Eastern Turkey & Black Sea Coast Tour 2025 - 16 Days | Hidden Treasures Journey

Overview

Our Eastern Turkey & Black Sea Coast Tour takes you far beyond the typical tourist routes to discover the hidden treasures of Turkey’s most captivating yet less-visited regions. This 16-day journey combines the cultural richness of the Black Sea coast with the ancient wonders and dramatic landscapes of Eastern Turkey.

From the perfectly preserved Ottoman town of Safranbolu to the Armenian ruins at Ani, from the spectacular Sumela Monastery to the world’s oldest temple complex at Göbeklitepe, this tour showcases an extraordinary diversity of historical sites, stunning natural beauty, and authentic cultural experiences that few travelers ever witness. Travel through landscapes and civilizations spanning 12,000 years as you discover the true depth of Turkey’s historical and cultural heritage.

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Arrival at Istanbul Airport and private transfer to your hotel in the historic old city.

Welcome to Istanbul, the only city in the world spanning two continents—Europe and Asia. Once known as Constantinople, this magnificent city served as the capital of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, leaving an extraordinary cultural heritage that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Distance: 45 km
Accommodation: 5-Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque with its beautiful blue tiles, Topkapi Palace and its Harem, Hagia Sophia with its magnificent Byzantine architecture and mosaics, and the Grand Bazaar with over 3,000 shops.

Discover Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for 400 years with its priceless treasures and harem quarters. Marvel at Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old architectural masterpiece that served as both a Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque. Visit the stunning Blue Mosque with its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and six minarets. See the ancient Hippodrome where chariot races once thrilled crowds of 100,000. Explore the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops in one of the world’s oldest covered markets.

Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 5-Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 3: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Visit the mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent with the best view of Golden Horn, enjoy a morning Bosphorus cruise, explore Taksim Square and walk along Istiklal Street. Enjoy local cuisine for lunch, see the Galata Tower, cross the Bridge, and visit the Spice Market and Rustem Pasha Mosque.

The Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture designed by the great architect Sinan, offers panoramic views of the Golden Horn estuary that divides European Istanbul. The Bosphorus cruise reveals Istanbul’s magnificent skyline and waterfront palaces, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Istiklal Street is a vibrant pedestrian avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes, stretching from Taksim Square to the medieval Galata Tower, which once served as a lookout for fires. The Egyptian Spice Market (Misir Carsisi) has offered exotic spices, Turkish delight, and local delicacies since the 1660s. Rustem Pasha Mosque boasts the most exquisite collection of Iznik tiles in Istanbul, a hidden gem of 16th-century Ottoman architecture.

Distance: 15 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 5-Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 4: Safranbolu (World Heritage Site)

Drive to the UNESCO-listed Ottoman town of Safranbolu. Explore the beautifully preserved 17th-century Ottoman houses, baths, mosques, and markets. Visit Cinci Han caravanserai, Koprulu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, and the best-preserved Ottoman mansion, Kaymakamlar Evi (Governor’s House).

Safranbolu is an outstanding example of a traditional Ottoman trading town that once served as an important caravan station on the main East-West trade route. The town’s name derives from “saffron” and “polis” (city), as it was a center for growing and trading the valuable spice. Its distinctive Ottoman architecture features timber-framed houses with projecting upper floors, red-tiled roofs, and ornate wooden details—all remarkably preserved. The town contains over 1,000 registered historical artifacts including 25 mosques, 5 tombs, 8 historical fountains, 5 Turkish baths, 3 caravanserais, and hundreds of houses and mansions. Cinci Han was built in 1645 as a two-story caravanserai (roadside inn) where travelers could rest and recover from their journey.

Distance: 390 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Special class historical Gülevi Hotel in Safranbolu

Day 5: Bogazkale - Hattusha (World Heritage Site) - Amasya

Drive to Bogazkale and explore Hattusha, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, with its impressive six-kilometer-long city walls featuring the Lion Gate, Sphinx Gate, and King’s Gate. Visit the Great Temple and Yazilikaya open-air shrine. Continue to Amasya to see Pontic rock tombs, the Birmahane Medrese, and historical houses.

