Turkey: Black Sea & Beyond (Original)

Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey's inspiring capital, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home. This adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1pm – make sure you have all your important documents and details for your leader. Double check with the hotel reception or the noticeboard for meeting confirmations. Following the meeting, explore the hidden laneways of Istanbul's Old Town on a guided walking tour, visiting hidden hans and mosques along the way. Perhaps get to know your fellow travellers better over a meze dinner.

Leave the hum of Istanbul behind and catch a morning flight to Trabzon, a charming port city found along the edge of the Black Sea's far eastern shore and surrounded by lush green valleys and mountains. The former Empire of Trebizond is today a busy city, harbouring a fascinating history as the place where the last Byzantine Empire held out after the fall of Constantinople. The city has also been influenced over the centuries by the Greeks, Cimmerians, Medes, Hellenes, Byzantines and more, leading to a fascinating blend of cultures. This afternoon you’ll explore the old walled quarter of the city, which can feel like a miniature Istanbul without the crowds. Stroll the pedestrianised Uzun Sokak and visit the Church of the Holy Wisdom (also known as Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya). This was most likely built by Emperor Alexius Comnenus in 1024 and is an important surviving example of late Byzantine architecture, filled with wonderful New Testament frescoes.

If you've heard the term “for all the tea in China”, then think again – Turkey consumes more tea than any other nation in the world! Gain a better understanding and appreciation for Turkish tea on a trip to Rize, the country's tea capital. Travel east along the coast, passing lush tea farms along the way, before sampling the local brew in Rize. Next, turn inland and travel to the foot of the Kackar Mountains to discover rolling fields fringed by craggy, frost-tipped mountains. Enjoy a late afternoon hike through alpine meadows, visiting a medieval castle and picturesque ancient stone bridges, before settling in for the night at the village of Camlihemsin.

Head off to the west after breakfast this morning to the mountain-surrounded Erzurum, one of the oldest settlement centres in Anatolia. You’ll arrive in the afternoon and make a short visit to the symbol of the city – the striking twin towers of the Cifite Minarelli Medrese. Originally built as a theological school, this splendid building is now an architectural monument to the late Seljuk period. The last part of the day is spent at the ancient trading centre of Rustem Pasa Bedesten, a showcase for the region’s famous black amber Oltu stone, used in jewellery and tespihs (rosaries). In the evening, maybe sample some authentic Cag Kebab, a juicy log of lamb roasted on a horizontal spit. Travel time today: approximately 5.5 hours

This morning continue to Kars.  Another day of beautiful scenery, enjoy the spectacular mountains, rivers and villages before arriving in Kars there’s time for one more stop,  and it’s a delicious one – cheese tasting. The village of Bogatepe has become so famous for its cheeses that they’ve built a museum dedicated to it. Up on a high plateau of meadows, this is dairy country, and a lot of the local cheese here is still made using traditional methods.  Arriving in Kars in the late afternoon take a walking tour around town to see the castle and Kumbet Camii, a beautiful Armenian church now converted into a mosque. In the evening, perhaps enjoy some roasted goose, a local specialty, for dinner, and you may even be lucky enough to catch some local musicians playing the baglama. Travel time today: approximately 4 hours.

Begin the day with a visit to the important site of Ani, the ruined capital of the medieval Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia. This kingdom originally had its capital in Kars, but in the 10th century King Ashot III decided to move it to this new location, which was closer to the main trade routes. Surrounded by rolling steppe on a headland above the valley of the Arpa Cayi River, and right on the border with Armenia, this atmospheric ‘ghost town’ of crumbling ruins makes for one of the most romantic sights in Turkey. Grab some lunch before continuing to the town of Dogubayazit, colloquially known as the 'doggy biscuit'. The three-hour drive will take you through the plateau village of Agri, which shares a name with the nearby Mount Agri (Ararat), the highest peak in the country at 5,165 metres. The mountain has biblical ties, as its said to be where Noah’s Ark rested while the world flooded. You’ll stop here to capture some photos of the magnificent scenery. Continue east to Dogubayazit and spend the afternoon exploring Ishak Paşa Sarayı (Ishak Pasha Palace). This semi-ruined former palace and administrative centre sits among rugged mountains with a magnificent view overlooking the plains below and Mount Ararat in the distance. Take time to wander the restored rooms and take in the stunning scenery. The rest of the evening is spent in Dogubayzit, offering a great opportunity to mix and chat with the locals. Todays travel time: aproximately 4 hours.

Apart from gifting the world with exotic cats, Van has a deep-rooted history going back as far as 5,000 BC. The city has been moulded by different civilizations and kingdoms throughout history, including Urartian, Armenian, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman influences. You can find their fingerprints scatted throughout the city, such as the Urartian Van Fortress and Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral. Nature has also blessed Van with an idyllic location right next to the largest body of water in Turkey. Travel to Van before taking a boat trip across the lake to Akdamar Island and visiting the Holy Cross Cathedral. This 10th century Armenian construction houses impressive faded frescos, while the exterior stonework is carved with epic biblical scenes. Afterwards, make the most of free time to wander town, visit the bizarre Lake Monster statue, and spot the occasional Van cat. Todays travel time: aproximately 2.5 hours.

It’s time to farewell eastern Turkey as you take a flight from Van back to Istanbul (approximately 2 hours). After checking into your hotel you will take a public bus to the historical district of Balat and Fener. Located on the Golden Horn this area is listed on the Unesco World Heritage List due to its historical buildings. We will start our Tour at the Fethiye Museum which was the church of Pammakaristos built in the East-Roman period, from here we will stroll down to the Golden Horn taking in the local neighborhood and the colourful architecture. Have your camera well charged for this locality is a photographers dream. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city or relax. Perhaps explore the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar – a haven for bargain hunters with more than 4,000 shops – soak up the aromas of the Spice Market, take in the view of the Blue Mosque, head underground to the subterranean Basilica Cistern, or walk along Istiklal Caddesi, arguably the city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street. Maybe relax with a steam, sauna and massage at a traditional Turkish hamam, or just sit at a cafe and take in the unique atmosphere. Istanbul offers a plethora of great eating spots and lively night venues; your tour leader knows all the best places, so they can recommend some great options.

This Intrepid adventure comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are free to depart your accommodation at any time. There is so much to see and do in and around Istanbul, so you may want to consider extending your stay here. Perhaps join one of our Urban Adventures and explore the city's thriving night markets. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.