Grand Black Sea & Ankara Tour: Nature, History & Legends

Discover the spectacular contrast between Turkey’s ancient capital, Hittite heritage, and the lush landscapes of the Black Sea on this 9-day journey. Starting in Ankara, travel through the ancient lands of the Hittites before reaching Amasya, Samsun, Trabzon, Uzungol, Ayder, and the remote beauty of Artvin.

From ancient rock tombs and Ottoman mansions to mountain lakes, tea gardens, medieval castles, and the legendary Sumela Monastery, this tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the history, culture, nature, and legends of northern Turkey in one unforgettable journey.

Why Choose the Grand Black Sea & Ankara Tour?

• Ancient History: Discover Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage.
• Black Sea Nature: Explore misty mountains, lush valleys, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit tea plantations, traditional mansions, local villages, and historic towns.
• Iconic Landmarks: See Hattusa, Sumela Monastery, Uzungol, Zilkale, and Anitkabir.
• Comfortable Travel: Explore the region with private transportation and an experienced local guide.

Itinerary: From Capital to Coast

Day 1: Ankara — Heart of the Republic

Arrival: Upon arrival at Ankara Esenboga Airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to the city center.

Anatolian Civilizations Museum

Begin your journey at one of Turkey’s most important archaeological museums. Discover remarkable artifacts spanning thousands of years, from prehistoric Anatolia through the Hittite, Phrygian, Roman, and later periods.

Ankara Castle

Walk through the historic citadel and explore the narrow streets, traditional houses, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city.

Anitkabir

Visit Anitkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic of Turkey.

Overnight: Ankara — Radisson Blu or similar.
Meals: Dinner included.

Day 2: Hittite Heritage — Hattusa & Amasya

Hattusa Ancient City

Leave Ankara and travel to Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the impressive archaeological remains, including:

• Lion Gate
• Sphinx Gate
• Ancient city walls
• Great Temple
• Yazilikaya Open-Air Sanctuary

At Yazilikaya, see the remarkable rock reliefs depicting Hittite gods and divine figures carved into the natural rock.

Journey to Amasya

Continue north toward Amasya, one of the most picturesque historic cities in the Black Sea region.

Overnight: Amasya — Riverside Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 3: City of Princes & Amazons

Amasya

Explore Amasya, beautifully positioned along the Yesilirmak River and surrounded by dramatic mountains.

Pontic Rock Tombs

See the monumental tombs of the ancient Pontic Kings carved high into the cliffs above the city.

Hazeranlar Mansion

Visit this beautifully preserved 19th-century Ottoman mansion and discover the traditional lifestyle and architecture of the period.

Amasya Museums

Explore the Amasya Archaeology Museum and learn about the civilizations that shaped the region.

Continue to the Ferhat & Sirin Love Museum, dedicated to one of Anatolia’s best-known legendary love stories.

Samsun — City of Amazons

Continue toward the Black Sea coast and arrive in Samsun.

Amazon Village

Discover the legends surrounding the Amazon warriors traditionally associated with the Black Sea region.

Amisos Hill

Take the cable car to Amisos Hill for panoramic views over Samsun and the Black Sea. Explore the ancient tumulus area and archaeological remains.

Bandirma Ship

Visit the replica of the Bandirma Ship, associated with Ataturk’s arrival in Samsun in 1919 and the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence.

Overnight: Samsun.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 4: The Golden Fleece Route

Jason’s Church — Yasun Burnu

Travel along the Black Sea coast and visit Yasun Burnu, a scenic promontory associated with the ancient legends of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece.

Ordu Boztepe

Take the cable car approximately 500 meters above Ordu to Boztepe and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and coastline.

Local Hazelnut & Chocolate Stop

The Black Sea is famous for its hazelnuts. Stop at a local outlet to sample regional hazelnut chocolates and products.

Giresun

Continue to Giresun and explore the historic city, including the Giresun Museum and the charming Zeytinlik district with its traditional houses.

Tirebolu Castle

Make a scenic photo stop at Tirebolu Castle, dramatically positioned overlooking the Black Sea.

Overnight: Trabzon.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 5: Monasteries & Mansions of Trabzon

Sumela Monastery

Visit the spectacular Sumela Monastery, one of the most famous landmarks of the Black Sea. Built into the cliffs of Altindere Valley, this historic Greek Orthodox monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forested mountains.

Hagia Sophia of Trabzon

Explore the historic Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a remarkable 13th-century monument known for its Byzantine architecture and surviving frescoes.

Ataturk’s Mansion

Visit the elegant mansion surrounded by gardens and learn about its connection with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Trabzon Boztepe

Relax with a cup of Turkish tea while enjoying panoramic views over Trabzon and the Black Sea.

Overnight: Trabzon.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 6: Uzungol — The Long Lake

Surmene

Begin the day with a visit to Surmene and the historic Memisaga Mansion, an example of traditional Black Sea architecture.

Turkish Tea Experience

Visit a local tea factory and learn how Turkey’s famous Black Sea tea is cultivated, processed, and prepared.