Hattusha was the capital of the Hittite Empire, which rivaled Egypt for control of the ancient Near East from 1600-1180 BC. The massive city walls stretch for 6 kilometers and feature unique corbeled tunnels and impressive gates adorned with lion and sphinx sculptures. The city represents one of the earliest documented Indo-European civilizations and was where the world’s first peace treaty (with Egypt) was signed in 1258 BC. Yazilikaya is a remarkable open-air rock sanctuary featuring over 90 reliefs of Hittite gods and goddesses carved into natural rock chambers. Amasya is set in a dramatic narrow valley along the banks of the Yeşilırmak River, with Ottoman-era wooden houses nestled at the foot of rocky cliffs containing ancient Pontic royal tombs. These rock-cut tombs were created for the kings of Pontus between 333-26 BC and are illuminated at night, creating a magical reflection in the river below.

Distance: 260 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Special class historical Şehzade Konağı Hotel in Amasya

Day 6: Trabzon

Journey along the Black Sea coast to Trabzon, enjoying the beautiful mountain and coastal scenery along the way.

The Black Sea coast offers some of Turkey’s most spectacular scenery, with lush green mountains dropping dramatically to the sea. This region receives the highest rainfall in Turkey, creating a verdant landscape completely different from the country’s more arid regions. The road to Trabzon passes through numerous picturesque fishing villages and vast tea and hazelnut plantations that cling to the steep hillsides. Trabzon itself was founded as a Greek colony named Trapezus in the 8th century BC and later became the capital of the Empire of Trebizond (1204-1461), the last outpost of Byzantine civilization that survived almost a decade after Constantinople fell to the Ottomans.

Distance: 460 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Usta Park Hotel in Trabzon

Day 7: Trabzon

Visit the spectacular Sumela Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, perched dramatically on a steep cliff. Explore Trabzon’s best-known Byzantine Church of St. Sophia, the Byzantine-era citadel, and the city center.

The Sumela Monastery is one of the most dramatic religious sites in the world, built in the 4th century and clinging to a sheer cliff face 1,200 meters above sea level. The complex includes rock churches, chapels, kitchens, and living quarters, with remarkable frescoes dating from the 9th to 19th centuries. According to legend, two priests discovered a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave on the mountain that had been painted by St. Luke. The Church of Hagia Sophia (13th century) features exceptional frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ and portraits of the imperial family of Trebizond. The city’s historical center preserves its medieval street plan with its citadel, ancient city walls, and characteristic timber-framed houses with balconies. The surrounding region is famous for its lush greenery, producing 20% of the world’s hazelnuts.

Distance: 90 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Usta Park Hotel in Trabzon

Day 8: Erzurum

Travel to Erzurum and visit its magnificent Seljukian monuments, including the Cifte Minare (Twin Minaret Mosque), the Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque), the Uc Kumbetter (an impressive complex of three Seljuk tombs), and the spectacular Yakutiye Madrasa built in 1310 with its splendid turquoise-tiled minaret. Explore the Rustem Pasa Carsisi (Covered Bazaar).

Erzurum contains some of Turkey’s finest examples of Seljuk architecture. The Cifte Minare Madrasa, built in 1253, features an elaborately decorated portal and twin minarets with intricate brickwork. The Yakutiye Madrasa, built in 1310, showcases exceptional stone carving and a unique turquoise-tiled minaret. The Uc Kumbetter (Three Tombs) are distinctive conical-roofed mausoleums from the 13th century. The city was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and has been controlled by Byzantines, Arabs, Armenians, Seljuks, Mongols, and Ottomans, creating a rich cultural heritage. Erzurum is also famous for its distinctive black amber (oltu taşı) jewelry and unique culinary specialties including cağ kebabı (horizontally stacked lamb roasted on a spit). Sitting at an elevation of 1,900 meters (6,233 feet), Erzurum is Turkey’s highest major city and served as a crucial military stronghold throughout history due to its strategic location.

