STAGE 1 - Black Sea Region
9 Day Istanbul to Trabzon Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey!!! Today is your arrival day. Airport transfers are available from Ataturk International Airport during the hours of 8am till 11pm. Transfers will be made to your Hotel

Day 2 – Istanbul City Tour
We depart from the hotel at 08:30 for the Istanbul city tour. “TOPKAPI PALACE” The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain. Robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next on the list is the “SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE” Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the “BLUE MOSQUE” because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Outside the Blue Mosque we find the “HIPPODROME”. The Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races and entertainment. The Hippodrome comprises of three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. After a short enjoyable lunch break we head to the “SPICE BAZAAR” (Egyptian Bazaar) the air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice.
After the tour you have the option to experience The bosphorus Cruise which will depart after the city tour. You will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of bosphorus which is connecting Asia to Europe.

Day 3 Safranbolu
08:30am we depart for Safranbolu (From the 13th century to the advent of the railway in the early 20th century, Safranbolu was an important caravan station on the main East–West trade route. The Old Mosque, the Old Bath House and Süleyman Pasha Medrese were built in 1322. During its apogee in the 17th century, Safranbolu's architecture influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire.) On arrival we will walk through the historical Safranbolu Bazaar, continuing on to Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath House, Kaymakamlar House (Museum), - - Overnight stay in Safranbolu

Day 4 Safranbolu – ANKARA
After Breakfast at 09:00 am we departure sleepy Safranbolu for Ankara ( 3 to 4 hours drive ) On arrival we will have time for lunch before taking the city tour of Ankara which is the 2nd biggest city and the capital of Turkey. On the tour you will visit Ataturk`s (founder of the modern Turkey) Museum and the Ataturk Mausoleum. Overnight in Ankara

Day 5 Ankara – Amasya
After breakfast drive to Amasya – Amasya Tour. Amasya is one of the provinces which is distinct both with its natural setup and historical values it holds. It was the homeland of the famous geographer Strabo. Located in a narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris) river, it has a past of 3000 years during which many civilizations left priceless remains of their times. The ruins of the citadel on the rock face of the cleft shelters 2000 year old water-channels, 1000 year old bridges, a mental hospital, an Ottoman Palace and a secret underground passageway.  Overninght in Amasya

Day 6 Amasya – Trabzon / Overnight Trabzon
After Breakfast at 09:00am departure for Trabzon. When the Roman Empire was divided into two at the end of the 4th century, Trabzon remained under the sovereignty of the Eastern Roman Empire which later on was called as Byzantine Empire. When relations and wars between the Byzantines and the Arabs started, the Arabs called the people under the Roman Sovereignty as Rum, and the areas under the Roman sovereignty as Diyar-i Rum or Memleket-ul Rum (land of Rums). Over Night in Trabzon

Day 7. TRABZON,  
Depart for St. Sophia ( Ayasofya ), a 13th century church and study its extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes, depart for Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Castle and Ataturk's Mansion (a picturesque hillside retreat), visit Ortahisar Mosque (a Comneni cathedral in the old town). Lunch at a seaside restaurant in Akçaabat. Afternoon we explore the cobbled stone streets of Trabzon. Drive to Boztepe; enjoy our tea from samovar with the panoramic view of the city. Dinner & overnight stay in Trabzon.

Day 8.  SUMELA MONASTERY, ZIGANA, KARACA CAVE,    
Depart for Sumela Monastery, visit the 4th century Sumela Monastery which clings to a sheer cliff face in a deep forest, relax beside a fast flowing stream at Altindere Valley National Park, lunch, traveling along the Silk Road through the Zigana Mountains (Pontic Alps) will take us to Karaca Cave, considered to be the most beautiful in Turkey for its colors and formations. Over Night in Trabzon

Day 9 – Trabzon – End of Tour
Breakfast Included
Today your tour is over. Please make your own arrangements for departure remembering that your hotel will need you to check out before midday. We hope you had a memorable tour and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.

TOUR INCLUDING
3, 4 star and Butique Hotels in each area
2 Nights accommodation in Istanbul with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Nights accommodation in Safranbolu with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Nights accommodation in Ankara with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Nights accommodation in Amasya with Breakfast and Dinner
3 Nights accommodation in Trabzon with Breakfast and Dinner
Guided Tour to Istanbul City Tour
Guided Tour to Safranbolu
Guided Tour to Ankara
Guided Tour to Amasya
Guided Tour to Trabzon
Private Air-conditioned busses
Private Professional English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees mentioned in the Itinerary
Private airport transfers

Tour Excludes :
International Flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, Extras at hotel or meals
Tipping: Tips for guide and drivers
Insurance: All types

Tour DEPARTURE Dates
08th May 2009
20th June 2009
25th July 2009
22nd August 2009

Stage 1 Tour Price

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