Eastern Black Sea Batum Tour / 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation / Departure from Kocaeli
INFORMATION ABOUT BATUM
According to the agreement made between Turkey and Georgia, Turkish citizens can enter Batumi with their identity cards containing their Turkish ID number. Entry is not permitted with other forms of identification (driver's license, institutional IDs, etc.). Guests under the age of 18 who are not traveling with their family (both parents at the same time) are required to obtain a notarized Consent Letter for entry into Batumi. It is mandatory for all identity documents, including those of babies and children, to have a photo. Identity cards must be in good condition and not older than 10 years.
As of 01.09.2020, entry to Batumi with old identity cards is no longer permitted.
Guests are required to carry their Turkish identity card. A foreign exit fee of 1250 ₺ is to be paid by the guest.
DGN Travel is not responsible for any issues that may arise at the Georgian border due to deformation of identity documents.
Foreign guests who have entered Turkey with a passport must have a multiple entry visa to go to Georgia and return to Turkey.
Additionally, entry will be determined according to the visa protocol that Georgia has with the countries of the passports or IDs.
Citizens of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) can enter Turkey using their Turkish Republic identity cards, thus they will be able to enter Georgia with their Turkish Republic identity cards. Citizens of Northern Cyprus who enter Turkey with a European Union passport are also required to have a multiple entry visa to be able to return to Turkey.
Army, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Artvin, Batum
Day 1
- Night Journey
- 19:00 Yenibosna Airport Shopping Mall Parking
- 19:45 Mecidiyeköy in front of Torun Center
- 20:15 In front of Kadıköy Marriage Office
- 20:20 Under Bostancı Bridge
- 20:30 Under Kartal Bridge
- 20:40 Under Pendik Bridge
- 20:50 In front of McDonald's Çayırova
- 21:00 In front of Gebze Center
- 21:30 İzmit Halkevi Stop (Opposite Asya Hotel)
- 22:00 In front of Sakarya Total (Next to Bus Station)
- 23:45 Next to Bolu Bus Station
- After picking up our valued guests from the mentioned points, we start our night journey with DGN Travel for the Black Sea Tour.
Day 2
- Terme - Giresun - Giresun Castle - Trabzon - Atatürk Pavilion - Maçka - Altındere National Park - Sümela Monastery - Hamsiköy Rice Pudding - Sürmene Knife Workshop - Rize
- After our night journey, we start our day with a breakfast break in Terme with DGN Travel for the Black Sea Tour. After breakfast, we arrive in Giresun from the direction of Ünye and Fatsa Ordu. We will see the Giresun Castle panoramically along the way and reach Trabzon.
- Our first sightseeing point in Trabzon will be Atatürk Pavilion. The architecture and garden of Atatürk Pavilion, which were visited twice by the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1924 and 1930, and where he stayed in 1937 and wrote part of his will, will fascinate you. We explore Atatürk Pavilion with information from our guide. Then we will proceed to our restaurant where we can enjoy the famous Akçaabat meatballs for lunch. After lunch, we move on to Sümela Monastery.
- Passing through Maçka, which means "area with lots of rain" in Ancient Greek, we arrive at Sümela Monastery located in the Altındere Valley created by the Coşan Stream. (Extra shuttle vehicles will be used to reach the Monastery within the national park.) Located 300 meters above the valley, Sümela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox Monastery and Complex, and it is also one of the oldest churches in Christian history. We will visit Sümela Monastery accompanied by our guide's explanations. After completing our visits here, we will move to the facility where we can taste the famous Hamsiköy rice pudding.
- After enjoying our famous rice puddings, we will head to the knife workshop to learn about Sürmene knives, which hold an important place in local culture, and to shop. Here, we learn about hand-crafted knives that have been passed down from generation to generation and complete our shopping. After shopping, we will head to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation will be at our hotel.
- Breakfast: Will be taken in Terme. (Extra)
- Lunch: Will be taken in Akçaabat. (Extra)
- Dinner: Will be at the hotel. Included in the tour fee.
- Accommodation: Rize/Naliya Hotel, Hayde Hotel Ayder, Zafran Hotel Ayder, Ayder Ümit Hotel, Patika Hotel, etc.
