PRIVATE TOUR: Explore the sites of enchanting Istanbul, then get off the beaten track and discover the dramatic natural beauty of Turkey’s Black Sea region; its breathtaking scenery, fascinating sights and charming historic towns.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Old City sights
This morning depart on a full day city tour, visit magnificent St. Sophia's Basilica built originally by Constantine the Great. We continue our visits with the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets, its beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. Then visit the Byzantine Hippodrome where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place. Finally we visit the famous vast and bustling Grand Bazaar
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Safranbolu
Istanbul - Safranbolu. After breakfast, drive to Safranbolu. Safranbolu is a town boasting a glorious collection of old Ottoman houses, with a rich collection of pieces of art which represents traditional Turkish life and culture. Its rich history and success in preserving it earned the town an inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The best known for its old Turkish houses, the town is attracting more attention especially as these 19th century homes are gradually disappearing from other areas of Turkey. Take a walk down the old narrow cobbled streets, and see some of the traditional crafts and trades that are still practised today.
Overnight: Safranbolu | Breakfast, Dinner
Sinop
Safranbolu - Sinop. Leaving Safranbolu we drive to Sinop, visiting the Ancient Tombs in Boybat en route. Arriving at Sinop we admire the breathtaking views offered from Sinop Castle and visit the beautiful Sinop Fjords, which are the only unique formation of this kind in Turkey. The final stop of the day is at Alaadin Mosque, built in 1214 after the conquest of Sinop during the Selcuklu Period.
Overnight: Sinop | Breakfast, Dinner
Samsun
After breakfast journey to Samsun, stopping en route to visit Gerze, a quaint fishing village. Your final stop today is historic Samsun (formerly known by its Greek name Amisos), a fascinating town of myths and legends, which was called the land of the Amazons.
Overnight: Samsun | Breakfast, Dinner
Trabzon
It’s an early morning departure to Trabzon along the beautiful Black Sea coast. Today visit the outside of the spectacular 1,600 year-old Sumela Monastery, perched dramatically on a steep cliff-face commanding excellent views of the surrounding forests.
Overnight: Corum | Breakfast, Dinner
Trabzon
Your Black Sea adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. Transfer to Trabzon Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Group Tour Departures
If you like this itinerary though would prefer to travel with a group (less than 16 persons), this tour departs with all the same inclusions at a discounted price on the following tour dates in 2016: 18 May, 15 June, 13 July and 14 September.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are ‘per person’, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The single supplement price needs to be added to the per person price if single rooms are required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.
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In Brief
