Grand Black Sea Tour — 8 Days

Arrival in Ordu and check-in. The day covers Boztepe & Cable Car, Paşaoğlu Mansion Ethnography Museum, Jason Church & Cape and Ulugöl Nature Park. Boztepe is the roughly 500-metre-high hill that rises immediately south of central Ordu, wrapping around the city like a natural balcony; today it is the province's undisputed…

1. 08:00 - 09:40 Boztepe & Cable Car· 100 dk

   Tour coaches can reach the lower-station car park and the summit by road; arriving early is advised in peak season as parking can fill up. Parking: A roughly 180-vehicle car park at the seaside lower station; limited additional parking at the summit for those arriving by road.

   Summit viewing terrace (city, harbour and Black Sea panorama), the glass viewing platform, the west-facing terrace for sunset, an ascent shot from inside the cable car, and the walking path among the pines.

2. 10:10 - 11:00 Paşaoğlu Mansion Ethnography Museum· 50 dk

   Tour coaches cannot enter the narrow street; the best drop-off points are the stops along the coast-Boztepe line, from which groups reach the mansion in a few minutes on foot. Parking: As the street in front of the mansion is narrow, vehicles are usually left in public/paid car parks along the Boztepe road or near the coast, followed by a short walk to the museum.

   The mansion's dressed-stone façade with corner half-columns; the main wooden staircase and landing; the oil-painted sofa ceiling on the upper floor (lozenge motifs and landscape corner medallions); the nineteenth-century room settings arranged with mannequins.

   As a multi-storey historic building with stairs, wheelchair access is limited beyond the ground floor; there is no lift.

3. 11:30 - 12:30 Jason Church & Cape· 60 dk

   Tour coaches can pull directly into the car park at the cape; the coastal road allows wide turning and parking. Parking: An organised free car park at the cape that accommodates tour coaches and cars; a cafeteria and viewing areas are alongside.

   The rise at the peninsula entrance for shooting the church at the cape's tip with the sea behind it; the western slope where the lighthouse and waves appear together; late-afternoon light for the church silhouette at sunset; the view of the church from the level of the pebble beach.

   Partly limited: the short walk between the car park and the church is stony and gently sloped, the church interior is on a single level but the uneven ground may require assistance for wheelchair users.

4. 13:00 - 14:00 Lunch — local flavour stop· 60 dk

   Lunch break of regional cuisine (outside half-board).

   Local spread and presentation shots.

5. 14:00 - 15:30 Ulugöl Nature Park· 90 dk

   Tour coaches can reach the entrance car park via the paved road; the inland mountain road is winding, so large vehicles require careful driving. Parking: Free parking is available within the park.

   The viewing terrace on the lake's north shore, best for forest reflections in the early morning; the path between the small reed-fringed lakes; and the panoramic lake view from the hilltop.

   The entrance, car park and picnic area are accessible over level ground; the forest trails and viewing terrace are partly uneven, offering limited wheelchair access.

6. 16:00 - 17:30 Free time — city centre· 90 dk

   Rest and free exploration (~1.5 hours).

Route Ordu, Altınordu, Perşembe, Gölköy

Transfer from Ordu to Giresun. The day covers Giresun Island (Aretias) and Giresun Castle & Panorama Hill. Giresun Island is the only true island off the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey, a rocky, roughly four-hectare mass rising from the sea about 1.2 kilometres from the city centre.

1. 08:00 - 09:00 Transfer from Ordu to Giresun· 60 dk

   Inter-city transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle; short rest stop en route.

2. 09:00 - 11:30 Giresun Island (Aretias)· 150 dk

   Tour coaches drop passengers at the coastal/port car park near the Giresun Port passenger pier; coaches cannot cross to the island, so passengers continue by boat. Parking: The Giresun coast road / port car park near the pier and the Atapark seafront flat area car park are used. There is no parking on the island.

   The historic tower and island silhouette over the sea (from the boat deck); the island panorama from Giresun Castle and Boztepe hill; the temple-chapel ruins seen from the southeastern cove and its walking path; Hamza Taşı and the surrounding ancient presses.

   Limited. The pier itself is reachable, but boarding and disembarking the boat, together with the island's rocky, sloped and stepped paths, are not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with reduced mobility, and access also depends on sea conditions.

3. 12:45 - 13:45 Lunch — local flavour stop· 60 dk

   Lunch break of regional cuisine.