Day 3
- Ayder Plateau - Gelintülü Waterfall - Huser Plateau - Fırtına Valley - Zilkale - Çat Valley - Batumi - Gonia (Apsaros) Castle - Çoruh River - Orta Mosque - Piazza Square - St. Nicholas Church (Santa Claus Church) - Armenian Apostolic Church - Astronomical Clock
- On the 3rd day of our Black Sea Tour with DGN Travel, after having breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Ayder Plateau. We will take photos of Gelintülü Waterfall, which flows down hundreds of meters like a white veil. Then, we will give free time in Ayder Plateau. During the free time, you can take unforgettable photos with the magnificent scenery, or enjoy a morning coffee. After our free time, we will carry out the Huser Plateau tour with guests who wish.
- Huser Plateau Tour (Extra): In case Huser Plateau Tour cannot be conducted due to weather conditions, an alternative extra tour to Kavron Plateau will be organized. We will start a tour that will be fun and filled with magnificent views by taking minibuses from Çamlıhemşin. If the weather is cloudy, you will be mesmerized by the magnificent sea of clouds. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see Avusor, Kavron, Verçenik, and Samistal plateaus, the peaks of Kaçkar, the Black Sea, and the Kaçkar Mountains. Our Huser Plateau Tour lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
- After our Huser Plateau tour, we will see the charming district of Çamlıhemşin, which is located at the beginning of Fırtına Valley, and take a break for free time by the Fırtına Stream, after which we will carry out the extra Zilkale and Çat Valley tour with guests who wish.
- Zilkale, Çat Valley Tour (Extra): We will start the tour filled with fun and sumptuous views by taking minibuses from Çamlıhemşin. We will enter Çat Valley, one of the two valleys that make up Fırtına Valley. We will pass through Ortan Village, arriving at the old name of this village, which is mentioned in various productions including the Sevdaluk series, and the Şenyuva Bridge will be a stop for a short photo opportunity. Then, we will proceed to Zilkale, rising in the untamed nature of Çat Valley, among some of Turkey's oldest mansions, Fırtına Mansions. The eagle's nest-like appearance of the castle will impress you. Upon reaching the castle, at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level and 100 meters above Çat Stream, we will inform you through our guide and then give free time. During this free time, you can walk around the castle and take magnificent photos accompanying the magical scenery of green. After spending our free time at Zilkale, we will return to Çamlıhemşin by minibuses.
- After our Zilkale tour, we will get back on our bus and reach the facility in Fırtına Valley. In the free time given here, you can taste local delicacies such as muhlama, Laz pastry, and trout; you can also participate in adrenaline-filled activities.
- Rafting in Fırtına Stream (Extra): For our guests who love adrenaline, rafting is an exciting activity that becomes even more enjoyable in Fırtına Stream. During the approximately 1.5-hour activity, you can experience fun moments and immortalize this entertainment with the photos taken.
- Zipline in Fırtına Stream (Extra): You can enjoy a fun activity by crossing from one side of Fırtına Stream to the other and back using steel cables.
- Giant Swing (Extra): An adrenaline-filled swinging experience can be enjoyed by being pushed over Fırtına Stream on a swing that is about 5 meters high, reinforced with steel cables and drawn by motors.
- After our activities in Fırtına Valley, we will move to our hotel in Hopa. After dinner at our hotel, guests who wish can join the night tour to Batumi, famous for its illuminations.
