Black Sea Highlights
A private journey through the green landscapes of Türkiye’s Black Sea region, combining Trabzon’s heritage, Sümela Monastery, Uzungöl, Rize’s tea culture and the highland atmosphere of Ayder and Fırtına Valley.
Journey Overview
- Duration
- 7 Days / 6 nights
- Route
- Trabzon – Sümela – Uzungöl – Rize – Ayder – Fırtına Valley
- Suggested airports
- TZX
- Travel style
- Black Sea Journeys
- Best for
- Nature & culture travellers · Couples · Families
The eastern Black Sea is unlike anywhere else in Türkiye — a region of forested mountains, tea-covered valleys and a culture shaped by altitude and weather. This journey begins in Trabzon, a historic trading city on the coast, and climbs steadily inland: to the cliff-face monastery of Sümela, the alpine lake at Uzungöl, and the tea country around Rize.
The final days belong to the highlands — Ayder’s cooler air and the river landscapes of Fırtına Valley — travelling privately with a guide who knows the mountain roads and the rhythm of the region. The pace is deliberately unhurried, with room for weather, local food and unplanned stops.
Destinations on This Journey
Trabzon
Days 1–2
A historic Black Sea gateway with layered cultural heritage.
Sümela
Day 2
A dramatic monastery setting carved into the mountainside.
Uzungöl
Day 3
A scenic alpine atmosphere surrounded by forested slopes.
Rize
Days 4–5
Tea-growing valleys and regional culture.
Ayder
Days 5–6
A highland setting with cooler air and mountain character.
Fırtına Valley
Days 6–7
Nature, river landscapes and optional local experiences.
Journey Highlights
- Trabzon Heritage — Experience a historic Black Sea city shaped by trade, religion and regional character.
- Sümela Monastery — Visit one of Türkiye’s most dramatic cultural landmarks in a striking mountain setting.
- Uzungöl — Enjoy alpine landscapes and one of the region’s best-known natural settings.
- Rize Tea Country — Explore lush valleys and the culture of tea-growing communities.
- Ayder Highlands — Discover the cooler atmosphere and mountain identity of the eastern Black Sea.
- Fırtına Valley — Balance sightseeing with nature, local rhythm and optional outdoor experiences.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Trabzon
Trabzon
Private welcome at Trabzon Airport and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure — the harbour and the old quarter make an easy first walk after the flight.
Day 2 — Trabzon & Sümela Monastery
Trabzon – Sümela
A guided day covering the city’s Byzantine heritage, then the drive up the Altındere valley to Sümela Monastery, built into a sheer cliff face. Access to the monastery depends on current restoration and weather conditions.
Day 3 — Uzungöl
Uzungöl
Travel inland to the alpine lake at Uzungöl, ringed by forested slopes and wooden houses. The road climbs steadily and the air changes with it; the afternoon is free to walk the lake shore or the surrounding trails.
Day 4 — Uzungöl to Rize
Rize
Continue east into tea country. Rize sits among terraced green valleys where the crop covers every slope, and the afternoon includes a plantation visit and the local tea culture that goes with it.
Day 5 — Rize to Ayder Highlands
Ayder
Climb into the highlands to Ayder, where the air is noticeably cooler and the landscape opens into pasture and mist. Highland roads are seasonal, and the programme is adjusted to conditions on the day.
Day 6 — Fırtına Valley
Fırtına Valley
A day in the valley below Ayder — stone arch bridges, river landscapes and the small settlements along the water. Optional walking routes can be added depending on weather and your preferred pace.
Day 7 — Departure from Trabzon
Trabzon
Descend to the coast for your onward flight, with a final stop en route if timing allows. Private transfer to Trabzon Airport.
What This Journey Includes
- Private airport transfers
- Selected accommodation
- Licensed private guides
- Private sightseeing transportation
- 24/7 local assistance
Final inclusions depend on the selected programme and confirmed proposal.
Optional Experiences
- Highland Day Excursions — Extend your time in the highlands with guided day routes shaped by season and weather.
- Tea Plantation Visit — Walk the terraced tea gardens of Rize and learn how the region’s signature crop is grown.
- Local Cuisine Experience — Taste the Black Sea table — from mıhlama to fresh anchovies — with a curated local meal.
- Extra Nights or Hotel Upgrades — Add highland nights or upgrade to boutique properties along the route.
Journey Gallery
Plan This Journey
Tell us your preferred dates, hotel style and interests and our local team will tailor this itinerary around your travel plans.
Plan your trip · info@allwaytour.com · +90 534 397 1515