Trabzon & Rize

The Green Black Sea

About This Destination

Trabzon and Rize reveal Turkey's lush, misty Black Sea coast — a world of emerald tea plantations, cloud-wrapped highlands, and the breathtaking Sumela Monastery clinging to a sheer cliff face. This is Turkey at its most verdant and serene, far from the coastal crowds.

Ascend to the alpine plateaus (yaylalar) where traditional wooden houses dot rolling green meadows, sip freshly picked Rize tea overlooking the mountains, and marvel at the Byzantine frescoes of Sumela, suspended dramatically 1,200 metres above the valley floor.

Our Black Sea experiences include private tours of Sumela Monastery, helicopter and 4x4 highland excursions, stays at boutique mountain lodges, and immersive encounters with the region's unique tea culture and warm local hospitality.

Essential Information

Best time to visit: June - September
Language: Turkish
Visa: E-Visa available for most nationalities
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Suggested stay: 3–4 nights
Gateways: Trabzon (TZX) · Rize–Artvin (RZV)
Best for: Nature lovers, green-highland seekers, summer travellers, and Gulf-region guests.