Enjoy a fresh cup of locally produced tea.

Uzungol

Continue to Uzungol, one of the most iconic natural attractions in the Black Sea region.

Surrounded by steep forest-covered mountains, the famous “Long Lake” offers a peaceful setting away from the cities.

Free Time

Enjoy a relaxing walk around the lake, explore the surrounding scenery, or rent a bicycle and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Overnight: Uzungol — Special Class Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast included.

Day 7: Waterfalls & Cloud Castles — Ayder

Rize

Travel to Rize and enjoy panoramic views from the Botanic Tea Garden while surrounded by the lush landscapes of Turkey’s tea-growing region.

Firtina Valley

Continue through the spectacular Firtina Valley, famous for its rushing river, green mountains, traditional villages, and historic stone bridges.

Zilkale

Visit the dramatic medieval Zilkale, perched high above the valley among dense forests.

Palovit Waterfall

Continue to Palovit Waterfall and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of one of the region’s most impressive waterfalls.

Ayder Plateau

Ascend into the highlands and arrive at Ayder Plateau, surrounded by forests and mist-covered mountains.

Visit the famous Gelin Tulu (Bridal Veil) Waterfall and enjoy the traditional highland atmosphere.

Overnight: Ayder Plateau.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 8: Hidden Lakes & Sunken Minarets

Borcka Karagol

Travel toward Artvin to discover Borcka Karagol, a spectacular mountain lake hidden among the forests of the Kackar region.

Surrounded by dense woodland and peaceful mountain scenery, Karagol is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Muratli Dam

Continue to Muratli and see the unusual sight of a minaret rising from the waters of the dam lake, creating one of the region’s most striking landscapes.

Return to Trabzon

After exploring the eastern Black Sea region, begin the journey back toward Trabzon.

Overnight: Trabzon.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 9: Departure from Trabzon

Enjoy your final breakfast before your airport transfer.

Trabzon Airport Transfer

At the appropriate time, our driver will transfer you to Trabzon Airport (TZX) for your flight home or onward journey to Istanbul.

End of Tour: Farewell to the beautiful Black Sea region.

Tour Package Details

What’s Included

Accommodation: 8 nights in selected 4-star and Special Class Boutique Hotels.

Meals: 8 breakfasts and 7 dinners.

Guide: Professional English- or Arabic-speaking tour guide.

Transportation: Luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle.

Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to the museums, national parks, archaeological sites, and Sumela Monastery listed in the itinerary.

Cable Cars: Cable car tickets in Samsun and Ordu.

Airport Transfers: Arrival transfer from Ankara Airport and departure transfer to Trabzon Airport.

What’s Not Included

• Domestic flights
• Lunches
• Dinner in Uzungol on Day 6
• Drinks during meals
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and driver
• Optional activities

Important Note

The Black Sea region has a humid and changeable climate, and rain and mist are possible even during summer. We recommend bringing a lightweight raincoat, comfortable walking shoes, and layered clothing.

Some excursions include walking on uneven terrain and mountain paths, particularly around Sumela Monastery, Zilkale, Karagol, and Ayder.

Experience the Greenest Side of Turkey

From the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa to the misty mountains of Ayder, this journey reveals a side of Turkey far beyond the classic tourist routes.

Discover ancient civilizations, legendary cities, lush valleys, mountain lakes, and the spectacular Black Sea coast. Contact us for availability and the best price of the season!

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• Cappadocia Express: The Essentials (1 Night / 2 Days)
• Cappadocia Highlights: Fairy Chimneys & Underground City (All-in-One Day)
• The Best of Cappadocia: Goreme National Park & Fairy Chimneys (red tour)
• Classic Cappadocia: The Complete 3-Day Experience
• The “All-In-One” Cappadocia Experience: 3 Days of Magic
• Cappadocia to Salt Lake
• Step into the Capital of the Hittite Empire – Discover Hattusa from Cappadocia
• Walking the Land of Fairy Chimneys: 4-Day Trekking Package / (Cappadocia Hiking Tour – 3 Nights / 4 Days)
• Cappadocia Cooking Class: Taste the Culture of Anatolia / (4-Hour Private or Small Group Workshop)
• Cappadocia from Istanbul: The Ultimate 2-Day Escape (Flights Included)
• Cappadocia & Southeast Turkey: Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, Urfa / (6 Days / 5 Nights – Journey to the Origins of Civilization)
• Cappadocia & West Turkey: The Ancient Route / (5 Days / 4 Nights – From Fairy Chimneys to the Aegean Sea)
• Grand Turkey Tour: Cappadocia, Mediterranean & Aegean / (7 Days / 6 Nights – History, Nature & Sea)
• Cappadocia & Black Sea Grand Tour: From Fairy Chimneys to Misty Mountains / (10 Days / 9 Nights – The Ultimate Anatolian Nature Route)
• Istanbul & Cappadocia: The Classic Dual-City Experience / (5 Days / 4 Nights – History & Nature Combined)
• West Turkey & Cappadocia Grand Tour: From the Aegean to Fairy Chimneys / (6 Days / 5 Nights – Cultural Odyssey)
• Small Group Tours in Turkey: Big Experiences, Small Crowds / (Maximum 16 Travelers per Group)
• Grand Black Sea Coast: Samsun to Trabzon / (7 Days / 6 Nights – The Emerald Route)
• Grand Black Sea & Ankara Tour: Nature, History & Legends / (9 Days / 8 Nights – The Emerald Route of Turkey)
• Asia Minor Archaeological Odyssey: From Ephesus to Antalya / (10 Days / 9 Nights – The Ultimate Ancient Turkey Route)
• Grand Turkey: Archaeological & Cultural Odyssey / (15 Days / 14 Nights – The Ultimate Journey)
• The Biblical Journey: Seven Churches & Cappadocia / (7 Days / 6 Nights – Faith, History & Nature)
• Biblical Turkey: In the Footsteps of St. Paul & St. John / (12 Days / 11 Nights – The Ultimate Pilgrimage Tour)
• Cappadocia Standard Hot Air Balloon Flight
• Cappadocia Comfort Deluxe Hot Air Balloon Flight
• Cappadocia VIP Private Hot Air Balloon Flight
• Soğanlı Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight
• Cat Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight
• Ihlara Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight
• Pamukkale Hot Air Flight

