Itinerary for 10 day trip to Turkey

Oh, how exciting! A 10-day road trip along the stunning Black Sea coast of Turkey sounds like an adventure of a lifetime! The Black Sea region is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s packed with lush landscapes, charming villages, and rich culture. Let’s dive into an ideal itinerary that’s off the beaten path!

Day 1: Arrival in Trabzon

Morning: Arrive in Trabzon, the gateway to the Black Sea. Pick up your rental car and settle into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Explore the historic , a beautiful Byzantine church turned mosque.
Evening: Stroll along the and enjoy a traditional Black Sea dinner at a local restaurant. Try the famous Akçaabat meatballs!

Day 2:

Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). This picturesque lake is surrounded by mountains and is a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk around the lake and visit the charming wooden houses. Don’t forget to snap some photos!
Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at a lakeside restaurant, sampling local trout dishes.

Day 3: Rize and

Morning: Head to Rize (about 30 minutes from ). Visit the and learn about Turkey’s tea culture.
Afternoon: Continue to (about 1 hour). Enjoy the stunning views and perhaps take a short hike to the .
Evening: Stay overnight in a cozy mountain lodge in Ayder and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Day 4:

Morning: Drive through the scenic . Stop at the , a medieval castle perched on a cliff.
Afternoon: Visit a local village and try your hand at making muhlama, a delicious local cheese dish.
Evening: Camp or stay in a guesthouse in the valley, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Day 5: Artvin and Borçka

Morning: Head to Artvin (about 1.5 hours). Explore the for panoramic views.
Afternoon: Drive to Borçka (about 30 minutes) and visit the . Enjoy a picnic by the lake.
Evening: Stay overnight in Borçka, enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Day 6: , Georgia

Morning: Cross the border into , Georgia (about 1 hour). Explore the vibrant city, known for its modern architecture and Black Sea beaches.
Afternoon: Visit the for stunning views and diverse flora.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local Georgian restaurant, trying khachapuri and khinkali. Stay overnight in .

Day 7: Return to Turkey - and Artvin

Morning: Head back to Turkey and drive to (about 1 hour). Explore the coastal town and its beautiful beaches.
Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy a cup of local tea.
Evening: Drive back to Artvin for the night, enjoying the mountain views along the way.

Day 8: and

Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes) and explore the local market.
Afternoon: Continue to (about 30 minutes) and visit the again if you missed it earlier.
Evening: Stay in a traditional wooden house in and enjoy a homemade dinner.

Day 9:

Morning: Drive to the (about 1 hour). This stunning monastery is perched on a cliff and offers breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Explore the monastery and the surrounding area, taking in the lush greenery.
Evening: Return to Trabzon for your last night. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit the in Trabzon.
Afternoon: Return your rental car and head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A delightful 10-day road trip along the Black Sea coast of Turkey, filled with nature, culture, and delicious food. Make sure to take your time and soak in the beauty of this less-traveled region. Safe travels! 🌊🚗✨