4. 12:00 - 13:00 Giresun Castle & Panorama Hill· 60 dk

   Because the road is narrow and steep, large tour coaches generally go only as far as the drop-off point at the foot of the hill; groups complete the final stretch on foot or by small vehicle. Manoeuvring is restricted for standard 30-45 seat coaches. Parking: A limited number of parking spaces exist on the hilltop and at the foot of the castle; on busy days visitors may prefer to park in the town centre and walk up.

   The wooden viewing terrace (wide angle onto the harbour and Giresun Island); the area around the Topal Osman Agha monumental tomb near the summit; the wall corners that take in both the eastern and western horizon at once; the best light is late afternoon and sunset.

   The viewing terrace and park area are partly accessible, but the sloping roads up the hill and the stepped terrace limit wheelchair access; an escort is advised.

Route Giresun, Giresun Merkez

Transfer from Giresun to Trabzon. The day covers Sumela Monastery. Sumela Monastery is a Byzantine cliff monastery carved into the sheer face of Karadağ (Black Mountain) at roughly 1,200 metres elevation, overlooking the Altındere Valley in the…

1. 08:00 - 10:10 Transfer from Giresun to Trabzon· 130 dk

   Inter-city transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle; short rest stop en route.

2. 12:45 - 13:45 Lunch — local flavour stop· 60 dk

   Lunch break of regional cuisine.

3. 10:10 - 12:40 Sumela Monastery· 150 dk

   Tour coaches can reach the Altındere National Park car park; the steep, narrow upper section cannot be reached by coach and requires the shuttle minibus. Parking: A large car park and reception facilities are available at the Altındere National Park entrance; vehicles are left there, with onward access by shuttle.

   The panoramic viewing terrace on the valley's opposite slope; the final bend of the trail approaching the monastery; the fresco walls of the Rock Church; the Altındere Valley view veiled in morning mist.

   Wheelchair access within the monastery is limited due to the rocky, stepped path; wheelchair users can still enjoy the valley floor and the viewing points.

Route Trabzon, Maçka

The day covers Altındere Valley National Park, Hamsiköy (Rice Pudding Village) and Zigana Pass & Tunnel. Altındere Valley National Park is a 4,468-hectare protected area stretching around the village of Altındere in the Maçka district of Trabzon, roughly 48 kilometres from the city…

1. 08:00 - 11:00 Altındere Valley National Park· 180 dk

   Tour coaches can reach the car park on the valley floor without difficulty; the final leg is completed only by shuttle service and on foot. Parking: Paid parking on the valley floor (approximately 50-70 TRY/day); also suitable for tour coaches and campervans.

   The valley viewpoint on the opposite slope where the monastery appears in panorama; the bridge and waterfall on the valley floor; the entrance terrace and fresco gallery of the rock church; the streamside area around the trout facilities.

   Limited — the car park, valley floor and trout facilities are level and accessible, but the final 20-30 minute steep path to the monastery is not suitable for disabled or mobility-restricted visitors.

2. 11:30 - 12:30 Hamsiköy (Rice Pudding Village)· 60 dk

   Suitable for tour coaches; flat parking areas in front of the businesses allow easy manoeuvring for large vehicles. Parking: Wide, free parking for cars and tour coaches in front of the roadside bakeries and restaurants.

   The panorama of the village and spruce forests framed from in front of the roadside bakery-restaurants; timber Black Sea houses by the stream; the misty-morning viewpoint overlooking the Zigana slopes; a macro shot of a freshly baked plate of sütlaç.

   Wheelchair access is moderately easy since the ground is largely flat; most restaurants have road-level entrances, though some paths within the village are uneven.

3. 13:00 - 14:00 Lunch — local flavour stop· 60 dk

   Lunch break of regional cuisine (outside half-board).

   Local spread and presentation shots.

4. 14:00 - 14:45 Zigana Pass & Tunnel· 45 dk

   Tour coaches can park on the wide shoulders of the old pass road and the summit clearings; the narrow, steep bends require experienced drivers for large vehicles. The tunnel route is trouble-free for standard coaches. Parking: Free open-air parking on the wide shoulders of the old pass road, the flat areas around the summit, and near the ski facility.

   Summit viewing terraces (green Black Sea-facing slopes and southern Gümüşhane plateaus in one frame), the hairpin bends of the old pass road, the sea of clouds filling the valleys on summer mornings, and snowy forest views in winter.

   The panorama can be comfortably enjoyed from the vehicle or from level overlooks; sloping nature trails and snowy ground are not suitable for wheelchairs.

5. 15:15 - 16:45 Free time — city centre· 90 dk

   Rest and free exploration (~1.5 hours).

