Here is a perfect 10 Days alternative Black Sea Tour that covers the western side of the region.
What to see during the 10-day Highlights of the Western Black Sea?
Tours can be customized according to the group you want to go to. Our knowledgeable and experienced travel consultants will be able to reach your desired holiday location without having to search for individual places.
What to expect during the 10-day Highlights of the Western Black Sea?
Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival Day
By arrival at Istanbul airport, meet and greet with your guide. We will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to visit Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul City Tour
After breakfast, we depart for the Istanbul City Tour. We will begin with the ancient Hippodrome, which was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments: The Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. We will then continue with Sultanahmet Mosque across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet. It is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. We will then arrive at our last stop, which is the famous Hagia Sophia. This ancient basilica was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, it is one of the architectural marvels of all time. After the tour, you have the option to experience The Bosphorus Cruise. You will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of the Bosphorus which connects Asia to Europe. Visit Grand Spice Bazaar and the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy Istanbul.
Day 3: Seven Lakes and Abant Lake Tour
After breakfast, we will start visiting 7 lakes that are found to be different height points from each other and at the same time connected with each other on foot. You find seven small lakes in a valley formed as the result of a landslide: Buyukgol (Big Lake), Seringol (Cool Lake), Deringol (Deep Lake), Nazligol (Elegant Lake), Kucukgol (Small Lake), Incegol (Thin Lake) and Sazligol (Reedy Lake). The lakes are on an area of 550 hectares, while the National Park they are located in is 2019 hectares. The area is among the best-known trekking places. There are only small bungalows belonging to the Forestry Ministry where visitors who want to linger can stay. Deer and trout production farms are also in the area. An entrance fee is paid according to the type of vehicle and the number of visitors. Tables, firepits, and fountains are available for picnickers. Fishing is available in Yedigoller between April 1st and September 1st. We will then have some lunch and depart for Abant Lake. Abant is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. It is 30 kilometers away from Bolu, and you can reach it from the crossing on the Ankara-Istanbul highway. The lake is at the end of a 22-kilometer drive. The seven-kilometer walk around the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who don’t wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the tour on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded by pine trees. The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of discussion. Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside is pleasantly different in each season. Water lilies embellish the surface in summer. It is also famous for its trout. Later, we will have free time for shopping at the bazaar in the village. You will pass the night in a typical village house.
Day 4: Safranbolu Tour
After breakfast, we have a walk to the historical Safranbolu Bazaar. We, then visit Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath, Kaymakamlar House (Museum), Izzet Mehmet Pasha mosque, and more. Continue to Kastamonu, we visit the government house, Kaya tomb, Seyh Saban-i Veli Mausoleum, Nasrullah Seyh Mosque, and more historical sites. Overnight in authentic wooden houses in Safranbolu.
Day 5: Ilgarini Cave Pinarbasi
Today, we will depart for Ilgarini Cave after breakfast which is in the region of Pinarbasi (northwest of Kastamonu), it is one of the largest caves in Turkey. It is a wonderful place for trekking and exploration off the beaten path. The cave had been composed of two sections. The cave is an active one and the stalactite and stalagmite activity still continues. A chapel and a burial ground were found in this cave. Ilgarini Cave was chosen as the 4th biggest cave in the world. There are no roads to IIgarini Cave so we will be trekking to the Cave therefore please make sure you bring suitable footwear.
Day 6: Ilisu Waterfall & Varla Canyon
After breakfast, we will visit Ilisu Waterfall which is at Kure national Park, near Pinarbasi which is in the town and district of the Kastamonu Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey. After lunch, you can either relax in the surroundings of this beautiful natural Turkish village or you can take a walk in the Varla Canyon. The walk to the Canyon is about 4km.
Day 7: Comlekciler Village
After breakfast, we depart for Comlekciler Village. This village is rich in natural beauty. All meals are homemade and the farm produces all their own vegetables, butter, and milk. If you like to join and learn about specific Turkish meals, here is your moment. This village has fantastic horse riding facilities which you can do as an optional activity. Horse riding is not only for advanced riders they have lessons and treks for beginners also. If you are interested in doing a horse riding adventure, then this can also be arranged.
Day 8: Halacoglu Valley Tour
After breakfast, we depart for Halacoglu Valley. We will visit this valley by different methods of transport such as horses or tractors and a little bit of walking. This is one of the best valleys in this area. You can smell and breathe in the fresh mountain air. We will have a fantastic bbq lunch set in luscious green surroundings. On the way, you will get to see many farms and shepherds who still work in this area. You will see how friendly everyone is in this area.
Day 9: Amasra – Akcakoca Tour
After breakfast, you will depart from your hotel to the ancient city of Amasra. A beautiful 1-hour scenic drive through the mountains, canyons, and little villages where we will stop along the way so you can take pictures of this beautiful region. Once you get there, you will have free time to discover Amasra. Visit Ceneviz (Genoese) Castle, historical streets, and houses of Akcakoca. Akcakoca is one of the most beautiful places on the Western Black Sea coast. It is famous for its fish and over 20 different Turkish vegetable dishes. Make sure you sample the local dishes before you leave. Akcakoca is the last stop of the tour before we depart back to Istanbul.
Day 10: Istanbul – End of Tour
After breakfast, we depart for Istanbul, at the end of the tour we will drop you off at the airport or bus station.
Extra Tour Details
- Everyday departure (All year round)
- Duration: 10 days
- Groups / Private
What is included during the Excursion?
Included:
- Accommodation BB
- All sightseeing & fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Flight tickets
- Transfer service from Hotels & Airport
- English Guide
Excluded:
- Beverage during the tour
- Tips to the guide&driver(optional)
- Personal expenses
