Artvin Macahel, Şavşat and Kars Tour (Arrival in Rize - Departure from Kars)
Prepared by Marsis Tourism with comfortable vehicles and expert guides, the “Artvin Macahel, Şavşat and Kars Tour” offers a unique fairytale starting from Türkiye’s most untouched nature and extending to its deepest historical heritage. This captivating journey, beginning at Rize-Artvin Airport, takes you through the lush green valleys of Macahel, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to the Swiss-like nature of Şavşat, a “Cittaslow” (Slow City), and then across the icy waters of Lake Çıldır to Kars, home to the ancient history of the Ani Ruins.
Waking up to the sound of the Black Sea’s turbulent streams, and touching history in the streets of Eastern Anatolia, blended with impressive Russian architecture and rich gastronomy, this route is truly a visual feast. Even in areas with difficult access, you will travel safely with Marsis Tourism’s own luxury vehicles and experienced drivers, forgetting your fatigue as you happily return home from Kars Airport.
Day 1: Hello to the Black Sea and Borcka Karagol: Meeting with our guide and Marsis Turizm vehicle at Rize-Artvin Airport. Following the coastal road via Hopa to arrive in Borcka. A nature walk and photo break around the natural wonder of Borcka Karagol, surrounded by spruce and pine trees. Afterward, departure to our hotel for accommodation.
Day 2: UNESCO Heritage Macahel and Waterfalls: After breakfast, departure for the Macahel (Camili) basin, Turkey’s first and only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. (Transfers may be conducted by minibuses depending on regional conditions). Visiting historic wooden mosques hidden among lush green valleys and enjoying free time in nature at Maral Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Turkey. Evening check-in at our hotel in the Savsat region.
Day 3: Savsat “Cittaslow” and Transition to the East: Starting the day at the Yavuzkoy Observation Deck against the postcard-perfect views of Savsat. Tours of Savsat Karagol and Sahara National Park. Afterward, leaving the Black Sea climate behind and setting off toward Kars via Ardahan. A break at the famous Lake Cildir, where horse-drawn sleighs or boats glide depending on the season, followed by pleasant time by the lakeshore. Check-in at our hotel in Kars.
Day 4: Ani Ruins in the Footsteps of History and Kars City Tour: Early morning departure for the ancient city of Ani (Ani Archaeological Site), a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Armenian border. Tours of the Great Cathedral, Tigran Honents Church, and Menuchehr Mosque. Afternoon return to Kars center; a walk through wide streets featuring the finest examples of Baltic architecture. Visits to Kars Castle (panoramic), the Church of the Twelve Apostles (Kumbet Mosque), and Fethiye Mosque (Alexander Nevsky Church).
Day 5: Sarikamis Martyrs and Farewell to Kars: After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Sarikamis. Viewing the Sarikamis Martyrs’ Memorial and the exterior of Catherine’s Mansion. Free time in the city center for shopping for local Kars kashar, honey, and gruyère cheese. Transfer to Kars Harakani Airport according to flight schedule and the end of our tour.
| ✅ Included | ❌ Excluded |
| Rize Airport pickup and Kars Airport drop-off | Round-trip flight tickets |
| All transportation within the program via Marsis Turizm luxury vehicles | All lunches |
| 4 Nights of hotel accommodation (Artvin/Borcka, Savsat, Kars) | Museum and archaeological site entrance fees (Museum pass recommended) |
| Daily breakfasts and dinners at the hotels | First-day breakfast and last-day dinner |
| Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services | Personal expenses and hotel extras |
| National Park entrance fees (Borcka and Savsat Karagol) | Single occupancy supplement (Single room fee) |
| Compulsory travel insurance | Macahel region minibus transfer fee (Extra) |
| On-board hot/cold refreshments | Lake Cildir horse-drawn sleigh / boat tour (Extra) |
| Traditional Kars Caucasian Night and dinner (Extra) |
- Quota: Tours generally require a minimum participation of 20–25 people. If the minimum number is not reached, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour by providing notice 2–3 days in advance.
- Weather Conditions: The guide reserves the right to modify the sequence of the program due to weather, road conditions, or force majeure, provided that all scheduled locations are still visited.
- Accommodation: In triple rooms, the third bed is typically provided as a fold-out or rollaway extra bed.
- Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made up to 30 days before the departure date usually qualify for a full refund; however, specific deductions may apply for cancellations made within the final week.