Walk on the Black Sea coast

From Istanbul, start by joining Amasra, certainly one of the most beautiful villages on the Black Sea coast, located on a small peninsula. Enjoy the joys of the beach and visit the charming alleys far from the great resorts, and climb to the citadel at the end of the day to enjoy the view of the coast.

Make a small detour to Çakraz. A few kilometres from Amasra, this small fishing village has also kept all its charm and authenticity. You will again find some very beautiful and confidential beaches. Then join Safronbolu or stroll in the afternoon between the splendid Ottoman houses that have earned the city a Unresco heritage status.

Do not leave Safronbolu without taking a short walk 10 km away, in the village of Yürük Köyü. It also preserves some very beautiful Ottoman properties but has remained outside the tourist circuits. Then continue on to Sinop, once one of the most important cities on the Black Sea, which has preserved beautiful traces of its past.

The city is a natural port, built on an isthmus, and which has preserved its fortress. The remains of the ramparts overlook the beautiful beaches below, which you will only leave at the hottest hours to visit Turkey's oldest prison, which dates back to the Ottoman Empire. If you want to stay out of town, choose Gerze, which houses some charming pensions.

The beaches of Gerze lend themselves to a day of idleness. Enjoy local cuisine and seafood in particular, try the harbour, relax at the beach. The city is ideally situated in the middle of the road to make it a relaxing stage.

Avoid the Samsun industrial area by turning inland to visit the villages of Amasya and Tokat, two small mountain villages that have retained much charm and many traces of Ottoman art. In Amasya, don't miss a visit to Hazeranlar Kona, a beautifully restored 19th century residence with an art gallery and ethnographic museum.

Return to the coast in Ordu, which you will join through vast hazel forests. Prepare your wallet, you will not advocate the purchase of fresh or roasted hazelnuts while arriving in the city, and you can chewable them by wandering along the promenade of the seafront, particularly pleasant. At the end of the day, go to Trabzon.

The city is not as attractive as the previous stages at first, but you will soon fall under the spell of the streets and the relaxed atmosphere that reigns there. Visit St. Anne's Church, Trabzon Museum and St. Sophia Museum, and allow yourself some time to discover Sumela Monastery, about 50 kilometres south of Trabzon.