Day 1: From Mythology to the Summit (Ordu & Trabzon Journey)
• 09:30 - 11:30 | Cape Jason (Yason Burnu): Arrival at Cape Jason—known for its serene and mystical atmosphere—by turning off the Black Sea coastal road toward the Perşembe district. A walk around the historic Greek church and the ancient lighthouse.
• 12:00 - 13:00 | Lunch: A break on the Altınordu waterfront to enjoy the famous, buttery Ordu *pide* (flatbread).
• 13:30 - 15:30 | Boztepe and Cable Car: Ascending to Boztepe from the city center via cable car. Enjoying coffee with hazelnuts or tea brewed in a samovar while taking in the magnificent view of Ordu.
• 16:00 - 18:30 | Journey: Driving along the coast from Ordu to Trabzon (180 km, approx. 2.5 hours).
• 19:00 | Dinner & Accommodation: Arrival in Trabzon. Dinner featuring Akçaabat meatballs along the way. Check-in and rest at the Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon.
????️ Day 2: Trabzon's Historical Heritage (Accommodation at Mövenpick)
• 09:00 - 10:15 | Trabzon Hagia Sophia Mosque: Discover the captivating atmosphere of this 13th-century structure—featuring late Byzantine architecture and frescoes—while sipping tea in its seaside garden.
• 11:00 - 13:30 | Sumela Monastery (Maçka): Travel to Altındere Valley via Maçka. Ascend via national park shuttles to visit the monastery—perched on sheer cliffs—and the newly restored fresco areas, accompanied by a professional guide.
• 14:00 - 15:30 | Hamsiköy Lunch & Dessert: Travel to Hamsiköy via the mountain road upon returning from the monastery. Enjoy a local lunch followed by a break for the famous Hamsiköy rice pudding.
• 16:30 - 18:30 | City Tour / Free Time: Return to Trabzon city center. Visit the Atatürk Mansion or enjoy free time for shopping in the city center, focusing on local silver *kazaziye* and *hasır* (woven silver) craftsmanship.
• 19:30 | Accommodation: Dinner and overnight stay at Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon.
???? Day 3: The Heart of Fırtına Valley and the Kaçkar Mountains (Overnight in Ayder)
• 08:30 - 10:00 | Journey: Departure from Trabzon to Rize’s Fırtına Valley (approx. 100 km, 1.5 hours).
• 10:30 - 12:30 | Çat Valley, Zil Kale, and Palovit Waterfall: Ascend along the Fırtına Stream. Visit Zil Kale (Zil Castle) with its magnificent location, followed by a refreshing stop at the high-volume Palovit Waterfall, one of the region's most powerful waterfalls.
• 13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch: A break at riverside restaurants along the Fırtına Stream to enjoy red-spotted trout and *muhlama* (a local cheese and cornmeal fondue). (Zipline activity available here for those interested).
• 14:30 - 17:00 | Ayder Plateau & Gelintülü Waterfall: Arrival in Ayder. Photographing the Gelintülü Waterfall—a slender cascade that serves as the plateau's icon—and a walk around the plateau.
• 17:30 | Accommodation: Check-in at Ayder Doğa Resort Hotel, situated in the heart of nature; dinner accompanied by mountain and forest views.
????️ Day 4: From the Land of Lakes to Georgia (A Day of Extensive Driving)
• 07:30 - 11:30 | Drive to Şavşat Karagöl: An early start is crucial. Ayder - Artvin - Şavşat route (approx. 200 km; takes 3.5–4 hours due to mountain roads).
• 11:30 - 13:30 | Şavşat Karagöl: A walk around the quiet, serene Şavşat Karagöl (Black Lake), nestled amidst a fairytale spruce and pine forest, followed by a casual lakeside lunch.
• 13:30 - 17:00 | Journey to the Border: Drive from Şavşat to the Sarp Border Gate (approx. 150 km; 3 hours via Borçka-Hopa).
• 17:00 - 18:30 | Crossing the Sarp Border Gate: Entry into Georgia following vehicle registration checks and customs/insurance procedures (duration may vary depending on border traffic).
• 19:00 | Arrival in Batumi & Dinner: Arrival in Batumi and hotel check-in. Dinner featuring a tasting of famous Georgian *Khinkali* (dumplings) and *Khachapuri* (cheese-filled bread). Overnight stay at your hotel in central Batumi.
???? Day 5: Batumi Boulevard and Return to Trabzon
• 09:30 - 14:00 | Batumi City Exploration:
• Europe Square and Piazza Square: Squares featuring Italian and classical European architecture, the Medea Statue, and the Astronomical Clock.
• Batumi Boulevard & Waterfront: Giant Ferris wheel, the Alphabet Tower, and the kinetic "Ali and Nino" statue—a symbol of star-crossed lovers.
• 14:00 - 15:00 | Lunch: Free time along the Batumi waterfront and a final taste of Georgian cuisine.
• 15:30 - 16:30 | Customs Clearance: Border crossing procedures to re-enter Türkiye via the Sarp Border Gate.
• 16:30 - 19:30 | Return Drive to Trabzon: Return journey along the Hopa - Rize - Trabzon coastal route (190 km, approx. 2.5–3 hours). Tour concludes upon arrival at the starting point or Trabzon Airport in the evening.