Distance: 260 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Polat Renaissance Hotel in Erzurum

Day 9: Kars

Visit the ruined Armenian city of Ani with its impressive fortified walls encircling ruins of numerous churches, mosques, and caravanserais. Explore Kars Castle and the Church of the Twelve Apostles.

Ani was once the majestic capital of the medieval Armenian Kingdom, known as “the city of 1,001 churches” and home to over 100,000 people before being abandoned after Mongol invasions. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, its stunning churches showcase the height of Armenian architectural achievement, with magnificent stone masonry and innovative engineering. The Church of the Holy Redeemer, the Cathedral of Ani, and the Church of St. Gregory feature remarkable architectural elements including pointed arches that predate Gothic architecture in Europe. Set on a triangular plateau cut by deep ravines, the location marks the modern border between Turkey and Armenia, with the Akhurian River serving as the frontier. Kars Castle was built in the 12th century by the Armenian Bagratid Dynasty and later expanded by the Ottomans. The Church of the Twelve Apostles is a 10th-century Armenian church later converted into a mosque, featuring distinctive cylindrical architecture. The city of Kars features unusual Russian-influenced architecture from when it was under Russian control (1878-1918) and is famous as the setting for Orhan Pamuk’s novel “Snow.”

Distance: 200 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Katerina Sarayı Hotel in Kars

Day 10: Van

Drive to Dogu Beyazit and visit the fascinating Ishak Pasa Palace. See the impressive 5,165-meter-high Mount Ararat and visit the Van Castle, an ancient Urartian fortress.

Ishak Pasa Palace is a stunning example of Ottoman, Persian, Armenian, and Georgian architectural styles blended together. Built in the 18th century by a semi-independent Kurdish ruler, this palace-complex includes a mosque, harem quarters, and one of the first examples of central heating in any Turkish building. Mount Ararat is Turkey’s highest peak and is steeped in biblical tradition as the supposed resting place of Noah’s Ark after the Great Flood. The region around Dogu Beyazit has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years, with ancient trade routes connecting Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Persia. Van Castle contains the tomb of King Argishti I with a trilingual inscription that helped scholars decipher the Urartian language. The castle site also includes remains of an ancient harbor, as the waters of Lake Van once reached the foot of the fortress. The area was the center of the ancient Urartian civilization, a powerful kingdom that rivaled Assyria in the Iron Age.

Distance: 360 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Elite World Van Hotel in Van

Day 11: Mardin

Take a short ferry ride to the islet of Akdamar to visit the splendid Church of the Holy Cross. Drive to the Assyrian Christian town of Midyat to see historical houses and its traditional market.

The 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island is famous for its extraordinary exterior stone carvings depicting biblical scenes and elaborate decorative motifs. The detailed reliefs showing scenes from the Old Testament are considered masterpieces of medieval Christian art. Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest soda lakes in the world, with highly alkaline waters that give it a distinctive turquoise color. Midyat is known as the “City of Stone Masters” with exquisite limestone architecture dating back to the 5th century. It remains an important center for Syriac Christianity with numerous active churches and monasteries, including Mor Gabriel Monastery, which has functioned continuously since 397 AD. The town preserves traditional silversmithing crafts, particularly filigree work called “telkari,” which involves creating intricate designs with fine silver wire.

Distance: 440 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Special class historical Reyhani Kasrı Hotel in Mardin

Day 12: Mardin - Sanliurfa

Morning visit to the Orthodox Dayrul Zafran (Saffron) Monastery and Kasimiye Madrasa. Explore Mardin’s historical bazaar, see the 12th-century Great Mosque, and visit one of the best examples of a traditional Mardin home, currently serving as the post office.

The 5th-century Dayrul Zafran (Saffron) Monastery has been an important spiritual center for Syrian Orthodox Christians for over 1,500 years and continues to function today. Mardin is famous for its stunning Artuqid architecture characterized by elaborately carved limestone buildings that cascade down a hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plains. The 12th-century Great Mosque features a distinctive minaret that dominates the skyline. The city’s bazaar preserves traditional artisanship, including silversmiths, coppersmiths, and soap-makers. Mardin represents a unique cultural intersection where Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, and Syriac influences blend together, creating distinctive music, cuisine, and architecture. The town’s position on a hilltop offers spectacular views across the plains toward Syria, creating one of Turkey’s most dramatically situated historical settlements.

