ITINERARY - 10 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. (D)
Overnight in boutique style hotel in the old part of Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul - Safranbolu
After breakfast at out 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 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. (B/L/D)
Overnight in a restored ‘Ottoman Mansion’ in the old part of town.
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.(B/D).
Overnight in boutique style hotel in Amasya
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.(B/D).
Overnight in boutique Style hotel in Amasya
Day 5: 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 our morning break. We then cross the mist-covered Pontic Mountain range and stop at a forest resort overlooking the Black Sea for lunch before proceeding on to hazel nut capital of Giresun on the Black Sea coast. Dinner is at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Giresun
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 Ataturk’s Mansion followed by Ayasofya Museum, the 13th Century Byzantine church (pictured at right).
We then have lunch (not included) and the rest of the day is free. Dinner is at a seaside restaurant. (B/D).
Overnight in a comfortable 5 star hotel in Trabzon
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 and do some souvenir shopping, 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 tourists about. You could wander through the countless ‘traders and artisans’ shops, visit a Hamam (Turkish Bath) or just relax in one of the many tea gardens and restaurants. (B/L).
Overnight in the same hotel in Trabzon
Day 8: Trabzon - Rize - Ayder
Today we drive along the Black Sea coast, visiting the picturesque Uzun Lake (pictured at right) and stopping at Rizefor lunch. Rize is the ‘tea capital’ of 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. (B/D).
Overnight in an Alpine Hotel in Ayder
Day 9: Ayder - Kars
In the morning, we drive towards the Georgian border and then inland through hilly tea-country before reaching the roaring Çoruh River. With major dams on the river, the drive along the Çoruh 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 a scenic route to the town of Ardahan and then on to the eastern city of Kars. Dinner is at the hotel joined by people (if any) who are doing only the Marvels of the East tour (B/L/D).
Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Kars
Day 10: Kars - Istanbul
After breakfast, we go on walking tour of Kars together with people (if any) who are doing only the Marvels of the East tour, to see the main city sights including the 10th century Armenian Church of 12 Apostles, the 12th century Selçuk Citadel and the nearby Ottoman bridge from the 16th Century. We then say farewell to those who are doing only the Best of the Black Sea tour. You will be transferred to Kars airport for your early afternoon flight to Istanbul (TK 2715 departing 1445 and arriving 1700) to connect with flights to Australia or other ongoing destinations. Your tour ends on arrival at Istanbul airport.
Those of us who are going on the Marvels of the East tour will follow the itinerary for that tour from here on. (B).
TOUR DETAILS
10 day Best of the Black Sea tour 2011
(This tour starts and finishes at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey)
Tour Dates: |
Saturday, 28 May to Monday 6 June 2011 Saturday, 27 August to Monday 5 September 2011 (This tour may be combined with Marvels of the East tour starting on 5 June and 4 September in Erzurum). |
Tour duration: |
10 days / 9 nights |
Tour price: |
$2,950.per person twin share, Single Supp: $390 |
Group Size |
Minimum: 8, Maximum: 20 |
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 (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Modern air-conditioned coach or minibus with spare seats.
- Domestic flight from Erzurum to Istanbul on Day 10
- 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 Turkish born Australian tour leader who is with the group 24/7.
- Services of professional English speaking tour guide.
- Drinking water on the coach
The tour price does NOT include:
- International flights and domestic airfares other than Erzurum to Istanbul on Day 10.
- 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.
- Flight times for Erzurum/Istanbul and Adana/Istanbul flights change constantly. Suitable flight times will be advised closer to the tour start dates.
- Shorter “Add-on” tours and other travel packages are available within Turkey, to Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia (the Silk Road) and to other countries in the region.
- The Best of the Black Sea tour starting in Istanbul is preceded immediately by our 17-Day Grand Sultan tour and followed immediately by our 11-Day Marvels of the East tour. Hence these two tours may be combined with the Best of the Black Sea tour. See the latest issue of our Newsletter “OzTours News” or visit our website 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.
- We can make all your travel arrangements through our travel agent partners, including flights with all airlines at competitive rates, travel insurance, and third party packages.
- This itinerary, which is current as at 20 August 2010, is subject to change without notice.