Discover a different side of Turkey on this 6-day Hattusa & Black Sea Explorer tour, travelling from Cappadocia to Istanbul via lush northern landscapes, historic towns and UNESCO sites. Journey first to Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, where monumental gates and temple ruins reveal the power of one of Anatolia’s earliest civilizations. Continue to the riverside town of Amasya, famed for its Ottoman-era wooden houses and dramatic rock tombs carved into the cliffs. Explore the traditional charm of Kastamonu before heading to Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage town renowned for its beautifully preserved Ottoman mansions, cobbled streets and caravanserais. Enjoy a coastal escape in Amasra on the Black Sea, with its picturesque harbor and sea views, then relax at tranquil Abant Lake, surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills. Ending in vibrant Istanbul, this itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking culture, history, scenery and authentic Turkish ambience beyond the c
Day(s) : 6
Countries : Turkey
Start City : Cappadocia
End City : Istanbul
Meals : 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Leave Cappadocia in the morning and travel through the scenic landscapes of central Anatolia. Along the way, visit Hattusas, the former capital of the Hittite Empire, where you can explore impressive ruins with monumental gates and temples that showcase the splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your visit, continue north toward Amasya, a picturesque town set in a narrow valley along the Yeşilırmak River. Famous for its Ottoman-era wooden houses and striking rock tombs carved into the cliffs, Amasya offers a captivating mix of history and atmosphere.
Overnight : Amasya
Category : 3 star
Hotel : Tashan Hotel 1699
We start the day exploring Amasya’s charming town center, strolling along the Yeşilırmak River to capture picturesque views of the iconic Ottoman houses and the city's dramatic rock tombs. Our cultural immersion continues with a visit to the elegant Hazeranlar Mansion, a beautifully preserved gem of 19th-century Ottoman architecture. After soaking in the tranquil riverside atmosphere, we depart Amasya in the late morning and enjoy a scenic drive toward Kastamonu, a historic city renowned for its rich heritage and distinctive traditional wooden houses. Upon arrival in the afternoon, we check into our hotel, leaving you with time to relax or explore the unique local surroundings at your leisure.
Overnight : Kastamonu
Category : 3 star
Hotel : Uğurlu Konakları
Begin the day uncovering Kastamonu’s cultural highlights, starting at Kastamonu Castle for panoramic views over the city, then continuing to Nasrullah Mosque and Square, and the Liva Pasha Mansion Ethnography Museum for an insight into Ottoman heritage. Wander the atmospheric streets lined with traditional wooden houses before leaving in the late morning. On the way to Safranbolu, stop at the striking Glass Viewing Platform overlooking the canyon—an ideal spot for unforgettable photos and a unique experience. After this scenic break, continue on to Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its Ottoman-era architecture and cobbled lanes.
Overnight : Safranbolu
Category : 3 star
Hotel : Gulevi Safranbolu Hotel
Start the day in Safranbolu’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Explore the impressive Cinci Han and Cinci Hammam, once important stops for Silk Road caravans, then continue to the Kaymakamlar Museum House for a glimpse into traditional Ottoman life. Visit the graceful Izzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque and head up to the iconic Clock Tower for sweeping views over the town’s red-roofed houses and cobbled streets. In the afternoon, drive to Amasra, a picturesque Black Sea town renowned for its dramatic coastline and delicious seafood. Take a brief walking tour and enjoy a scenic photo stop before returning to Safranbolu.
Overnight : Safranbolu
Category : 3 star
Hotel : Gulevi Safranbolu Hotel
Depart Safranbolu in the morning and head west toward Istanbul, passing through the scenic landscapes of northern Turkey. On the way, pause at peaceful Abant Lake, a natural hideaway framed by pine forests and gentle hills. Stroll along the lakeshore, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and snap beautiful photos of the calm surroundings. Guests can also sip a quick coffee or tea at a lakeside café before continuing the journey. After this relaxing stop, the drive to Istanbul resumes.
Overnight : Istanbul
Category : 4 star
Hotel : Port Bosphorus Hotel
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends.
This is intended to give an idea of the type of accommodation that may be expected. The actual hotels used for any given tour may change due to many reasons such as group size, availability, time of year, hotel standard has dropped or simply we found a better hotel. We update the website immediately if and when any changes take place. If and when we do change hotels it will be to a hotel of equal or higher standard and will be at no extra cost.
Where more than one hotel is shown for a given an overnight stop this means that one of those hotels will be used.
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