Featuring Uzungöl, Ayder Plateau, Rize & Sumela Monastery

A short yet breathtaking journey to Türkiye’s Black Sea region — made easy and comfortable with round-trip domestic flights included.

In just 3 days, you’ll explore the iconic beauty of Uzungöl Lake, breathe the crisp alpine air of Ayder Plateau, visit the scenic tea plantations of Rize, and stand in awe before the Sumela Monastery, a 4th-century masterpiece carved into a dramatic cliffside.

This carefully designed tour combines nature, culture, and history — perfect for travelers who seek rich experiences without long travel times. With flights, accommodations, guided visits, and transfers included, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the green heart of Türkiye.

Escape the city and discover the breathtaking beauty of Türkiye’s northeastern highlands on this 3-day adventure. With domestic flights included, this tour takes you deep into the heart of the Black Sea region, where misty mountains, lush forests, and serene lakes await.

Start your journey at Uzungöl, a tranquil lake nestled among pine-covered hills. Then ascend to the Ayder Plateau, where alpine air and scenic waterfalls offer the perfect natural retreat. Visit Rize, the homeland of Turkish tea, and enjoy a guided walk through local tea gardens. Finally, witness the awe-inspiring Sumela Monastery, a 4th-century structure clinging to the cliffs of Altındere Valley — one of Türkiye’s most iconic and spiritual landmarks.

Whether you’re a nature lover, culture seeker, or spiritual explorer, this short break offers a refreshing mix of scenery, heritage, and hospitality — all in just three unforgettable days.

📍 Day 1 – Istanbul ✈ Trabzon – Uzungöl

• Morning domestic flight from Istanbul to Trabzon

• Meet your guide at Trabzon Airport

• Visit Atatürk Mansion and panoramic view of the city

• Scenic drive to Uzungöl – the postcard-perfect mountain lake

• Leisure time around the lake for walking & photography

• Dinner and overnight at a boutique hotel or mountain lodge in Uzungöl

📍 Day 2 – Uzungöl – Ayder Plateau – Rize

• Breakfast with lake view

• Transfer through Fırtına Valley, crossing Ottoman stone bridges

• Short trek or photo stop at Gelintülü Waterfall

• Visit Ayder Plateau, a green highland surrounded by misty forests

• Stop at a local tea garden for black tea tasting and plantation walk

• Dinner and overnight in Rize

📍 Day 3 – Rize – Sümela Monastery – Trabzon ✈ Istanbul

• Early departure to Sümela Monastery, a 4th-century Greek Orthodox site built dramatically into a cliff (inside Altındere National Park)

• Explore the monastery complex, frescoes, and scenic views

• Drive back to Trabzon city for short rest and shopping at a local bazaar (tea, honey, local crafts)

• Transfer to airport for return flight to Istanbul

• End of tour

• Round-trip domestic flights (Istanbul – Trabzon – Istanbul)

• 2 nights hotel (4★ or mountain lodge)

• Daily breakfast & dinner

• Private AC vehicle & English-speaking guide

• Entrance to Sümela Monastery, Uzungöl, Ayder Plateau

• Tea tasting in Rize

• All transfers & parking fees

• International flights

• Lunches, drinks, personal expenses

• Optional activities (zipline, rafting, etc.)

• Tips for guide & driver

• Travel insurance

Get ready for a refreshing escape into Türkiye’s lush northeastern highlands. Here’s what you should know before beginning your 3-day adventure:

✈️ Flight Information

• This tour includes round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and Trabzon.

• Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.

• Domestic flight times will be confirmed prior to departure.

🧥 What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes – expect natural trails, waterfalls, and monastery stairs

• Layered clothing – weather can shift between sunny, misty, and cool

• Rain protection – a light rain jacket or compact umbrella is recommended

• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses – especially in spring and summer

• A small daypack for water, snacks, and personal items

🏔️ Health & Fitness

• This tour includes moderate walking and some uphill paths (especially at Sumela Monastery)

• Not recommended for travelers with serious mobility limitations

• Altitudes are not extreme, but those with respiratory issues should consult their physician

🛂 Travel Documents & Money

• No visa required for citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and many others (up to 90 days)

• Turkish Lira is the local currency, but USD and EUR are widely accepted in tourist areas

• Credit cards are accepted in hotels and shops; carry some cash for rural areas

🛍️ Cultural Etiquette & Shopping

• Visiting a tea plantation in Rize and local artisan shops is part of the experience — no purchase required, but engagement is encouraged

• Dress modestly when visiting traditional villages or religious sites

• Photography is welcomed, but always ask before photographing locals

📶 Connectivity

• Wi-Fi available at hotels and inside the tour vehicle

• SIM cards can be purchased at Istanbul Airport for data access throughout the trip

• Your tour guide may create a WhatsApp group for communication and updates

☕ Local Food & Drink

• Meals include regional Black Sea specialties such as corn bread, fresh trout, and tea

• Let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies

• Tap water is safe for brushing teeth; bottled water provided daily on the bus

🙏 Cultural Highlights

• The visit to Sumela Monastery is both historical and spiritual – silence and respect are appreciated inside the site

• This tour offers moments of reflection in nature, and a chance to experience Türkiye’s northern charm beyond the usual tourist path

Pack light, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to breathe in the freshest air in Türkiye. Your Black Sea adventure is about to begin!

Thinking of joining the Heavenly Highlands – Black Sea in 3 Days tour while you’re visiting Türkiye on a cruise? Great news — it’s possible! However, due to the tour’s structure, there are some important conditions to consider:

This is a multi-day program that includes domestic flights and overnight stays in the Black Sea region. Therefore, it is not suitable as a same-day shore excursion or for guests with only one night between cruise connections.

However, you can still join the tour in two convenient ways:

✅ Option 1 – After Your Cruise

If your cruise ends in Istanbul, you can join this tour after disembarkation. Simply extend your stay in Türkiye and enjoy 3 days of nature, culture, and fresh mountain air before flying home.

✅ Option 2 – Before Your Cruise

If your cruise starts in Istanbul, you may arrive a few days early and join this tour before boarding your ship. We can arrange your return to Istanbul in time for your cruise embarkation.

Our team is happy to assist with:

• Domestic flights

• Istanbul hotel bookings (if needed)

• Cruise port or airport transfers

Let us know your cruise schedule in advance so we can tailor the logistics to match your itinerary.

Note: This tour is not available as a half-day or one-day shore excursion. Minimum required time is 3 full days including flights.

This tour can be tailored to suit your personal travel preferences. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or as a group, we offer flexibility in itinerary, dates, hotel selection, transportation, and optional experiences.

Let us know your needs — and we’ll design a journey that fits your style, pace, and interests.