Eastern Black Sea Highlands Tour: A Journey Above the Clouds
Buckle up; with the assurance of Marsis Tourism, we’re embarking on a legendary Eastern Black Sea adventure where you’ll touch every shade of green, misty valleys, and the sky. This special route, where we’ll explore not only the well-known tourist spots but also the most pristine, highest, and most captivating plateaus of the Black Sea, is designed for those who want to escape the concrete jungle and breathe in the heart of nature.
Starting from Haçkalıbaba and Kadırga, reflecting the authentic spirit of Trabzon, we’ll travel to the Karester and Lustra plateaus, offering a bird’s-eye view of Uzungöl; and from there, we’ll reach the fairytale peaks of Pokut, Gito, and Elevit in the Fırtına Valley. At sunset, we’ll sip our coffee against the backdrop of a sea of clouds in Huser, and feel the coolness of the glacial lakes in the Kavrun and Çiçekli plateaus at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains. In short, on this tour, with Marsis Tourism’s comfortable vehicles and our local guides who know the region inside and out, you’ll experience the Black Sea not like a tourist, but like a true plateau dweller.
Day 1: Journey to the Peaks of Trabzon (Hackalibaba, Erikbeli, Kadirga): Meeting at Trabzon Airport or the bus terminal. Leaving the Black Sea coast behind, we head to Duzkoy via Akcaabat. Breathing in the fresh mountain air at Hackalibaba Highland with its unique vistas. Afterward, a tour of Erikbeli Highland, famous for its local wooden houses, and the historic Kadirga Highland, known for its centuries-old open-air markets and traditional “horon” dance circles. Check-in at our hotel in Trabzon.
Day 2: The Roof of Uzungol (Lustra and Karester Highlands): After breakfast, following the Solakli Valley to arrive at Uzungol. Climbing to Lustra and Karester Highlands just below the clouds with our highland minibuses to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Uzungol. Following nature walks among highland houses and photo breaks, departure for Firtina Valley. Check-in at our hotel in the Rize/Camlihemsin region.
Day 3: The Favorites of Camlihemsin (Pokut and Sal Highlands): Waking up to the sound of the Firtina River. An exciting journey via highland minibuses from Camlihemsin to Pokut Highland, surrounded by pine forests and home to the finest examples of civil architecture. After enjoying the magnificent scenery in Pokut, a pleasant nature walk through pine forests to reach the neighboring Sal Highland. Tasting local rice pudding (sutlac) and free time.
Day 4: Fairytale Landscapes (Gito, Badara, and Elevit Highlands): After breakfast, we head toward Cat Valley with our minibuses. Our first stop is Gito Highland, famous for its swing and “sea of clouds.” Next, we visit the charming Badara Highland with its authentic structure and small pond. The final route of the day is Elevit Highland, located within the Kackar Mountains National Park, famous for its vast meadows and historic wooden bridges. Return to our hotel for accommodation.
Day 5: Against the Sea of Clouds (Avusor and Huser Highlands): Leaving Firtina Valley for Ayder Highland. Climbing from Ayder via specialized vehicles to Avusor Highland, famous for its stone houses where Laz highland culture continues. Free time at the foot of the Kackar peaks. In the afternoon, transition to Huser Highland for the sunset and that unique “sea of clouds” view. Unforgettable photos on the swing above the clouds and return to the hotel in the evening.
Day 6: The Heart of the Kackars (Cicekli and Kavrun Highlands) and Farewell: On the final day of our tour, departure for Upper Kavrun Highland, one of the closest settlements to the Kackar Mountains. Witnessing the majesty of the Kackars in this area, which serves as the base camp for climbers heading to glacial lakes. Afterward, a visit to Cicekli Highland, which takes its name from colorful mountain flowers and remains untouched. At the end of the program, transfer to Rize-Artvin or Trabzon Airport and the end of our tour.
| ✅ Included | ❌ Excluded |
| Main transportation and airport transfers via Marsis Turizm luxury vehicles | Round-trip flight or bus tickets |
| 5 Nights of hotel / highland lodge accommodation | All lunches |
| Daily breakfasts and dinners at the hotels | Museum and National Park entrance fees (Museum pass recommended) |
| Professional Turkish-speaking guiding services | Personal expenses and hotel extras |
| Compulsory travel insurance | Single occupancy supplement (Single room fee) |
| On-board hot/cold refreshments | Pokut, Sal, Gito, and Badara Highland Minibus Transfers (Extra) |
| Elevit, Avusor, Huser, and Kavrun Highland Minibus Transfers (Extra) | |
| Extra activities such as Ziplining and Rafting (Extra) |
- Here is the English translation for the final set of terms and policies:
- Important Notes & Policies
- 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.