ITINERARY - 9 DAY BEST OF BLACK SEA TOUR

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our charming boutique style hotel in the old city. The rest of the day is free. You may go on an orientation walk, relax in a nearby cafe or just rest in your charming hotel. Your Tour Leader will be at hand to give you tips about things to do and places to go. You will have an opportunity to "meet and greet" your fellow travellers over a complimentary drink before dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in boutique style hotel in the old part of Istanbul. (D)

Day 2: Istanbul - Safranbolu

After breakfast at our hotel in Istanbul, we set off for Safranbolu in our air-conditioned bus, crossing the Bosphorus Bridge that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. We then travel through the industrial belt of Istanbul and then the lush lowlands of Sakarya province. Lunch is at a restaurant in the picturesque Bolu Mountains. We arrive in charming Safranbolu in late afternoon in time for a stroll through the streets of this quaint World Heritage town. Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight in a restored 'Ottoman Mansion' in the old part of town (B/L/D)

Day 3: Safranbolu - Amasya

This morning, we step back in time to see some of the traditional old homes and other historical attractions, unique in Turkey for their design and construction. They include Kaymakamlar Evi (the Governor’s House), Cinci Inn (Caravanserai) and Hamam (Turkish bath).

After this, you will have free time to wander around the town and check out the local scene, especially the local artisans’ shops and shops selling Turkish delight. You must try Turkish delight with saffron, which is a specialty of the town. In late morning, we set off for Amasya, the historic capital of the Pontic Empire, on the banks of Yesilirmak River with lunch on the way. Amasya is a lovely town with a dramatic setting –river, rock tombs and a castle, all flood lit at night.

Overnight in boutique style hotel in Amasya (B/L/D).

Day 4: In Amasya

Amasya has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Many civilizations flourished here, including the Hittites, the Romans, the Selcuks and, of course, the Ottomans. The Amasya province provided the training ground for many ‘crown’ princes during the Ottoman period. We spend the morning in this charming city, taking a closer look at the Pontic tombs, the historic Beyazit II Mosque, the Hazeranlar Konagi (a restored Ottoman mansion) and other notable city sites.

Our organized activities will finish before lunch (not included) and the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. Dinner is at a local traditional restaurant overlooking the city.

Overnight in boutique Style hotel in Amasya (B/D).

Day 5: In Amasya - Giresun

After breakfast, we set off for the Black Sea coast, travelling along the picturesque Yesil Irmak River valley and stopping at historical Niksar for a leisurely lunch. We then cross the mist-covered Pontic Mountain range to Giresun on the Black Sea coast. Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Giresun (B/L/D).

Day 6: Giresun - Trabzon

This morning we visit Kale Park (Castle Park) to appreciate the picturesque coastline before travelling along the coastal road to Trabzon, the regional capital. Our first visit in Trabzon is to Ayasofya Museum, the 13th Century Byzantine church (below). We then have lunch (not included) followed by visit to Ataturk's Mansion. The rest of the day is free. Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight in a comfortable 5 star hotel in Trabzon (B/D).

Day 7: In Trabzon

In the morning, we drive to the Sumela National Park, 45km inland. With the lush green countryside, fast flowing clean rivers and charming people, this drive is a real treat. The sight of Sumela Monastery on the mountainside is just breathtaking. We have lunch in a nearby restaurant before returning to Trabzon in early afternoon.

The remainder of the day is free to do as you please. You may visit the local bazaars, which have lots of interesting shops, but unlike the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, not a lot of overseas tourists about. You could wander through the countless traders' and artisans' shops, visit a Hamam (Turkish Bath) or just relax in one of many tea gardens and restaurants.

Overnight in the same hotel in Trabzon (B/L).

Day 8: Trabzon - Rize - Ayder

Today we drive along the Black Sea coast, visiting the picturesque Uzun Lake and stopping at Rize for lunch. Rize is the 'Capital of Tea Country' in Turkey. Freshly brewed local tea is very flavoursome and you should try some. After lunch, we set off for Ayder where the main attractions are Thermal Springs, Alpine scenery and highland villages. You will be amazed with the five-star scenery on the way there. There will be time to swim in the Thermal Springs.