Distance: 180 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Elruha Hotel in Urfa

Day 13: Sanliurfa - Göbeklitepe (World Heritage Site)

Visit Göbeklitepe and Karahan Tepe, the oldest temple complexes in the world. Explore Harran with its distinctive beehive houses where the Prophet Abraham lived. Visit the Halepli Bahce Mosaic Museum, Urfa Archaeology Museum, and Balikli Gol (Sacred Pool) with its Roman fortress.

Göbeklitepe has revolutionized our understanding of human history since its discovery in 1994. Dating to 9600-8200 BC, it’s the world’s oldest known temple complex, built 7,000 years before Stonehenge and 6,000 years before writing was invented. The site features massive T-shaped pillars carved with animal reliefs, proving that organized religion and monumental architecture existed before the development of agriculture. Nearby Karahan Tepe is a similar site currently being excavated. Harran, mentioned in the Book of Genesis, features distinctive beehive-shaped mud houses, a technique used for at least 3,000 years. Urfa (ancient Edessa) is associated with the prophet Abraham and features sacred pools filled with carp that Muslims consider holy—legend says the pools formed when King Nimrod threw Abraham into a fire, which God turned into water. The fish are believed to be sacred, and feeding them is considered a blessing.

Distance: 40 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Elruha Hotel in Urfa

Day 14: Adiyaman - Mount Nemrut (World Heritage Site)

Journey to Mount Nemrut to see the colossal statues and tomb of King Antiochus I. Visit the best-preserved Roman bridge of Cendere and the open-air sanctuary in Arsemia.

Mount Nemrut is home to one of the most ambitious construction projects of the ancient world. At the 2,134-meter summit stands the 1st century BC funerary sanctuary of King Antiochus I of Commagene, featuring colossal statues of gods and the king himself, some reaching 9 meters tall. The massive heads now rest eerily on the mountainside after earthquakes toppled them from their bodies. The king created a unique religion combining Greek, Persian, and Armenian deities, reflecting the mixed cultural heritage of his Commagene Kingdom. The Cendere Bridge was built by the Roman Legion XVI in 200 AD during Emperor Septimius Severus’ reign and has been in continuous use for over 1,800 years. Arsameia was the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom with rock reliefs showing King Antiochus shaking hands with Hercules—the earliest known depiction of a handshake in art history.

Distance: 240 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Hilton Garden Inn in Adiyaman

Day 15: Gaziantep

Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum featuring the famous “Gypsy Girl” mosaic. Explore the incredible Roman Castle, traditional old markets, spice merchants, and experience authentic Turkish lifestyle.

Gaziantep (ancient Antiochia ad Taurum) has been continuously inhabited since 3650 BC. The remarkable Zeugma Mosaic Museum houses spectacular Roman mosaics rescued from the ancient city of Zeugma before it was flooded by dam construction, including the haunting “Gypsy Girl” mosaic that has become an icon of Turkish heritage. The city’s bazaar has been trading continuously since the Ottoman era, offering copper goods, spices, traditional foods, and the region’s famous pistachio baklava. The Roman castle dates to the 2nd-3rd century AD and was expanded by the Byzantines. Gaziantep is recognized by UNESCO as a “Creative City of Gastronomy” with one of the world’s most sophisticated culinary traditions featuring over 400 distinct dishes. The region produces 25% of the world’s pistachios, and the city is famous for its baklava, using local pistachios and clarified butter to create what many consider the world’s finest version of this sweet pastry.

