From : Ask a PriceÂ
10 days / 9 nights
From Mar. to Nov.
15 Person
5 Min
Embark on a 10-day cultural expedition through Turkey’s historic northern frontier — from the imperial charm of Istanbul to the poetic valleys of Amasya, and from the windswept ports of the Black Sea to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia. Along the way, explore World Heritage Sites, ancient Hittite capitals, Ottoman-era towns, and majestic natural formations. This journey offers a rare combination of history, culture, and scenery in some of Turkey’s most overlooked yet spectacular regions.
Explore the historical peninsula of Istanbul: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
Visit UNESCO-listed Safranbolu and the ancient Thracian city of Kastamonu
Discover Amasya, the romantic city of poets, kings, and scholars
Wander through Amasra and Sinop, ancient Black Sea ports
Marvel at the Hittite capital Hattusa and the sanctuary of Yazilikaya
Experience the surreal beauty of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and open-air churches
Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a representative from Nature and Sea Travel and transferred to your hotel in the historical peninsula, Sultanahmet. This evening is free for rest or a short walk through the vibrant streets of Istanbul’s old city.
Transfer time: 1 hour
Distance: 45–50 km
Overnight: Hotel in Istanbul
Meals: – / – / –
Start your journey with a deep dive into Istanbul’s storied past. Visit the iconic Topkapi Palace, once the royal residence of Ottoman sultans and a political hub for nearly four centuries. Marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, a unique architectural treasure that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. Stroll through Hippodrome Square, once a major Byzantine arena, and admire the ancient obelisks. Conclude the tour at the Blue Mosque, with its harmonious blend of Islamic and Byzantine architecture. Enjoy a traditional Turkish tea to wrap up your day.
Overnight: Hotel in Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast / – / –
After breakfast, drive northward to Amasra, a charming coastal town on the Black Sea. Once a vital Persian seaport, Amasra boasts impressive Roman and Byzantine remains, including a seaside fortress, the quaint Church Mosque, and the picturesque islands of Buyukada and Tavsanadasi. Enjoy a walking tour through the old town’s cobbled streets and explore the area’s historical heritage.
Transfer time: 6 hours
Distance: 470 km
Overnight: Hotel in Amasra
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Head inland to Safranbolu, an open-air museum of Ottoman architecture recognized by UNESCO. Wander through the narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved timber mansions, mosques, fountains, and Turkish baths. Later, continue to Kastamonu, an ancient Thracian city nestled in forested hills.
Transfer time: 3 hours
Distance: 200 km
Overnight: Hotel in Kastamonu
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Start your morning exploring Kastamonu, known for its 12th-century Byzantine castle and mosques like Atabey and Ibni Neccar. In the afternoon, drive to Sinop, perched on a peninsula overlooking the Black Sea. Discover its ancient fortress and the haunting historic prison, used for centuries.
Transfer time: 3 hours
Distance: 190 km
Overnight: Hotel in Sinop
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Depart from Sinop and ascend inland toward Amasya, nestled in a dramatic valley along the Yesilirmak River. Famed for its ancient rock tombs of Pontic kings, Amasya is also the birthplace of the geographer Strabo and many notable Ottoman princes and thinkers. Enjoy a cultural walking tour through its scenic lanes and Ottoman mansions.
Transfer time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 250 km
Overnight: Hotel in Amasya
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today, journey to Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, a UNESCO site dating back to the 17th century BC. Explore the royal archives, massive city gates, and the ceremonial Yazilikaya sanctuary, where gods were carved into the rocks. Continue to Yozgat for an overnight stay.
Transfer time: 3 hours
Distance: 230 km
Overnight: Hotel in Yozgat
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Formed over millions of years by erosion of volcanic rock, the region’s whimsical formations — fairy chimneys, valleys, and cave dwellings — present an almost alien world. Settle into your hotel and enjoy your first taste of this remarkable region.
Transfer time: 3 hours
Distance: 210 km
Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Optional: Begin your day with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape.
After breakfast, visit Uchisar Citadel, a high rocky outcrop offering panoramic views. Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex housing rock-carved churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes. Conclude with a walk through the Red Valley, where dramatic cliffs, ancient churches, and hidden dwellings await.
Optional: Relax in a traditional Turkish bath (Hamam) in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight home, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Turkey’s Black Sea treasures and ancient heartlands.
Transfer time: 1 hour
Distance: 80 km
Meals: Breakfast / – / –