Overnight in an Alpine Hotel in Ayder (B/L/D).

Day 9: Ayder - Yusufeli

In the morning, we drive towards the Georgian border and then inland through hilly tea-country before reaching the roaring Çoruh River. With major dam works, the drive along the Coruh Valley is fascinating. We arrive at the city of Artvin in time for a filling lunch, a cold drink and breathtaking views. After lunch, we continue along the Coruh River to Yusufeli where we check into our hotel by the raging Barhal River, a tributary of Çoruh River. Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight in Yusufeli (B/L/D).

Day 10: Yusufeli - Erzurum

After breakfast in Yusufeli, we drive to the mountain village of Işhani where you may admire the old Georgian church with its high dome and well preserved relief work. There should be enough time to have a wander around this charming, but sadly semi-deserted village. With its natural beauty and spectacular geological formations, the landscape along the road to Erzurum is one of the most fascinating.

After lunch in a local restaurant in Erzurum, we see some of the main sites of this historical city, including Cifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minareted Seminary), Ulu Cami (the Grand Mosque) and the 5th century Citadel.

The tour ends in Erzurum after sightseeing. We say farewell to those of you who are doing only the Best of the Black Sea tour. You will be transferred to Erzurum airport for your afternoon flight (See Note 3 under IMPORTANT NOTES below) to Istanbul to connect with flights to Australia or other ongoing destinations. If you wish to stay on in Erzurum and fly the next day, then you will need to make arrangements for this at the time of booking.

Those of us, who are going on the Marvels of the East tour, will check into our hotel in Erzurum and the rest of the day is free. We will have dinner at the hotel together with people (if any) who arrive in Erzurum today in readiness for the Marvels of the East tour (B/L).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The tour price includes:

Accommodation in special category boutique style establishments and four-star hotels or the best available.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Modern air-conditioned coach or minibus with spare seats.
Arrival transfers on Day 1 (in Istanbul) and departure transfers on Day 10 (in Erzurum).
All entrance fees, all tips (including to hotels, restaurants, tour guide and the driver) and other charges
Services of bilingual Turkish born Australian tour leader who is with the group 24/7.
Drinking water on the coach
Services of professional English speaking guide and/or bilingual tour leader.
Drinking water on the coach

The tour price does NOT include:

International and domestic airfares
Departure taxes, levies and other charges
Passport and visa fees
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, minibar, phone calls, etc.
Beverages at meal times

IMPORTANT NOTES

Tour prices are subject to change without notice until paid in full.
Up to two domestic flights in Turkey are included in the international airfare if flying to and from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines on long haul flights. Otherwise you should allow approximately $195 per person for the domestic airfare from Erzurum to Istanbul.
At the time of writing, details for the Erzurum/Istanbul flight are as flows. Turkish Airlines flight TK669 departing Erzurum at 1530 and arriving in Istanbul at 1735. You should note that this may change in which case alternative arrangements will need to be made for those finishing the tour in Erzurum
Shorter "Add-on" tours and other travel packages are available within Turkey, to Central Asia, to Ukraine and to other countries in the region.
The Best of the Black Sea tour starting in Istanbul on 31 May 2008 is immediately preceded by our 17-Day Grand Sultan tour and it is followed immediately by our 11-Day Marvels of the East tour. Hence these two tours may be ideal "Add-ons" to the Best of the Black Sea tour. See other tours on this website, or the latest issue of our Newsletter "OzTours News" or contact us for details
Where two or more tours are combined, there will be a discount of 5% on the lower priced tour (or tours). When combined, the Best of the Black Sea and the Marvels of the East tours are regarded as a single tour. The combined tour price is $150 per person less than the sum of the prices for the two tours.
We can make all your travel arrangements through Timeless Tours (our travel agent partner in Sydney), including flights with all airlines at competitive rates, travel insurance, and third party packages.
This itinerary, which is current as at 02 December 2007, is subject to change without notice.

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