Route Trabzon, Maçka

Transfer from Trabzon to Rize. The day covers Ayder Plateau & Thermal Springs and Pokut Plateau. Ayder Plateau, in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize province and set at roughly 1,350 metres inside the Kaçkar Mountains National Park, is the emblematic stop of Eastern Black Sea…

1. 08:00 - 09:15 Transfer from Trabzon to Rize· 75 dk

   Inter-city transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle; short rest stop en route.

2. 09:15 - 11:45 Ayder Plateau & Thermal Springs· 150 dk

   Tour coaches can climb as far as the plateau's entrance car park; the narrow inner roads mean the core area is reached on foot or by shuttle. Parking: Vehicle traffic is regulated at the plateau entrance; car parks have been pulled back to the entrance area, with pedestrian and shuttle access prioritised for the inner sections.

   The entrance Dutdibi (Ayder) Waterfall, the viewing slope above the thermal facility, the Pokut-Gito ridge for the morning sea of clouds, and the spruce-forested slopes ringing the plateau.

   Limited due to the steep terrain; the thermal facility and entrance surroundings are relatively accessible, while the inner pedestrian paths are steep and difficult.

3. 12:15 - 13:15 Lunch — local flavour stop· 60 dk

   Lunch break of regional cuisine (outside half-board).

   Local spread and presentation shots.

4. 13:15 - 15:45 Pokut Plateau· 150 dk

   Large tour buses cannot reach the plateau; they come at most as far as Çamlıhemşin or Şenyuva, where passengers transfer to 4x4/jeep services. Parking: An informal car park with limited capacity at the plateau entrance; finding space can be difficult in peak season.

   The ridge line where the lodges face the cloud sea at sunrise; the panoramic saddles of the Sal-Pokut walking trail; the mist-wrapped facades of the wooden highland houses.

   Very poor; the rugged terrain, high altitude, unpaved roads and stepped timber buildings make it unsuitable for wheelchair access.

Route Rize, Çamlıhemşin

The day covers Fırtına (Storm) Valley, Palovit Waterfall and Zil Castle. The Fırtına Valley is a deep, emerald gorge carved over millions of years by the roughly 68-kilometre Fırtına River, which rises on the northern slopes of the Kaçkar Mountains and…

1. 08:00 - 11:30 Fırtına (Storm) Valley· 210 dk

   Tourism coaches can reach central Çamlıhemşin and the area around Şenyuva; because the inner valley road is narrow and winding, transferring to minibuses/shuttle is recommended for large coaches. Parking: Car parks in central Çamlıhemşin, around the Şenyuva bridge and at the Zil Castle entrance; space is limited within the valley, so early arrival is advised in peak season.

   The Şenyuva (Çinçiva) stone arch bridge from above and from a low angle, the panorama over the valley from Zil Castle, the riverside rafting put-in point, misty morning forest bands and the Ottoman bridges along the valley.

   Limited; although the bridge surroundings and some viewpoints can be reached by vehicle, the valley floor, trails and rafting areas are uneven and unsuitable for wheelchairs.

2. 12:00 - 12:45 Palovit Waterfall· 45 dk

   Not suitable for large tour coaches due to the narrow, winding cobbled road; coaches are left at Çamlıhemşin or Zil Kale, with transfer by minibus/4x4. Parking: The car park at the waterfall entrance (Palovit Waterfall car park). Capacity is limited in peak season due to the narrow road.

   The wooden viewing platform opposite the falls and the edge of the lower pool; morning and overcast light are ideal for the silky long-exposure water effect. The cobbled bridge along the approach road and forest clearings also offer strong compositions.

   Limited. The final stretch is a footpath over stony ground; wheelchair access is difficult. There is a short but sloped walk to the viewing platform.

3. 13:15 - 14:15 Lunch — local flavour stop· 60 dk

   Lunch break of regional cuisine (outside half-board).

   Local spread and presentation shots.

4. 14:15 - 15:15 Zil Castle· 60 dk

   Because the road is narrow with sharp bends, large tour coaches cannot reach the castle; agencies in the region generally use a midibus/minibus or partly transfer by private vehicle. Large coaches are left around Çamlıhemşin centre and passengers transfer. Parking: A small car park exists at the foot of the castle; from there it is a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the castle. Early hours are recommended since the area fills quickly in peak season.

   The most iconic shot is from the roadside viewpoint on the opposite slope of the valley before climbing to the castle, capturing its full mist- and forest-wrapped facade. From the head tower inside the keep, the panorama over the Fırtına Valley and moments wrapped in low morning/evening mist give the most dramatic light; autumn colour transitions are ideal.

