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| Sunset in Rize port |
Begin your tour of the Black Sea at its largest city, Trabzon. A settlement dating back to 2000 BC, it served as the capital of the Greek Pontus State from 1204-1261.The Byzantines and the Ottomans left the greatest imprints with many historical mosques and churches (the Hagia Sophia especially so), Seljuk baths and residences. The Byzantine castle of Trabzon connects the city to the mountains, embracing the city from behind.
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| Sumela Manastırı |
The Famous Sumela Monastery
Trabzon's most important site is the Sumela Monastery. It cannot be reached directly by car but requires a trek through breathtakingly beautiful trails to the cliff-hewn monastery. Now deserted, the monastery suffered fire damage. Still, this is a most impressive place to visit. In the early morning the monastery seems to be suspended in the air and enshrouded in fog. Further east is Surmene famous for its knives. Visit the Mimaga Konağı (residence) to see a fine example of traditional stone and wood construction. Continuing east towards Uzungöl we pass through one of the most beautiful regions in the province. The road is rough, but the view is extraordinary. The little town is completely surronded by woods. The mosque on the edge of the lake can be easily spotted by its tall minarets. The lakeside is dotted with motels, restaurants, bungalows, and trout restaurants.
The famous pide of Rize
Leaving Uzungol, we make for Rize, a city with a long past (dating back to 2000BC) but today a modern city. Though it may be short on historical charms (do however discover the 14th century castle and the lovely old mosques in the city center), the city is famous for its climate. Rize is Turkey's tea growing center and also boasts orange groves. Rize is also famous for its food, especially its "pide" the pre-cursor of Italian pizza.
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| Camlıhemsin |
The most delightful leg of the trip
At Cayeli trek on the Incesu trail through the woods to the waterfall. Continue east to Pazar and turn right towards the Camlihemsin valley. Just before Camlihemsin take the road entering a spectacular valley. This is the most breathtakingly beautiful leg of the trip, with wonderful architecture and nature. After Zilkale visit the powerful Palovit waterfall. The Camlihemsin valley demonstrates this country's unique heritage--slopes covered with tea gardens and picturesque little villages with their wooden houses.
The gate to Kackar Mountains: Ayder.
The road left, shortly before Camlihemsin, leads to Ayder, a center for hot springs and local tourism. Ayder is the gateway to the wonderful Kackar mountains and high plateaus with tree-covered peaks extending as far as the eye can see.Trabzon guide
How to get there
You can go by car, plane, or ship.
Where to stay
Zorlu Grand Hotel: Maras Cad. No:9 Tel: 0462-326 84 00 Usta Hotel: Telgrafhane Sok. Tel: 0462-326 57 00 Hotel Buyuk Sumela: Macka. Tel: 0462-512 35 40
What to eat
The province has a very diverse and delicious cuisine. Its unique anchovy-the "hamsi"- has become synonymous with Trabzon. Some famous dishes: Hamsi pilaf, hamsı kusu, hamsı bread, red cabbage soup, ısırgan yemeği, fried fresh beans. Black Sea meat balls (kofte) are also famous. Make sure you try the Akcaabat Köfte before you leave. Historical places: Sumela monastery, Trabzon Castle, Hagia Sophia Church, St. Anna Church, Panagia Thaoskepastos (convent), Kaymaklı Monastery...
Rize guide
How to get there
The most important highway link is the Black Sea coast road. There is no airport in Rize. If you must fly you have to go to Trabzon and drive from there.
Where to stay
Dedeman Rize Hotel: Ali Pasa Koyu. tel: 0464-223 53 44-48 What to eat The basic constituents of Rize cuisine are corn, red cabbage, beans, and anchovy.
Where to eat
Hüsrev is famous for its kuru fasulyia (dry beans). Other famous restaurants are Bekiroglu, Huzur Pide, and others. Historical places: Ataturk's Museum, Rize Castle, Zila Castle, Kale-i Bala, Zeleki Castle.
