriving in Istanbul, we drop you off at the departure points where we picked you up. We say goodbye until we meet again at another event.