Black Sea Highlands: Ayder & Pokut (5 Days)

Overview

Climb into the misty green roof of Turkey on this five-day highland adventure from Istanbul. The eastern Black Sea is a world of forested peaks, rushing streams, tea terraces and wooden mountain hamlets that float above a sea of clouds. We explore the famous Ayder Plateau, the breathtaking viewpoints of Pokut, the wild Firtina Valley with its medieval Zilkale castle, and the emerald lake of Uzungol. It is a refreshing, nature-filled escape much loved by travellers from the Gulf. Round-trip flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotels and highland lodges, transfers and a guide are included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul to Trabzon and the coast

We fly from Istanbul to Trabzon, see the Hagia Sophia and Boztepe viewpoint, then transfer east along the green Black Sea coast to our hotel.

Day 2 - Firtina Valley and Zilkale

We follow the wild Firtina Valley upstream past humpback stone bridges to Zilkale, a dramatic medieval castle perched above the gorge, surrounded by cloud forest.

Day 3 - Ayder Plateau

A day at the celebrated Ayder Plateau, with its hot springs, waterfalls, wooden chalets and alpine meadows beneath the Kackar Mountains.

Day 4 - Pokut and the sea of clouds

We climb to Pokut and the surrounding plateaus, where traditional wooden highland houses look out over a vast sea of clouds, one of the most magical views in Turkey.

Day 5 - Uzungol and return

On the way back we stop at the emerald lake of Uzungol before transferring to Trabzon Airport for our flight to Istanbul.

Tour highlights

The famous Ayder Plateau and the Kackar Mountains
The sea of clouds at Pokut and the highland hamlets
The wild Firtina Valley and Zilkale castle
The emerald lake of Uzungol
Flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotels and lodges, transfers and a guide included

Frequently Asked Questions

A yayla is a high mountain plateau where Black Sea communities traditionally spend the summer. On many mornings the valleys below fill with low cloud, so the wooden highland hamlets seem to float above a vast white sea of clouds.

It is an easy-to-moderate nature tour. The main effort is long, winding mountain drives and short walks at the viewpoints and plateaus, rather than hard hiking. Reasonable fitness is enough.

Its cool temperatures, green forests, waterfalls and mountain mist offer a dramatic contrast to hot desert climates, making the highlands of Rize and Trabzon a top summer choice for visitors from the Gulf.

Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotels and highland lodges with half board, all transfers including small vehicles to the plateaus, and a guide. Lunches and personal expenses are not included.