Terms & Conditions (Booking & Cancellation Policy)

Terms & Conditions (Booking & Cancellation Policy)

Welcome to Travel Mart Turkiye. By browsing this website and booking any tours, activities, transfers, or packages with us, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.

1. Booking & Confirmation Process
   To ensure a seamless experience, our booking process is structured as follows:

Reservations: All bookings must be made through our official website channels, email, or verified WhatsApp lines.

Deposit & Payment: To secure your spot (especially for Hot Air Balloon flights which have limited capacity), a deposit or full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) via secure payment links or bank transfers.

Confirmation: Your booking is considered confirmed only when you receive an official “Booking Confirmation” email or voucher from Cappadocia Mart. Please check all details (dates, names, hotel) carefully upon receipt.

2. Cancellation & Refund Policy
   We understand that travel plans can change. We aim to be as flexible as possible while respecting the operational costs of our partners. Our cancellation policy is divided by service type:

A. Hot Air Balloon Flights (Important) Ballooning is strictly weather-dependent. Here is how we handle cancellations:

Cancellation by Civil Aviation (Weather): If your flight is cancelled by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority due to unsafe weather conditions (wind, fog, storm), you are entitled to a 100% FULL REFUND. No hidden fees, no deductions. Alternatively, we can reschedule you for the next day, subject to availability.

Cancellation by the Guest:

More than 48 Hours Notice: If you cancel more than 48 hours before the scheduled flight time, you will receive a full refund.

Less than 48 Hours: Cancellations made within 48 hours of the flight are non-refundable due to seat allocation costs and limited capacity.

No-Show: If you are not present at the designated pickup time/location, no refund will be issued.

B. Daily Tours (Red/Green/Blue Tours) & Activities (ATV, Horse, Camel)

Free Cancellation: You may cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Late Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are subject to a 100% cancellation fee (no refund).

C. Private Tours & Large Group Bookings For private VIP tours or groups larger than 10 people, stricter planning is required:

7 Days Notice: Full refund if cancelled 7 days prior to arrival.

3-6 Days Notice: 50% refund.

Less than 72 Hours: Non-refundable.

3. Pricing & Inclusions
   Currency: All prices on our website are in Euros (€) or USD ($) unless stated otherwise.

Price Protection: Once your booking is confirmed and the deposit is paid, the price is locked. We will not charge you extra even if market prices increase later.

Exclusions: Unless specifically stated in the tour description, personal expenses, beverages during lunch, and gratuities (tips) for guides/drivers are not included in the price.

4. Insurance & Liability
   Balloon Safety: All hot air balloon operators we partner with hold valid insurance policies covering all passengers in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.

Travel Insurance: While our tours cover basic transportation and activity insurance required by Turkish Law, we strongly recommend that all travelers purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance to cover personal health issues, lost luggage, or international flight delays.

Liability: Cappadocia Mart acts as a booking agent. We are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage sustained during the tour, except where such loss is caused by our direct negligence.

5. Child Policy
   Hot Air Balloons: For safety and legal reasons, children under 6 years old are strictly not allowed to fly in hot air balloons. Children aged 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Land Tours:

0-2 Years: Free of Charge.

3-8 Years: Discounted rates usually apply (varies by specific tour).

Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Turkey. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nevşehir, Turkey.

Pick-up & Drop-off Times
Pick-up times provided during the booking process are estimates. The exact time depends on the location of your hotel (Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, Avanos) and seasonal sunrise times. We will confirm the exact pick-up time with you via WhatsApp or Email one day before the tour.

Privacy Policy
Your personal data (Full Name, Passport Number, Contact Info) is collected solely for the purpose of operational bookings and mandatory insurance requirements. We do not sell your data to third-party marketing companies.