Eastern Black Sea Travel Guide
From airport shuttle times to highland jeep rates, from Sümela entry fees to Macahel road conditions — in one place, down to the smallest detail. 12 English guides live, more in translation.
Rize Guides
Ayder, Pokut, Kaçkar, tea tourism — deep dives.
One of the world's most expensive honeys. Produced at Anzer Highland in İkizdere with 90+ endemic flowers. Real price range, counterfeit warnings, cooperative contacts.
17 km from Çamlıhemşin at 1,350 m elevation — Rize's crown highland. Transport, thermal springs, restaurants, bungalows, zipline, jeep tour, master plan status.
The 3,937 m Kaçkar National Park: classic Ayder-Dilberdüzü-Deniz Gölü route, Barhal approach, guide rates, gear list and 2026 season notes.
Rize's three most photogenic highlands. Transport, stays, cloud sea timing, jeep tour prices, 4x4 tips.
Rize produces ~63% of Turkish tea. Harvest seasons, Çaykur factory visits, botanical tea garden cable car, and which blend fits which occasion.
Trabzon Guides
Uzungöl, Sümela, highlands.
The 1,600-year-old Sümela Monastery: Altındere Park entry, hours, Müzekart, walking distance, restoration status in 2024-2026.
1,090 m elevation, Çaykara district, Turkey's most-photographed Black Sea lake. Access, entry fees, activities, Demirkapı highland and quieter alternatives.
Artvin Guides
Macahel, Karagöl, Şavşat.
A reflection lake formed in 1950 by a landslide in Artvin's Borçka district, at 1,500 m — with submerged tree trunks. Access, best visiting hours, photo tips, Macahel combo.
Turkey's first UNESCO biosphere reserve, Macahel (Camili). Detailed guide: 70 km mountain road from Borçka, 6 villages, Caucasian bee gene centre, Macahel honey and village-home stays.
Karagöl-Sahara National Park, Sahara Highland's yellow-flower bloom at 2,000+ m, Papart Highland by the Georgian border, Cehennem Deresi Canyon and Şavşat Castle.
General Guides
Transport, food, month-by-month.
The full depth of Rize / Trabzon / Artvin cuisine: muhlama/kuymak, 40+ anchovy preparations, butter trout, Akçaabat meatballs, laz böreği, pepeçura, Black Sea kale, Georgian border influences.
Every detail of getting to Rize, Trabzon and Artvin: RZV and TZX airports, direct flight routes, bus operators, local transit, car rental, highland roads and 4x4 needs.