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18
Day Black Sea Eco Tour Itinerary
Description
Across the north
of Turkey along the coastline of the Black Sea you will find
agricultural villages, which litter the old trade routes of
days gone by. The picturesque environment and the harshness
of living are outweighed by the warmth and hospitality of
the local communities as the tour makes its way from Istanbul
through the mountains to the eastern fringes of the country.
The local villagers will show you the hidden treasures of
their living environment. Something special is always around
the corner so expect the unexpected!
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DAY 1 - Istanbul
Welcome
to Turkey, arrival into Istanbul. Transfer from airport &
check in to your hotel. Overnight Istanbul
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DAY
2 - Istanbul City Tour
We depart at 09:00 for the Istanbul
city tour. We will begin with the ancient Hippodrome, which
was the scene of chariot raoes, with the three monuments:
the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and
the Column of Constantine. We will then continue with Sultanahmet
Mosque across from the St. Sophia built in the 16th century
by the architect Mehmet. It is also known as the Blue Mosque
because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik
tiles. We will then arrive at our last stop, which is
the famous Hagia Sophia. This ancient basilica was built by
Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed
by Justinian in the 6th century, it is one of the architectural
marvels of all time. After the tour you have the option to
experience The Bosphorus Cruise. You will have the chance
to enjoy magnificent views of Bosphorus, which connects
Asia to Europe . The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy
Istanbul. Over night in Istanbul
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DAY
3 - Seven Lakes and Abant Lake Tour
Visiting 7 lakes which are found to
be at different height points from each other and at the same
time connected with each other on foot. You find seven small
lakes in a valley formed as the result of a landslide: Büyükgöl
(Big Lake), Seringöl (Cool Lake), Deringöl (Deep
Lake) , Nazligöl (Elegant Lake), Küçükgöl
(Small Lake), Incegöl (Thin Lake) and Sazligöl (Reedy
Lake). The lakes are on an area of 550 hectares, while the
National Park they are located in is 2019 hectares. The area
is among the best-known trekking places. There are only small
bungalows belonging to the Forestry Ministry where visitors
who want to linger can stay. Deer and trout production farms
are also in the area. An entrance fee is paid according to
the type of vehicle and the number of visitors. Tables, firepits
and fountains are available for picnickers. Fishing is available
in Yedigöller between April 1st and September 1st. We
will then have some lunch and depart for Abant Lake. Abant
is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. It is 30
kilometers away from Bolu, and you can reach it from the crossing
on the Ankara-Istanbul highway. The lake is at the end of
a 22-kilometer drive. The seven-kilometer walk around the
lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who
don't wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the tour
on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded with pine trees.
The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of discussion.
Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside is pleasantly
different in each season. Water lilies embellish the surface
in summer. It is also famous for its trout. Later, we
will have free time for shopping at the bazaar in the
village. Drive to our hotel. Overnight near Abant in traditional
village house
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DAY
4 - Safranbolu
After breakfast, We have a walk to
the historical Safranbolu Bazaar. We then visit Cinci Hodja
Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath, Kaymakamlar House (Museum),
Izzet Mehmet Pashamosque and more. Continue to Kastamonu,
we visit government house, Kaya tomb, Seyh Saban-i Veli Mausoleum,
Nasrullah Seyh Mosque and more historical sites. Overnight
in authentic wodden houses in Safronbolu
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DAY
5 - Ilgarini Cave Pinarbasi
Today we will depart for Ilgarini
Cave which is in the region of Pinarbasi (northwest of Kastamonu),
it is one of the largest caves in Turkey. It is a wonderful
place for trekking and exploration off the beaten path. The
cave has been composed by two sections. The cave is an active
one and the stalactite and stalagmite activity still continues.
A chapel and a burial ground was found in this cave.
Ilgarini Cave was chosen as the 4th biggest cave in the world.
There is no roads to IIgarini Cave so we will be trekking
to the Cave so make sure you bring suitable footwear. Over
Night in Pinarbasi
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DAY
6 - Ilisu Waterfall & Varla Canyon.
After breakfast we will visit Ilisu
Waterfall which is at Küre national Park, near Pinarbasi,
which is in the town and district of the Kastamonu Province
in the Black Sea region of Turkey. After lunch you can either
relax in the surrondings of this beautiful natural Turkish
village or you can take a walk to the Varla Canyon. The walk
to the Canyon is about 4km. Overnight Pinarbasi
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DAY
7 - Comlekciler Village Horse Riding
After breakfast depart for Comlekciler
Koyu this village has fantastic horse riding facilities which
you can do as an optional activity. Horse riding is not only
for the advanced riders they have lessons and treks for beginners
also. This village is rich in natural beauty. All meals are
home made the farm produce all their own vegetables, butter
and milk If you are interested in doing a week's horse riding
adventure then this can also be arranged. Overnight Comlekciler
Village
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DAY
8 - Halacoglu Valley Tour
After breakfast we depart for Halacoglu
Valley. We will visit this valley by different methods of
transport such as horses or tractors and a little bit of walking.
This is one of the best valleys in this area. You can smell
and breathe the fresh mountain air. We will have a fantastic
bbq lunch set in lucious green surroundings. On the way you
will get to see many farms and shepherds who still work in
this area. You will see how friendly everyone is in this area.
Overnigt Comlekciler Village
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DAY
9 - Kastamonu
After breakfast we depart for Kastamonu.
Kastamonu is a lovely city hidden in the midst of forests
in Anatolia. The beauty of the 12th century Byzantine castle
at the foot of the hill welcomes you. The 13th century Atabey
Mosque and the Ibni Neccar Mosque are worth visiting. In the
village of Kasaba you will have the opportunity to see one
of the most elegant wood carvings of Turkey, on the Mahmut
Bey Mosque. Have lunch in City and after lunch depart for
Hattusa. Hattusas(Hattusa) was the capital of the Hittites.