Distance: 190 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Sirehan Hotel in Gaziantep

Day 16: Gaziantep - Istanbul

Transfer to Gaziantep airport for your flight to Istanbul. Free afternoon in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast

Small Group Tour Rates for 2025

• Per Person (Double Room): $5,990 USD
• Single Supplement: $1,990 USD (for solo travelers)

What’s Included

• Domestic flight from Gaziantep to Istanbul
• Accommodation as per itinerary (5-star hotels, authentic cave hotel, and special class historical hotels)
• Expert licensed tour guide throughout the journey
• Private comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals: 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 10 dinners
• Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Small group experience (maximum 8 travelers)
• Local taxes, fees and handling charges
• No hidden costs

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Beverages during meals
• Gratuities ($10 for driver and $10 for guide per day per person)
• Optional activities (hot air balloon ride, Turkish bath, etc.)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

Optional Activities

Make your tour even more memorable with these optional experiences:

2025 Departure Dates

Join our small group tours on these guaranteed departure dates:

Booking Information

• Minimum Participants: 4 travelers
• Maximum Group Size: 8 travelers
• Deposit Required: 25% of total tour cost

Cancellation Policy

• 60+ days before departure: Full refund
• 30-60 days before departure: 50% refund
• Less than 30 days before departure: No refund, only credit

We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Why Choose Our Eastern Turkey & Black Sea Coast Tour?

• Unique Heritage Access: Explore rarely-visited regions featuring Armenian, Syriac, Kurdish, and Ottoman cultural treasures
• Historical Diversity: Experience sites spanning 12,000 years from Göbeklitepe to medieval Armenian churches to Ottoman towns
• Natural Beauty: Discover the lush Black Sea coast and the dramatic mountain landscapes of Eastern Anatolia
• Cultural Immersion: Interact with local communities continuing ancient traditions in silversmithing, carpet weaving, and culinary arts
• Archaeological Significance: Visit groundbreaking sites like Göbeklitepe that are revolutionizing our understanding of ancient history
• Authentic Experiences: Stay in historical mansions, taste regional specialties, and encounter genuine Turkish hospitality
• Small Group Advantage: Travel with maximum 8 participants for better access to sites and personalized attention
• Expert Guidance: Learn from specialized guides with deep knowledge of Eastern Turkey’s complex history
• Photographic Opportunities: Capture extraordinary landscapes and historical sites that few travelers ever see
• Comfortable Pace: Enjoy a carefully balanced itinerary with adequate time at each location

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How strenuous is this tour?
A: This tour involves moderate walking on uneven terrain at archaeological sites. Participants should be able to walk 1-2 miles per day and climb stairs. Mount Nemrut requires a moderately steep 800m walk to reach the summit. While not excessively demanding, reasonable fitness is recommended.

Q: Is Eastern Turkey safe for travelers?
A: Yes, the regions we visit are safe for tourists. Our expert guides constantly monitor local conditions and know the area intimately. The hospitality in Eastern Turkey is legendary, and many travelers find this less-visited region to be the highlight of their journey through Turkey.

Q: What is the weather like during tour seasons?
A: We schedule our departures during optimal seasons. May-June and September offer pleasant temperatures (65-85°F/18-29°C) in most regions. The Black Sea coast is more humid with occasional showers, while Eastern Turkey has cooler evenings in higher elevations. Detailed seasonal information and packing suggestions will be provided upon booking.

Q: What makes Eastern Turkey different from Western Turkey?
A: Eastern Turkey offers a distinctly different experience with fewer tourists, more diverse cultural influences (Armenian, Kurdish, Syriac), dramatic mountain landscapes, and unique architectural styles. The cuisine, music, and cultural traditions are noticeably different from Western Turkey, providing a more authentic and less commercialized experience.

Q: How is the accommodation in Eastern Turkey?
A: We’ve carefully selected the best available accommodations in each region, including 5-star hotels in larger cities and special category historical mansions in places like Safranbolu and Mardin. While some remote areas have simpler facilities, all accommodations are clean, comfortable, and chosen for their character and location.

Q: What should I pack for this journey?
A: Pack layers as temperatures can vary between regions and from day to night. Modest clothing for mosque visits (head coverings for women), comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket even in summer for mountain areas, and a good camera with extra memory cards are essential. A detailed packing list will be provided before departure.