Black Sea Plateau Tours: Ayder, Sümela, and Uzungöl Route Suggestions

Nature, fog, all shades of green, and chilly weather... Black Sea plateau tours offer the most authentic travel experience in Turkey. In this guide, we share a detailed 5-day itinerary from Ayder to Pokut, from Sümela Monastery to Uzungöl, along with expert tips.<\/p>

When to Take a Black Sea Plateau Tour?<\/h2>

The season for plateaus is short: Mid-June – End of September.<\/strong> Outside of these dates, the roads may be closed, and most guesthouses shut down.<\/p>

• Early June – Early July:<\/strong> The plateaus are lush green, fog is dense, the perfect time for a photography paradise.<\/li>
• July – August:<\/strong> Plateau festivals, horon dances, and traditional weddings take place during this period.<\/li>
• September:<\/strong> Fog decreases, autumn begins. Ideal for a quieter experience and photography.<\/li>

5-Day Classic Black Sea Plateau Itinerary<\/h2>

Day 1: Trabzon – Sümela Monastery<\/h3>

Arrival at Trabzon Airport, transfer to Sümela Monastery via Maçka. A 1,600-year-old Byzantine monastery carved into the rocks at an altitude of 1,600 meters. A visit lasting 3-4 hours. Overnight stay in Trabzon.<\/p>

Day 2: Trabzon – Uzungöl<\/h3>

Early morning transfer to Uzungöl (1.5 hours). A fairytale lake formed by a landslide, surrounded by pine forests. Lake tour, traditional breakfast (kuymak/muhlama!), boat tour. Overnight stay at a local guesthouse.<\/p>

Day 3: Uzungöl – Ayder Plateau<\/h3>

Transfer to Ayder (via Çamlıhemşin, 2 hours). At an altitude of 1,350m, Ayder is the heart of plateau tours. Thermal springs, oven-made muhallebisi, local restaurants. Evening celebration with horon dance.<\/p>

Day 4: Pokut and Sal Plateaus<\/h3>

Climbing to the pearls of the plateaus, Pokut and Sal, with 4x4 vehicles. Altitude of 2,000m+, views of a sea of fog, traditional wooden houses. Be sure to leave early in the morning for a sea of fog photo.<\/strong><\/p>

Day 5: Rize – Tea Gardens – Return<\/h3>

Visit Rize city center, tea gardens, tea tasting, tea factories. Shopping for local souvenirs (tea, mulberry pestil, pineapple jam, corn bread) before returning.<\/p>

What to Wear on a Plateau Tour?<\/h2>

Even in summer, nighttime temperatures in the plateaus drop to 8-12°C. Be sure to bring:<\/p>

• Waterproof raincoat (Black Sea = sudden rain)<\/li>
• Half boots or trekking shoes<\/li>
• Fleece or sweatshirt (for the evenings)<\/li>
• Hat, sunscreen (UV high when the fog clears)<\/li>

Must-Try Foods in the Black Sea Region<\/h2>

• Muhlama (Kuymak):<\/strong> A delicious breakfast made from corn flour, butter, and kolot cheese.<\/li>
• Hamsi Pilavı:<\/strong> The meeting of anchovies and rice.<\/li>
• Pide:<\/strong> Trabzon pide, the fast food of the Black Sea.<\/li>
• Akçaabat Köftesi:<\/strong> You will taste the most delicious version of beef in this meatball.<\/li>
• Laz Böreği:<\/strong> The king of desserts, you must eat it fresh.<\/li>

Accommodation on a Plateau Tour: Hotel or Guesthouse?<\/h2>

For an authentic experience, we recommend a local guesthouse. The owner cooks meals, shares local stories, and you become part of the home. If you are looking for a star-rated hotel, prefer the centers of Trabzon and Rize.<\/p>

Should You Go on a Plateau Tour Alone or Join a Package Tour?<\/h2>

The plateau roads are narrow, winding, and have a high risk of fog. Coming with a driver who knows the area is both safe and enjoyable. Moreover, it is nearly impossible to reach plateaus like Pokut and Sal without a 4x4. A package tour completely solves the transportation issue.<\/p>

You can view our Black Sea tour packages on our tours page<\/a> and contact us for a special itinerary.<\/p>