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Eastern Black Sea Tour: Highlands, Waterfalls and Route Plan

From highlands above the clouds to fierce waterfalls... A 3-day sample route and essential tips to explore Eastern Black Sea thoroughly.

8 dk okuma31 Mart 2026Güncelleme: 23 Mayıs 2026

Yayınlayan: LenaCars

Kapak görseli: Eastern Black Sea Tour: Highlands, Waterfalls and Route Plan

The most important rule when planning a Black Sea tour is: "Don't rush, live the moment." This is a surprising route where you will want to stop and take photos at every turn, and plans can change instantly depending on the weather.

From the grandeur of Sumela to the sea of clouds at Pokut, from the mirror lake of Borçka to the adrenaline of Fırtına Valley, a full 3 days await you. If you're ready, let's draw our route.

Pokut Highland Sea of Clouds and Wooden Houses
Waking up above the clouds is not a dream, but an ordinary morning at Pokut Highland.

🚗 Critical Warning Before You Hit the Road

The "real" beauties of the Black Sea are away from the main road, in high-altitude highlands (Pokut, Gito, Huser, Macahel, etc.). These roads are usually unpaved (dirt/stone), narrow, and steep. They can become muddy when it rains. To ensure your tour is enjoyable and you don't get stuck, we strongly recommend renting a high-clearance vehicle (SUV/Crossover).

Sample Route: Black Sea Dream in 3 Days 🗺️

DAY 1

Trabzon and Maçka: A Journey Through History

  • Morning: Pick up the car at Trabzon Airport and enjoy the famous Trabzon butter breakfast.
  • Afternoon: Visit Sumela Monastery (Maçka). Be sure to see the frescoes opened after restoration.
  • Evening: Rice pudding break in Hamsiköy and view of Zigana pass.
  • Accommodation: Trabzon Center or Uzungöl.
DAY 2

Rize and Fırtına Valley: Adrenaline and Nature

  • Morning: Breakfast with muhlama by the Fırtına River. You can also go rafting or ziplining.
  • Afternoon: Visit the historical Zilkale and the roaring Palovit Waterfall (Çamlıhemşin).
  • Late Afternoon: Photo break in tea gardens at Çeçeva Village (Haremtepe).
  • Sunset: Challenging climb to Pokut or Ayder Highland and view of the sea of clouds. Accommodation: Bungalow in Çamlıhemşin.
Zilkale and Fırtına Valley Nature View
A medieval eagle's nest: Zilkale overlooking Fırtına Valley.
DAY 3

Artvin and Borçka: Hidden Paradises

  • Morning: Move to Borçka Karagöl. Walk around the lake and enjoy a boat ride. Nature is so pristine that you can see your reflection in the water.
  • Afternoon: If you have time and a suitable vehicle (4x4 required), head to Maral Waterfall or Macahel Valley (Biosphere Reserve Area).
  • Return: Follow the coastal road back to Trabzon via Hopa and return the car.

Black Sea Cuisine: Flavors That Will Stay With You 🍴

🧀 Muhlama 🥬 Black Cabbage 🐟 Fried Anchovy 🥧 Laz Pastry

What Should Be in Your Suitcase? 🎒

The Black Sea climate is no joke. The sun may shine suddenly and fog can set in 10 minutes later.

☔ Raincoat: It can rain even in the middle of summer, an umbrella is useless in the highlands. 🥾 Hiking Boots: Shoes with treads are essential for muddy paths and slippery surfaces. 🧥 Fleece/Cardigan: Highlands can drop to 10 degrees at night, don't catch a cold. 🔋 Powerbank: Charging opportunities may be limited in nature, don't let your battery die while taking photos.

Vehicles That Take You to the Clouds ☁️

Don't get stuck halfway on the challenging roads of the highlands. Safely explore the peaks and hidden waterfalls of the Black Sea with our high-powered, 4x4 or high-clearance SUV vehicles.

See the Black Sea Fleet → 📞 24/7 Support