When we mention Turkey people automatically they think about Cappadocia and its famous Hot Air Balloons. However, there are many Tours in Turkey, as it is a very big country with vast landscapes. For this blog, we will be discussing the beautiful Northern East part and your private friend holiday in the North of Turkey.
One trip we definitely suggest while on your private friend holiday is the pretty mountainous area of the North East. An internal flight from Istanbul to Trabzon is required to reach this area, you can then fly out from Rize to make a more accessible and shorter way back.
The best time to visit this area would be spring or autumn when its not too cold and snowy and not too hot. This area makes it a perfect place for trekking where you can enjoy nature and the beautiful surroundings on your private friends’ holiday in the North of Turkey.
Here is a 7 day itinerary on how to spend your private friends’ holiday in the North of Turkey.
Day 1: Welcome to the North of Turkey
After catching an internal flight from Istanbul to Trabzon, you can enjoy the city by the Black Sea coastline.
Day 2: The Sumela Monastery
One of the most prominent places in this area of Turkey is the pretty Sumela Monastery. Built 1200m off the steep cliffs over lush greenery with a view of snow-capped mountains, this Monastery is definitely one tranquil place you want to see. Built-in a cave this building dates back to 4AD and its covered in paintings artefacts and pretty architecture. If history is not your thing, visiting is still spectacular since the pretty walk to get to it and the views are simply picturesque.
Not from this area, the small town of Hamsikoy boasts with views of green valleys and the simply local life of the local Turkish people in this area.
Day 3: Uzungol
No tours in Turkey are complete without a visit to the lake in Uzungol. Even though its over touristic and overcrowded with local tourists, this charming lake is surrounded by mountains making it insta-perfect. Enjoy a chai tea while soaking up the pretty views from above. You can swing on the infinity swing on the hill side over the views, paraglide from the mountains from bird eye view above down to the lake or simply enjoy the panoramic deck. Whichever view you decide to enjoy it will be magical.
Enjoy a nice walk around the lake and also a great lunch and dinner from one of the restaurants. If you want to have a little fun they have it covered. From laser tag to 3D game experiences, bumping boats and family fun park making it a great destination for most travelers.
Day 4: Towards the East to Rize
Driving in these areas is simply beautiful along river beds, through canyons with mountain views. The long 2-hour drive will be over in no time as you will be mesmerized by the views. Traffic jams in these areas means herds of goats crossing the streets, making it a unique experience.
The outskirts of the city of Rize is a beautiful area to stay in and deserves at least 2 days. Make sure you stay along the Firtina creek in a beautiful cabin to match the perfect scenery.
Here you can enjoy some waterfalls like the Bulut Selalesi which is around a 2km trek which takes around an hour to reach. This area is also famous for the many high-arched stone bridges over the Firtina creek from the Ottoman period.
Don’t forget to observe the pretty hills covered in tea plantations. This are in Turkey is famous for tea making where tea leaves are hand-picked to make your tea a special treat.
Day 4: Camilhemsin, Rize
Along the Firtina creek you can also do fun activities like ziplining and swinging. But one not to miss activities would be to spend the morning white water rafting along the rapids of the river. A fun activity for anyone.
You can get close to river at Simsir Ormani, an area in the woods where the river rapids come closer to you through the trees.
After a visit to the small main town of Camilhemsin you can also visit Palovit Selalesi, a pretty waterfall in this area.
Zil Kale is also a sight you should visit. This is a historical landmark where a beautiful castle overlooks the lush green valley and river.
Day 5: Ayder
Ayder is a very small mountainside village in the Kackar mountains which is the must-go destination. With a big plateau, Ayder is the gateway for many great treks.
If you are up for a challenge from here there is a 12 km trek to get to Crater lake called Avusor lake which is a definite must-do.
You can end the day by going to the famous destination at Huser plateau. This is a destination only reachable by good 4×4 cars and is famous for the spectacular sunsets over the clouds since its set high up in the mountains.
Day 6: The coastal area
No trip to the northern part of Turkey is complete without a visit to the Black sea. You can choose from the many villages and towns that hug the coast. You can stop in a larger city like Rize but there are also some places like Pazar and Of.
Day 7: Returning to the city life
Returning to Istanbul is easy through an internal flight with Turkish Airlines from Rize airport. This marks an amazing week on your private friends’ holiday in the north of Turkey.
If you are looking for greenery, nature and tranquillity then this tour is the one for you.