The Hittitians were indo-germen semi european people they
arrived via the black sea to north Anatolia at the beginning
of 18th century BC. They met here with local people of Hatti.
They made big civilisations in Anatolia. They were also here
during the bronze age. They ruled between 18th and 12th century
BC. They used horse carts as their war vehicles, which they
used during the attack of Ramses the 2nd and they had a big
war with the Egyptians and they then made a peace treaty where
they wrote on clay and had 2 women sign it. That was the first
peace treaty where woman ever participated. Over night in
Hattusa.
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DAY
10 - Hattusa Tour - Amasya
After Breakfast at 08:30am visit Yazilikaya
which is the ruin of an open air temple of the Hittites where
there are rock carvings of the Hittite god and goddess. We
then go to Hattusas, big temple and the city ruins including
Gates of Lion and king. Visit the summer palace of the Hittites
and drive to Alacahoyuk. This was the first capital of the
Hittites and Hatti civilisation. Overnight in Amasya
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11 - Amasya Tour
Today is a free day for you to discover
Amasya on your own. In Amasya, one can see the remnants of
the Hellenistic, the Roman, the Byzantine, the Seljuk, the
Ilhanli, and the Ottoman civilizations, as well as many important
remains belonging to the first years of the Republic of Turkey.
The museums of this historical city contain cultural treasures,
remained from many civilizations. Amasya is endowed with historical
and cultural opulence, and the city is also very rich in natural
beauties; thermal springs around Amasya are very famous. Amasya
Yaliboyu Houses are the best instances of Ottoman architecture.
These buildings usually have two storeys and they are now
being restored by a foundation called AKTAV. (The Foundation
of Protecting Cultural and Natural wealth). Amasya is also
famous for its apples, cherries, peaches and okra. If you
would like to enjoy the beautiful nature with the city's deeply
rooted cultural tradition, then Amasya is one of the most
exciting places for you. Here, our friendly people will welcome
you. Overnight in Amasya
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DAY
12 - Amasya - Trabzon
After breakfast, you will depart from
Amasya to Trabzon, a beautiful bus ride cutting through the
Black sea mountain ranges. Arrival in Trabzon & check
into your hotel. Overnight in Trabzon
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13 - Trabzon, Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Karaca Cave
Depart for Sumela Monastery, visit
the 4th century Sumela Monastery, which clings to a sheer
cliff face in a deep forest, relax beside a fast flowing stream
at Altindere Valley National Park, lunch, traveling along
the old Silk Road through the Zigana Mountains will take us
to Karaca Cave, considered the most beautiful in Turkey for
its colors and formations, return to Trabzon. Overnight in
Trabzon
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DAY
14 - Trabzon - Uzungol
Depart for St. Sophia (Ayasofya),
a 13th century church and study the extraordinary collection
of byzantine frescoes, depart for Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Castle
and Atatürk's Mansion, a picturesque hillside retreat,
visit Ortahisar Mosque, a Comneni cathedral in the old town,
Girls' Monastery, a nunnery built by Alexios III in 13th century.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from Boztepe. Depart
for Uzungöl, one of the most photogenic locations in
the region, lunch at a fish restaurant, sightseeing. Overnight
at Uzungol
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DAY
15 - Rize, Firtina Valey and Ayder .
Depart for Ayder, visit botanic garden
and have a panoramic view of Rize, drive to Camlihemsin through
the beautifull Firtina Valley, enjoy the scenery with many
waterfalls, stone bridges on firtina valley and lush green
forests on the foothills of the magnificient Kackar Mountains,
lunch and sightseeing in Ayder. Overnight in Ayder
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16 - Ayder , Borca, Karagol and Artvin.
Drive to Artvin,
visit Borcka Karagol and ancient Georgian Churches Dolishane,
Yeni Rabat (Shetberdi) Church in Ardanuc, you'll be driven
beside River Coruh the fastest flowing and best rafting river
of Turkey. Overnight in Artvin
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17 - Yusufeli - Erzurum
Driving through
the River Coruh Valley will take us to other Georgian Churches;
Ishan, Oshk-Vank and visit Tortum Waterfalls on the way, lunch
en route, Drive to Erzurum and ovenight in Erzurum.
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18 - Erzurum Tour The End
Morning visit Selchuk
& Mongolian monuments; Cifte Minareli Medrese, a theological
school named for its towering twin minarets, Yakutiye Medrese,
built by Mongolian Prince Olcayto in 1308, is topped with
a richly tiled minaret. Ulu Mosque and Erzurum Castle, transfer
to Erzurum Airport for a homebound flight, and say farewell...
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Tour Price Includes:
ACCOMMODATION
3, 4 Star, Village Houses, Bungalows and Boutique Hotels in
each area
3 Nights in Istanbul with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Night in Abant with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Night in Safranbolu with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Pinarpasi with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Comlekciler with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Night in Hattusa with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Amasyawith Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Trabzonwith Breakfast and Dinner
1 Night in Uzungolwith Breakfast and Dinner
1 Night in Ayderwith Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Artvin (Mount Ida ) with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Night in Erzurum with Breakfast and Dinner
MISC
Private Air-conditioned busses
Private Professional English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees mentioned in the Itinerary
Private airport transfers
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Tour Price Excludes:
INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Personal expenses: Lunches, Extras at hotel
Tipping: Tips for guide and drivers
Insurance: All type
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Price
FROM:
Per
Person |
Shared
Double |
Single
Travellers |
Min.
4 pax |
£1800.00 |
£2250.00 |
4
to 8 pax |
£1500.00 |
£1875.00
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8
to 12 and More |
£1350.00
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£1687.50
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For
further information or to book please call 0208 744 0474
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