THE WONDERS OF BLACK SEA REGION
Glory of East Byzantium & Georgian Art,
Architecture and Culture
Ottoman Classics
(15 Days - 14 Nights)
Led by a noted scholar

Day 1: Istanbul (D)

We meet you at the airport. Welcome drink and introductory after group dinner.

Day 2: Safranbolu (BD)

Safranbolu Houses

This morning we drive on the high way via Bolu to Safranbolu where we will be staying for two nights. It is a very attractive little town at the entrance of the Black Sea region. We stroll through the cubblestone pavements to enjoy its traditional street fountains, historical mansions, mosques, baths and pause for a moment to watch the craftsmen at work in the Arasta. We visit the Kaymakamlar Konağı dating from the 18th century and walk up to the citadel.

Day 3: Amasra (BD)

A short drive to the Yörük village, where many prosperious businessmen and farmers had their mansions here. We stop at the colorful market of Bartın then take a private boat to Amasra; picturesque port crowning the coast with a perfect castle sitting on top of a tiny rock peninsula. Dinner at a local sea food restaurant.

Day 4: Kastamonu (BD)

Torakçılar Konağı

After breakfast we drive along the coast via Kurucaşile, Cide, Azdavay and Daday to the charming village, Kasaba köy to visit the wooden Mosque of Candaroğlu Mahmut Bey. It is a masterpiece building from the emirates period. We finish the day at the weaving school and traditional woodcarving center.

Day 5: Sinop (BD)

We drive to the only fiord in Turkey at Hamsilos and enjoy the picnic lunch at the Ak Liman. We then visit the Balatlar Church, which is one of the best examples of brick and stone masonary. We lastly visit Alaattin Mosque dating from the time of Seljuks.

Day 6: Amasya (BD)

We follow the Yeşilırmak inland to Amasya, the loveliest town in the Anatolian interior. We explore this beautiful city on foot and visit the Medrese of the Grandağa.

Day 7: Amasya (BD)

Hazeranlar Konağı

We continue our visits this morning on foot. We cross the old bridges over the Green River for the traditional Amasya houses and we visit the Hazeranlar Konağı. From there we walk over the bridge to the Sultan Beyazıt II Complex. This mansion lies on the coast of Yeşilırmak and is located on the Roman castle walls. Then we mahe a photo stop for the Rock Tombs of the Kings from the Hellenistic Period. Leisure afternoon. Don't miss the traditional historical Turkish Bath at the hotel!

Day 8: Giresun (BD)

We take you through a scenic route to the heart of coastline, Giresun. We stop at Niksar, served as the capital of the Danishment dynasty in the 12th century. We take the route of Şebinkarahisar through the range of the Black Sea Mountain into the deepest Black Sea country. We shall have a few stops for soft trekking and taking photos.

Day 9: Trabzon (BD)

We first visit the imperial Church of Hagia Sphia from the period of emperor Manuel I, then Church of Panaghia Chrysokephalos built on basilica plan in the 10th century. We view the city from the citadel and then we enjoy the elegant a nouveau residence, Atatürk Mansion. We drive 1 km further to visit Kaymaklı Monastery for our last stop of the day.

Day 10: Trabzon (BD)

Sumela Monastery

This morning we have a short drive via the town of Maçka to the Sumela Monastery, perched improbably on a cliff that rises 500 meters from a forest valley. The monastery forms a breathtaking sight. We lastly visit the Archaeology Museum of Trabzon, recently opened after decades of restoration.

Day 11: Yusufeli (BD)

We shall take the most scenic route through the tea plantations. Main task of the day will be discovering Georgian Art, Architecture and Culture. We will visit the Dörtkilise, a bare and magnificent church of cathedral-like size stands all alone in a beautiful meadow encicrled by walnut and cherry groves.

Day 12: Yusufeli (BD)

After breakfast we take the local midi bus for the bumpy road straight out of Camel Trophy climbs along the ever-wilder cascades of the Barhal stream to reach this charming village at an altitude of 1000 meters; Barhal village. We will be visiting two churches in this village; Church of Barhal ad the İşhan Church.

Day 13: Erzurum (BD)

Çifte Minareli Medrese

After breakfast we continue the journey along the Tortum Lake for the Öşvank and Haho churches. These churches are considered as the final architectural culmination of the Çoruh "reinaissance". Then we continue to Erzurum-the ancient Theodosiopolis. In the afternoon we visit the architectural masterpiece of the Çifte Minareli Medrese. Then we end the day at the Ulu Cami, built in 1179 by Melik Mehmet.

Day 14: İstanbul (BD)

We take a morning flight to İstanbul. Leisure afternoon and farewell dinner at a selective local restaurant.

Day 15: Fly back home (B)

we transfer you to the International Atatürk Airport.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary involves a good deal of walking. Good comfortable footwear is therefore essential, but it should be pointed out that the tour might not be suitable for pessengers who require assistance or who have difficulties with mobility. Please make it sure you enjoy walking, hiking, good local food and cultural interaction. You will have time for shopping at the local handcraft centers and local markets.

TRIP LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 12 PARTICIPANTS

Tour Dates
22 May - 05 June 2005
28 August - 11 September 2005

Tour Price
$3342.00-USD per person in double/twin bedded room
$285.00-USD single room supplement

SIMILAR DATES IN 2006 (ADVANCE REGISTRATION)