- Batumi Tour (Extra): After completing our entry procedures at the Sarp Border Gate, we cross into Georgia and board the bus that is waiting for us to start our tour. Firstly, we will panoramically see Gonio (Apsaros) Castle, home to the grave of St. Matthias, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, which dates back to the Roman period and was used during the last Ottoman period. Continuing towards Batumi city center, we will see the Çoruh River, which runs from Erzurum to Batumi, and the old Çoruh Bridge above it. As we go through Batum Boulevard, we will have a panoramic view of the buildings built in the Soviet architectural style and the newly constructed buildings in Batumi until we reach the city center. After getting off our bus, we will start our walk. Firstly, we will see the Orta Mosque, the only surviving structure from the Ottoman period, built in 1886, which exhibits magnificent door decorations made by Laz masters. Then, we will see the St. Nicholas Church, notable for its architecture, before reaching Piazza Square that resembles European city squares. Piazza Square is reminiscent of a small Italian town with its interesting architectural structures. After taking a photo break here, we will proceed to the European Square. On our way, we will see the Astronomical Clock Tower, similar to those found in Prague and Venice, as well as the Armenian Apostolic Church. We will enter the European Square and, after getting information about the Medea Statue that reflects the mythical face of the Caucasus, we will see the Theater Building. Then we will see the Poseidon Statue, one of the Greek gods, and the clock tower, a replica of the İzmir Clock Tower known as the Chaça Tower. Afterward, we will reach Batumi Port, where we will see the statue of Ali and Nino, whose love stories have been depicted in films, and listen to its story from our guide. Next, we will view the Alphabet Tower, 130 meters high, symbolizing the freedom of the Georgian alphabet and people, and spend free time along Batumi Boulevard. After our free time, we will say goodbye to Batumi and head towards Sarp Border Gate. While entering Turkey, you will have the opportunity to shop at Duty-Free for the duration determined by our guide. After completing our exit procedures, we will get back on our bus to move to our hotel.
- *According to the agreement made between the Republic of Turkey and Georgia, Turkish citizens can pass to Batumi with their identity card that has a TC identification number.
- *The identity cards must not be worn out and must not be older than 10 years. It is not possible to cross into Batumi with old type identity cards.
- *It is not possible to pass with identity documents other than ID cards (driver's license, institution ID, etc.).
- *For minors traveling alone (not traveling with both parents), notarized consent is required to pass to Batumi.
- *It is mandatory for all identity cards, including those of infants and children, to have a photo.
- *Officially, as of 01.09.2020, it is not possible to cross into Batumi with old identity cards.
- It is mandatory for guests to carry their ID card with TC number.
- *The exit fee for international travel is paid by the participant prior to crossing.
- *For entry into Georgia, every Turkish citizen must have valid foreign health insurance with a minimum guarantee of 30,000 EURO. It is mandatory to present the insurance in physical or electronic form upon entry. The insurance must be arranged by the participant.
- Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour fee.
- Lunch: Will be taken in Fırtına Valley. (Extra)
- Dinner: Will be at the hotel. Included in the tour fee.
- Accommodation: Artvin / Sarp Hotel, Terzioğlu Hotel, Peronti Hotel, etc.
Day 4
- Rize Fabric Weaving Workshop - Haremtepe Çeçeva Tea Gardens - Tea Factory - Of - Çaykara - Uzungöl - Lustra and Karester Plateaus
- On the 4th day of our Black Sea Tour with DGN Travel, after having breakfast at the hotel, we will board our bus and arrive in Çayeli. We will learn about yarn and weaving at the Rize Fabric Weaving Workshop, which is one of our country’s famous weavings, and we will have free time for shopping.
- Haremtepe Çeçeva Tea Gardens Tour (Extra): In Çeçeva Village, you can wear traditional costumes and take beautiful photos while using tea scissors and tea baskets among the endless tea fields.
- After the Çeçeva Tour, we will visit the Tea Factory to taste one of the most delicious products of the Black Sea, the teas. Here, we will be informed about the processes the tea goes through, and after the factory tour, we will have free time for tasting and shopping.
- Next, we will proceed to Uzungöl. Following the route of Of-Çaykara-Taşkıran and advancing along the Solaklı Stream and Valley, we will arrive at Uzungöl, a dam lake formed by rocks that slipped due to a landslide blocking the valley. After a short tour with our guide here, we will have free time to explore Uzungöl. During this free time, guests can join the Karester Plateau tour, where they can see Uzungöl from a bird's eye view.
- (Depending on weather conditions and regional density, the Karester Plateau Tour will be prioritized. If weather conditions are unfavorable, an alternative tour to Haldizen Stream - Demirkapı Plateau will be made. One of the two tours will be conducted for the group.)
