10 Days/9 Nights Eco Tourism Tour

General information

Destination
Istanbul, Turkey

Program details

The Western Black Sea is a treasure of beautiful countryside and rural life which this tour explores, visiting the wondrous Abant and its many lakes, Safranbolu which is one of the oldest cities in Turkey and Pinarbasi which is well known for hiking and horse safaris.

The Western Black Sea is a treasure of beautiful countryside and rural life which this tour explores, visiting the wondrous Abant and its many lakes, Safranbolu which is one of the oldest cities in Turkey and Pinarbasi which is well known for hiking and horse safaris.


Day 1 - Istanbul - Arrival Day

(Dinner included)

Meet at Istanbul Ataturk airport and transfer to your hotel. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul. Dinner in hotel and overnight in Istanbul.


Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour

(Breakfast and dinner included)

We depart at 9am for the Istanbul City Tour. We will begin with the ancient Hippodrome, which was the scene of chariot races; the three monuments - the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. We will then continue with Sultanahmet Mosque built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet an also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. We will then arrive at our last stop which is the famous Hagia Sophia. This ancient basilica was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. Return to hotel approx. 5pm. Dinner in hotel and overnight in Istanbul.


Day 3 - Seven Lakes and Abant Lake Tour

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Visiting 7 lakes which are found to be diffirent height points from each other and at the same time connected on foot. These small lakes are in a valley formed as the result of a landslide and form a part of a large National Park known for trekking. Deer and trout production farms are also in the area. We will then have some lunch and depart for Abant Lake. A seven-kilometre walk around the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who don't wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the tour in a horse cart. Later, we will have free time for shopping at the bazaar in the village. Overnight near Abant in traditional village house.



Day 4 - Safranbolu

(Breakfast and dinner included)

After breakfast, we have a walk to the historical Safranbolu Bazaar. Once an important stop-over on the major trade routes between Europe and Asia, we visit local places of interest such as Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath, Kaymakamlar House (Museum) and Izzet Mehmet Pasha mosque. Continue to Kastamonu, we visit government house, Kaya tomb, Seyh Saban-i Veli Mausoleum, Nasrullah Seyh Mosque and more historical sites. Overnight in authentic wooden houses in Safranbolu.



Day 5 - Ilgarini Cave Pinarbasi

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Today we will depart for Ilgarini Cave, which is in the region of Pinarbasi (northwest of Kastamonu), it is one of the largest caves in Turkey. It is a wonderful place for trekking and exploration off the beaten path. The cave is an active one and the stalactite and stalagmite activity still continues. A chapel and a burial ground was found in this cave. Ilgarini Cave was chosen as the 4th biggest cave in the world. There are no roads to IIgarini Cave so we will be trekking to the cave so suitable footwear is advised. Overnight in Pinarbasi.



Day 6 - Ilisu Waterfall & Varla Canyon

(Breakfast and dinner included)

After breakfast we will visit Ilisu Waterfall which is at Kure National Park, near Pinarbasi, which is in the town and district of the Kastamonu Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey. After lunch you can either relax in the surroundings of this beautiful natural Turkish village or you can take a walk to the Varla Canyon. The walk to the Canyon is about 4km. Overnight in Pinarbasi.



Day 7 - Comlekciler Village Horse Riding

(Breakfast and dinner included)

After breakfast depart for Comlekciler Koyu. This village has fantastic horse riding facilities which you can do as an optional activity. Horse riding is not only for the advanced riders they have lessons and treks for beginners also. The village is rich in natural beauty. All meals are homemade farm produce including their own vegetables, butter and milk. Overnight in Comlekciler Village.


Day 8 - Halacoglu Valley Tour

(Breakfast and dinner included)

After breakfast we depart for Halacoglu Valley. We will visit this valley by different methods of transport such as horses or tractors and a little bit of walking. This is one of the best valleys in this area where you can smell and breathe in the fresh mountain air. A fantastic BBQ lunch is set in lushous green surrondings. On the way you will get to see many farms and shepherds who still work in this area. Overnight in Comlekciler Village.



Day 9 - Amasra - Akcakoca Tour

(Breakfast and dinner included)

After breakfast, you will depart from your hotel to the ancient city of Amasra, a beautiful one hour scenic drive through the mountains, canyons and little villages, where we will stop along the way so you can take pictures of this beautiful region. Once you get there you will have free time to discover Amasra. Visit Ceneviz Castle and the historical streets and houses of Akcakoca. Akcakoca is one of the most beautiful places on the Western Black Sea coast, famous for its’ fish and over 20 different Turkish vegetable dishes. Make sure you sample the local dishes before you leave. Akcakoca is the last stop of the tour before we depart back to Istanbul we will meet for one last get together at one of the restaurants. Overnight in Akcakoca.



Day 10 - Istanbul - End of Tour

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast depart for Istanbul arriving at Ataturk airport mid-afternoon where the tour ends.




Meeting/pick-up point: Transfer from Ataturk airport to your hotel is included, if you arrive to Sabiha Gokcen airport please note there is an extra charge.

Duration: 10 days/9 nights.

Start/opening time:Pick-up time on first and last day depends on client's flight times.

Languages: Private tour: English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese. Shared tour: English.

Included:

• Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul Ataturk Airport

• Accommodation in 4 Star hotels, village houses, bungalows and boutique hotels

• 2 nights hotel in Istanbul

• 1 night hotel in Abant

• 1 night hotel in Safranbolu

• 2 nights hotel in Pinarpasi

• 2 nights hotel in Comlekciler

• 1 night hotel in Akcakoca

• Guided tours as mentioned in the itinerary

• All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary

• Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach



Location
Starting point:
Hotel pickup

Guiding options
Guiding type: Guide