Your tour stars with a warm welcome from your experienced local guide at Trabzon, a delightful port city influenced by Greeks, Medes, Hellenes, Byzantines and more. First stop is Sumela, a dramatically situated monastery, perched on a steep rock cliff overlooking Altindere Valley.
Built back in 386AD in honour of Virgin Mary, it must be seen to be believed. The monastery is undergoing renovations so you can only see a part of it but views are still worth the drive and the hike.
Before you go back to exploring Byzantium history, you will follow in the footsteps of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, at his 20th-century home. The house is fully furnished with all its original contents and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. If restorations have been completed you will get to discover Aya Sofya, rare surviving example of 13th century Byzantine architecture and a striking Ottoman-era monument, Ortahisar Mosque. Before you go east and up to Firtina Valley for your boutique hotel, a short drive will take you to a local secret spot for a great sunset to finish off your first day.
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Firtina Valley, 1 night
Meals included: None
Wake up to mountain views from your hotel to kick start your day. Today you will meet with the high-arched stone bridges of Ottoman era as well as one of the many beautiful waterfalls of the region, Bulut waterfall.
Depending on the weather, you might want to have a little swim here. A little drive will take you to a medieval castle, Zilkale, that once guarded the passage of Silk Road. It stands strong as a stark contrast to the backdrop of the deep green forest that surrounds.
The castle is built on the edge of a cliff overlooking a creek. Get ready to feel the tingle in your spine when you look down at the valley below.
Enjoy the thrilling ride up to Huse or Cicekli, captivating highland plateus with views of rugged mountains and deep valleys. Most days, the fog rolls in and gives you the magical experience of being over a sea of clouds.
Satisfy your tastebuds with a regional dish and maybe you will have a chance to join the circle of horon- a local dance paired up with the traditional bagpipe (Tulum) and free-style songs sang by locals.
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Firtina Valley, 1 night
Meals included: Breakfast
Visit Elevit, another high plateau that will take you by surprise with its autumn coloured landscape, wooden and stone houses, welcoming villagers and curvy rivers that mark the land. Towards winter, you might even get to see some snow on the tip of the mountains surrounding you.
Before you leave Firtina Valley, you will have a chance to visit a local artisan protected by UNESCO and learn about his craft. This man is the last one standing who makes the local bagpipes.
Then, you will head towards Artvin, stopping to admire and climb the twin bridges before you begin your hike up to see Mencuna waterfall, one of the highest ones in Turkey. For the brave ones, the cold waters of this powerful waterfall create a lake deep enough to swim.
It is time to start your journey to your hotel up in the mountains surrounded by the heavenly nature in the village of Macahel, a biosphere protected by UNESCO. If the timing is right, you might see the clouds rolling in, swallowing the mountain roads. The local family at your hotel will serve you your home cooked dinner that you will remember for a long time.
Accommodation: Mountain hotel in Macahel, 1 night
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Today is all about taking in the wonders of Macahel and Artvin. Get ready to be blown away by its unspoilt views of nature. One of the main reasons this region is so untouched is due to most of the sights being inaccessible by vehicle, so pack your hiking shoes and your adventurous spirit.
First up is Maral. Let the sound of the water excite you as you hike down to the base of this captivating waterfall.
When you arrive at the midway point you have two choices.
You can sit and admire the fall while sipping tea or coffee with some locals or you can continue on and hike down to the bottom, where you can feel the force of the water as it falls 64 meters from above.
Today’s other surprising moment will be when you walk into Iremit Camii as the outside of it is nothing like what you will find inside. This small, ordinary looking mosque has a very colourful all wood interior.
Head back to your hotel in Macahel to learn about local beekeeping, take a hike around the hotel or just relax with a nice warm drink at the balcony admiring the view.
Accommodation: Mountain hotel in Macahel, 1 night
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
