9-day Northern Turkey tour – Istanbul, Trabzon, Amasya and Samsun

Welcome to Turkey! Your guide will be waiting for you at Istanbul airport terminal to greet you and transfer you to your hotel or take you on a half-day tour. Your guide will also give you a brief overview of the tour itinerary and bus schedule. Enjoy your stay!

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable day! After fueling up with breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for a domestic flight to Trabzon. Our adventure begins as soon as we land with a visit to the ancient Sumela Monastery and the breathtaking Altindere National Park. Next, we’ll take a scenic drive up Zigana Mountain for stunning views of the Pontic Mountains. Then, we’ll discover the beauty of Karaca Cave in Gümüshane. We’ll also visit the historic Church of St. Sophia before checking into our hotel located in the heart of Trabzon. Let’s create lasting memories together!

Get ready for an epic day of adventure! Today we’ll explore Trabzon city and then drive to the hidden paradise of Uzungöl in the Pontic Alps. We’ll savor the famous Akcaabat Meatball while having lunch at a seaside restaurant. Next, we’ll head to Rize city and take a short break to admire the panoramic view of the city from the Botany Garden. We’ll also visit kiwi and tea plantations and see the beautiful Firtina (Storm) Valley before arriving at Ayder Plateau. Along the way, we’ll see Camlihemsin, Konaklar, Senyuva Bridge and Zil Kale. We’ll have a gentle trek to Goksu Fall, the highest and most beautiful in the region. We’ll arrive in Ayder before sundown and check in at our wooden hotel.

Get ready for a historic journey! After breakfast, we’ll drive to Samsun, a city known for its surgical instrument manufacturing dating back 4,000 years. We’ll make a stop for lunch in Ordu city, before continuing on to Samsun. Once there, we’ll take a city tour and learn about its significance as the place where the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, began the Turkish War of Independence on May 19, 1919. After the tour, we’ll transfer to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Let’s explore and discover the history of Samsun!

Get ready for an adventure! After breakfast, we’ll hit the road and head to the charming city of Amasya. This unique province boasts both natural beauty and rich historical significance. It was once the home of renowned geographer Strabo and has a history dating back over 3,000 years. As we explore, we’ll discover ancient remains left behind by various civilizations, including 2000-year-old water channels, 1000-year-old bridges, an ancient mental hospital; an Ottoman Palace, and a secret underground passageway. After a day of exploring, we’ll spend the night in Amasya, immersing ourselves in the city’s rich history.

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road to Bolu – a city known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Upon arrival, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch before heading to the stunning Abant Lake. The 7-km walk around the lake offers breathtaking views, or take a horseback or horse cart tour. Surrounded by pine trees and boasting a depth of 45 meters, Abant Lake is a must-see destination. Enjoy the changing seasons and see the lake in full bloom with water lilies in the summer. And don’t miss the famous trout! We’ll end the day by checking in at our hotel in Bolu.

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Istanbul (250km, 3h). Upon arrival, we’ll visit Camlica Hill for breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and its two bridges connecting Asia and Europe. Next, we’ll embark on a Bosphorus Cruise to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of the strait dividing Europe and Asia. After the cruise, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a fish restaurant on the Galata Bridge. Then, we’ll explore the famous Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with the aroma of various herbs and spices. In the evening, we’ll have dinner and then check into our hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll embark on an exciting old city tour. Our first stop is the grand Topkapi Palace, home to an impressive collection of crystal, silver, and porcelain. We’ll also see the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury and the Holy Mantle, enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next, we’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Lastly, we’ll visit the ancient Hippodrome, where we’ll see the Obelisk of Theodosius the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. After the tour, we’ll savor a delicious dinner before heading back to the hotel for a comfortable night’s rest.

Our trip will end in Istanbul after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast and check out of the hotel by
11:00 am. Transfer to the Airport.