   Limited. The climb from the car park to the castle is a sloping, stony path with steps, making access difficult for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility; the interior of the keep is also partly uneven.

5. 15:45 - 17:15 Free time — city centre· 90 dk

   Rest and free exploration (~1.5 hours).

Route Rize, Çamlıhemşin

Transfer from Rize to Artvin. The day covers Karagöl-Sahara National Park and Şavşat Karagöl Lake. Karagöl-Sahara National Park lies within the Şavşat district of Artvin, high in the mountain forests of Turkey's Eastern Black Sea region.

1. 08:00 - 10:00 Transfer from Rize to Artvin· 120 dk

   Inter-city transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle; short rest stop en route.

2. 10:00 - 12:00 Karagöl-Sahara National Park· 120 dk

   Tour coaches can easily reach central Şavşat; the narrow mountain road up to the lake is difficult for large coaches, so midibuses are preferred. Parking: A car park and picnic ground at the lake entrance; it can fill up in peak season.

   The wooden viewing deck at the northern end of the lake (early morning/sunset for reflections), ridge paths through the forest, the lakeside bungalow row and the meadows of the Sahara Plateau.

3. 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch — local flavour stop· 60 dk

   Lunch break of regional cuisine (outside half-board).

   Local spread and presentation shots.

4. 13:30 - 15:30 Şavşat Karagöl Lake· 120 dk

   Tour buses can reach the entrance car park; the final stretch is narrow and winding, so large vehicles require careful driving. Parking: A visitor car park is available at the national park entrance; it can fill up during peak season.

   The lakeside viewing terrace, the far side of the wooden boardwalk, the still water's edge for autumn reflections and early-morning sea-of-mist moments; a panoramic lake-and-forest frame from the road to Sahara Plateau.

   The wooden boardwalk around the lake is partly suitable for wheelchairs/strollers; the forest paths are uneven and not fully accessible.

Route Artvin, Şavşat

The day covers Cehennem Deresi Canyon, Kafkasör Plateau & Bull Fights and Hatila Valley National Park. <p class="lead">Cehennem Deresi Canyon ("Hell Creek Canyon") is a narrow, deep and steep-walled karst gorge in the Ardanuç district of Artvin, in Turkey's Eastern Black Sea region. Transfer at the end of the tour.

1. 08:00 - 09:00 Cehennem Deresi Canyon· 60 dk

   Tour coaches can reach the roadside entrance/parking area; there is no vehicle access into the canyon. Parking: Roadside parking for cars and tour buses is available at the entrance point.

   The upper viewing area and planned glass viewing terrace overlooking the canyon from the road; the entrance to the narrow gorge descending to the water; the steep rock walls seen looking up from inside the canyon.

   Limited. The upper viewing/entrance point is accessible by vehicle, but the stony, steep and narrowing trails inside the canyon are not suitable for wheelchair or disabled access.

2. 09:30 - 11:00 Kafkasör Plateau & Bull Fights· 90 dk

   Tour coaches can access the site; the road is asphalt but the final stretch is winding and narrow, so an experienced driver is recommended. Coach parking is available at the festival ground. Parking: Ample open-air parking at the Kafkasör Tourism Centre festival ground; free parking outside the festival period.

   Viewing terraces in the forest clearings; the area around the bullfighting arena; spots where the morning sea of cloud blankets the slopes; the meadows around the bungalows; the arena's grandstand angle on festival days.

   Partly accessible flat ground around the main festival area and car park; the forest paths and viewpoints are uneven, limiting wheelchair access.

3. 12:45 - 13:45 Lunch — local flavour stop· 60 dk

   Lunch break of regional cuisine.

4. 11:30 - 13:30 Hatila Valley National Park· 120 dk

   Tour buses can reach the lower sections near the centre and the viewing terrace car park; manoeuvring space for large buses is limited on the narrow, sloped sections inside the valley, and road conditions vary by season. Parking: Parking areas for cars and tour buses are available around the national park entrance and the viewing terrace; additional parking is available at the streamside camp/picnic area.

   The glass viewing terrace at 220 metres height (one of Turkey's highest glass terraces); the roadside bends overlooking the valley; the basalt columns and waterfalls; the streamside camp/picnic area and the autumn colour transitions.

   The viewing terrace and entrance area are partly accessible, but wheelchair access is limited elsewhere as the valley's inner paths are steep and uneven; the terrace and viewpoints are suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.

5. 14:00 - 15:30 Free time — city centre· 90 dk

   Rest and free exploration (~1.5 hours).

Route Artvin, Ardanuç