- Karester Plateau Tour (Extra): We will take minibuses waiting for us in Uzungöl and stop at Uzungöl view for a break. After a photo break here, we will climb to a height of 2300 meters and, with a short walk, arrive at Karester Plateau. During the free time available at Karester Plateau, where we will have a bird's eye view of Uzungöl, you can take amazing photos, drink tea, ayran, and milk, and eat the famous rice pudding of Trabzon. After our free time is over, we will return to Uzungöl by minibuses. (The duration of free time for guests participating in the Karester tour will be determined by our guide based on the flow of the tour.)
- After our delightful plateau tour, we will depart from Uzungöl and head towards our hotel. Dinner and accommodation will be at our hotel.
- Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour fee.
- Lunch: Will be taken in Sürmene. (Extra)
- Dinner: Will be at the hotel. Included in the tour fee.
- Accommodation: Trabzon/Sera Natura Hotel, The Queen Hotel, Yamanpark Hotel, Zigana Gümüşkayak Yaylakent Hotel, etc.
Day 5
- Trabzon - Hagia Sophia - Telkari and Kazaziye Workshop - Local Delicacies - Ordu - Boztepe - Istanbul
- On the last day of our Black Sea Tour with DGN Travel, we will have breakfast at the hotel and then board our bus to head towards Trabzon Hagia Sophia, one of the most important religious centers of the Black Sea.
- Trabzon Hagia Sophia was built between 1250 and 1260 by King I. Manuel, who established the Empire of Trabzon in 1204. It was converted into a mosque with the order of Sultan Murad III in 1584. After our guide's explanations here, we will proceed to our workshop, where we will learn about the traditional Telkari and Kazaziye arts that have been practiced since the Ottoman period.
- In the Telkari and Kazaziye Workshop, which combines the noble metal silver with different designs and handcrafted artistry, we will have free time. Then we will move to the Local Products Store to shop for regional products such as butter, cheese, and honey produced in the region. After having free time for tasting and shopping at the store, we will bid farewell to Trabzon and head towards Ordu.
- Upon arriving in Ordu, we will have free time along the Ordu coast. During this time, guests can use the cable car to go up to Boztepe, enjoying the view of Ordu.
- Ordu Boztepe cable car line takes you to an altitude of 530 meters in just 7 minutes from the city center. When you arrive at the top, you will be greeted by the wonderful view of the Black Sea and Ordu. One of the best things to do in this environment, where green is abundant and meets blue, is to enjoy the view and take photos. After spending time at Boztepe, we will return via cable car and meet back up with our bus.
- Our Black Sea Tour with DGN Travel comes to an end, and we will begin our return journey. We will drop off our valued guests at the points we picked them up from in the morning and bid farewell until we meet again in another DGN Travel organization.
- Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour fee.
- Lunch: Will be taken in Ordu. (Extra)
- Dinner: Will be taken at a rest area along the route. (Extra)
- Accommodation: There will be no hotel accommodation tonight.
• Zilkale Tour 600₺
• Huser Plateau Tour 850₺
• Fırtına Stream Rafting 900₺
• Fırtına Stream Zipline 300₺
• Giant Swing 300₺
• Çeçeva Tea Gardens Tour 650₺
• Lustra - Karester Plateau Tour 650₺
• Batumi Tour 750₺
**Extra tour prices may vary according to the seasons. The prices mentioned are the current rates at the time of reservation. DGN Travel is not responsible for any price changes that may occur before or on the tour date.
What's Included
• 3 nights accommodation in hotels
• 3 open buffet breakfast in hotels
• 3 open buffet or set menu dinners in hotels
• Transportation with luxury vehicles
• Sightseeing tours as specified in the program
• Professional guiding service
• Bottled water on the vehicle
• DGN Travel guarantee
• Mandatory Travel Insurance according to the Tourism Law No. 1618
Not Included
• Breakfast on the first day as stated in the program
• Dinner on the last day as stated in the program
• Beverages consumed during all meals
• Lunches
• Ordu Boztepe cable car fee
• Sümela Monastery shuttle vehicle fee
• All activities specifically mentioned as extras in the program
• All personal expenses
• Museum and Archaeological Site entrance fees (applicable for municipal and private enterprises.)
• Museum Card (applicable for museums affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.)
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