DAY 1 ISTANBUL-KARS-ŞAVŞAT

We depart from Istanbul Airport towards Kars, one of the most unique cities in Anatolia. Our arrival will be approximately at 10:50. We will travel by private vehicle to Lake Çıldır, where we will have lunch at approximately 2000 meters altitude, where the lake freezes over in winter. After breakfast, we will visit Şeytan Kalesi (Devil's Castle) on the Ardahan road, and then continue along a scenic route to Sahara National Park. Karagöl-Sahara National Park is one of the national park areas in Türkiye. Located within the borders of Şavşat district of Artvin, the park retains its Cittaslow title. October is the month to see the most beautiful colors of the region. After a walk in the forest, we will catch the sunset in the evening. Accommodation and dinner will be at our hotel in Şavşat. During dinner, we will begin to experience the local cuisine of Şavşat.

Day 2

After enjoying a regional breakfast at our hotel, we will visit the following villages and plateaus in order: Yavuzköy, Aşağı Koyunlu, Yukarı Koyunlu, Veliköy (originating from Yukarı Koyunlu), Tibet Church, and Pınarlı Village. We are heading to Aşağı Koyunlu Village for the longest hike of the program. The 'Tamara Rooms', believed to belong to the famous Queen Tamara, who ruled the Kingdom of Georgia during its 'Golden Age' (1184-1213), and the nearby 'Suatılan Waterfall' will add color to our day. Let's bring our swimsuits and towels today. The path leading here initially passes through the forest. The view here will make you feel like you are in the Swiss Alps. We will have lunch with the endless view of Şavşat Villages in front of us. After lunch, we will travel by car along the path on the mountain slope above the valley to the monastery called Tamara Rooms. After our visit, we will see the Tibet Church. This church has been repeatedly targeted for destruction by the public, but except for the roof, the front section still stands tall. The photos taken during your visit will be very colorful. After our visits, we'll enjoy the magnificent view from our hotel.
We're arriving for our afternoon tea before dinner. Accommodation and a local dinner will be at our hotel in Şavşat.

Day 3

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off for Borçka, a town in Artvin province. Borçka boasts unique beauty, with its steep and impassable mountains, dense forests, and deep, turbulent streams. From Borçka, we first drive to Karagöl Lake. After a walk around Karagöl, we ascend to the region known as the Macahel Valley. This area consists of six villages (Camiili, Düzenli, Efeler, Kayalar, Maral, Uğur) and is characterized by untouched vegetation and an unspoiled ecosystem with dense forests. It is also famous for its Macahel honey. After a walk and lunch in Camiili village, we will visit Karagöl Lake, Arhavi Mecnuna Waterfall, and Çağlayan Valley. Following our visits, we head back to our hotel for dinner. Overnight stay at our hotel in Şavşat.

Day 4

After completing our check-out procedures from the hotel, we will have breakfast outdoors with a surprising view. On the last day of our program, we will visit Maden village, Bazgirite lake, Meydancık Mısırlı village, and Papart forest, all surrounded by magnificent forests, monumental trees, and thousands of varieties of flowers, offering an indescribable riot of colors. Due to the region's very rainy and humid climate, its vegetation is very rich. We will walk around the lake, rent a boat, and take photos amidst the breathtaking scenery. On the way back to Trabzon, we will crown the end of our tour with the famous dried bean dish, and we will visit a tea factory and tea gardens.

We are returning to Istanbul on our return flight from Trabzon.