From Istanbul or Trabzon: 2-Day Trabzon and Rize Tour Private Option from Istanbul by Plane

Explore Trabzon and Rize on a 2-day guided tour with hotel accommodation. Visit the Sumela Monastery, the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, Lake Uzungöl, the Gelintülü Waterfall, and the Fırtına Valley.
Day 1: Trabzon Highlights to Lake Uzungöl & Ayder

Begin your adventure by departing Trabzon at 9:00 AM and heading south into the dense forests of the Altındere Valley. Perched dramatically on a sheer cliffside, the 4th-century Greek Orthodox Sumela Monastery looks suspended in mid-air. Take the shuttle and complete a short 300-meter forest walk to reach the stone staircases leading inside. Spend time exploring the rock-cut chapels and remarkably vivid biblical frescoes.

Next, drive back toward the Trabzon coast to visit the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon. This beautiful Byzantine-era church was built in the 13th century. Admire its late-Byzantine architecture, high dome, and elaborate stone carvings before sitting in its tranquil courtyard gardens overlooking the Black Sea.

Stop at a nearby restaurant to try Akçaabat köfte (seasoned grilled meatballs) or karalahana çorbası (black kale soup). After lunch, drive up to the Boztepe Hill viewpoint overlooking the city center. Grab a glass of traditional Turkish tea brewed in a samovar, and take panoramic photos of the urban coastline meeting the Black Sea.

Head southeast into the mountains to see Lake Uzungöl, a stunning lake formed by a landslide, locked tightly between steep, pine-carpeted valley walls. Walk along the lakeside path, view the iconic white mosque reflecting on the water, and snap a classic postcard photo.

Depart Uzungöl and trace the Black Sea coastal road toward Rize before turning inland into the Kaçkar mountain range. Arrive at Ayder Valley right around 7:00 PM to check into your alpine bungalow or hotel. Enjoy a cozy dinner listening to the sound of rushing mountain streams.

Day 2: The Wild Waterfalls & Castles of Rize

Wake up to the clean mountain air of Ayder Plateau (1,350m elevation). Walk past the traditional wooden chalets to spot the famous Gelintülü (Bridal Veil) Waterfall, which flows elegantly down the mountainside into the green valley.

Drive down into the deep, winding Fırtına Valley. The rushing river below is framed by lush tea gardens and century-old Ottoman stone arch bridges. Stop at an old bridge like Timisvat for photos. If you're feeling adventurous, this is the prime spot for optional riverside ziplining or a giant canyon swing.

Have lunch at a riverbank restaurant. Don't miss Mıhlama (a rich, fondue-like dish made of local cheeses, cornmeal, and butter) and fresh Black Sea trout. After lunch, journey deeper into the valley's isolated core. Perched precariously on a 100-meter-high jagged cliff edge overlooking the canyon, the 14th-century medieval fortress of Zilkale looks like a fairytale castle. Climb up into the inner citadel and head towers for a jaw-dropping view of the wild valley floor below.

Drive down a narrow mountain road even deeper into the forest to hit Palovit Fall. Unlike gentle waterfalls, Palovit has tremendous volume, crashing thunderously into a rocky pool inside a humid, mossy canyon.

لضمان التوفر، احجز في أقرب وقت ممكن. الحجز المبكر يستحق النظر خاصة إذا كنت تخطط للرحلة خلال موسم الذروة مثل العطلات العامة أو عطلات نهاية الأسبوع.

يمكنك إلغاء هذه الرحلة بدون تكلفة حتى 24 ساعات قبل بدء الرحلة. إذا قمت بالإلغاء بعد 24 ساعات أو لم تحضر في الرحلة، فسيتم تحصيل السعر الكامل للنشاط. التأخر في الاستلام أو المغادرة سيعتبر كعدم حضور.