Photo Gallery
With our second stage of Turkey Journey, we explored the cities of Amasya, Tokat, Samsun, Rize, Ordu, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Bayburt, Trabzon and Artvin.
Trabzon · Historic Structure
Built into sheer rock face at 300 metres above the ground in 386 BC, Sümela Monastery clings dramatically to the cliffs. One of the finest examples of Byzantine art in Anatolia, it enchants every visitor with its colourful frescoes and the waterfall panorama surrounding it.
Trabzon · Natural Wonder
Nestled in a lush valley in Trabzon's Çaykara district, Uzungöl takes on a fairy-tale appearance especially when morning mist reflects on the lake's surface. With its emerald mountain slopes and calm lake waters, it is a favourite destination for both domestic and foreign travellers.
Rize · Cultural Experience
In Rize, the heartland of Turkey's tea production, the tea gardens stretching along the slopes from the coastal mountains to the Black Sea offer a unique green carpet vista. We observed tea harvesting and processing on-site and got to know the deep-rooted tea culture of the Black Sea region up close.
Artvin · Natural Wonder
Hidden at 1,700 metres altitude in Artvin's Şavşat district, Karagöl is a favourite stop for autumn travellers with its surrounding forests of red and yellow hues. This small lake in the heart of the mountain forest, with its untouched nature, is also a particular favourite of photographers.
An unforgettable 7-day journey covering Amasya, Tokat, Samsun, Rize, Ordu, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Bayburt, Trabzon and Artvin.
Our Eastern Black Sea journey began with Trabzon. Our first stop was the historic Trabzon Hagia Sophia; we felt the depth of history in this structure bearing Byzantine and Ottoman traces. We then watched the enchanting panoramic view of the city and sea from Boztepe. At day's end, we welcomed the sunset at Uzungöl rising above the mists.
Climbing the forest path, we reached Sümela Monastery. Walking through this incredible rock-carved structure, we felt the weight of history. On the way back, we took a walk in the lush scenery of Maçka Valley, breathing in the heart of nature.
We wandered among the tea gardens on Rize's green slopes. In the early morning hours, we picked tea in the gardens; then from Rize Castle we gazed at the view where sea and mountains meet. In the afternoon we had a picnic beside the rushing Fırtına Stream.
We crossed into Artvin and journeyed deep into the mountains. We rowed a boat on the navy-blue waters of Borçka Karagöl and rested in the magical silence of the surrounding forest. Then we visited the historic Şavşat Castle, discovering the region's defensive traditions.
On the last day of our journey we explored Giresun. We took a boat to Giresun Island and walked in its legendary atmosphere. Then we touched history at the ruined walls of Kuz Castle. Before leaving, we bought locally grown Giresun hazelnuts and concluded this beautiful journey with sweet memories.
