9-Day Black Sea Tour from Cappadocia – Hattusa, Sinop, Safranbolu & Istanbul

Embark on a 9-day adventure from Cappadocia along Turkey’s stunning Black Sea coast. This fully guided tour takes you through ancient Hittite ruins, charming Black Sea towns, dramatic waterfalls, and the UNESCO heritage town of Safranbolu before ending in Istanbul.

Day 1 (Friday): Hattusa, Yazilikaya & Alacahoyuk
Morning pickup from your Cappadocia hotel. Drive via Kozakli to Hattusa, capital of the Hittite Empire during the late Bronze Age. Visit Yazilikaya with its rock carvings depicting Hittite gods, then explore Hattusa — the Great Temple, Lions’ Gate, Royal Gate, and the Hittite summer palace. Continue to Alacahoyuk to see the Sphinx Gate and Royal Tombs. Overnight in Corum.

Day 2 (Saturday): Corum to Amasya
Drive to Amasya, a fortified city set dramatically in a narrow valley along the Yesilirmak River, high in the mountains above the Black Sea coast. Once a wealthy provincial capital, Amasya produced kings from the Kingdom of Pontus to the Ottoman imperial dynasty, and was birthplace of the famous geographer Strabo. Overnight in Amasya.

Day 3 (Sunday): Vezirkopru, Duragan & Sinop
Drive to Sinop via Vezirkopru and Duragan, passing through the historic Kingdom of Pontos region. Sinop is Turkey’s northernmost point on the Black Sea. Overnight in Sinop.

Day 4 (Monday): Akliman, Hamsilos Bay & Erfelek Waterfalls
Visit Akliman Cove and the hidden Hamsilos Bay, rich with lush green forests, colorful wildflowers, and secluded inland bays — once used strategically by military ships during World War I. Trek through Erfelek Waterfall park with its many cascading waterfalls and stunning natural scenery. Overnight in Sinop.

Day 5 (Tuesday): Ayancik, Abana, Inebolu & Kastamonu
Drive along the Black Sea coast to Ayancik, a charming district of Sinop. Continue to Abana for a coastal stroll and seaside tea. Visit historic Inebolu with its remarkable wooden houses reflecting Byzantine and Ottoman Greek architecture, dark green hills, and spectacular coastline. Drive to Kastamonu for the night.

Day 6 (Wednesday): Kastamonu to Safranbolu
Explore Kastamonu city center, one of the rare places with outstanding examples of traditional Turkish houses. Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Safranbolu via Arac. Overnight in Safranbolu.

Day 7 (Thursday): Safranbolu & Amasra
Start from Hidirlik Hill for panoramic city views and explore Safranbolu’s beautifully preserved Ottoman wooden houses, Cinci Inn & Bath, Clock Tower, Arasta bazaar, and traditional handicraft shops. Afternoon drive to Amasra to visit the Roman Castle & Walls and wood-carving handicraft bazaar. Overnight in Safranbolu.

Day 8 (Friday): Akcakoca & Istanbul
Visit the old town of Akcakoca with its traditional wooden houses and firebrick buildings on a gentle hillside. Tour the Genoese castle overlooking the Black Sea coast. Drive to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 9 (Saturday): Istanbul – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Note: This tour starts in Cappadocia. You can reach Cappadocia by domestic flight (recommended) or by bus from Istanbul (approx. 10 hours). The tour can be customized according to your wishes.