Artvin, Turkey-6-day-itinerary

Artvin, Turkey: A 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Artvin

  • Morning: Arrive at Kars Airport (KSY) or Trabzon Airport (TZX) and take a shuttle or taxi to Artvin city center (~2 hours from Kars, ~4.5 hours from Trabzon)
  • Afternoon: Check-in to Hotel Pasha Konak or similar in the city center
  • Evening: Explore the old town, visit the 18th-century Artvin Castle, and enjoy dinner at Cafe & Restaurant Kuledibi, trying local dishes like kuymak (corn bread) and hapsi (a type of pastry)

Day 2: Artvin City Tour

  • Morning: Visit the Artvin Ethnography Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture
  • Afternoon: Explore the bustling bazaars, shop for local handicrafts, and visit the picturesque Atatürk Köprüsü (bridge)
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Çoruh River and try some street food at the riverbank

Day 3: Karagöl Lake and Surroundings

  • Morning: Take a scenic drive to Karagöl Lake (~30 minutes), surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains
  • Afternoon: Hike around the lake, visit the nearby villages, or take a boat tour (optional)
  • Evening: Return to Artvin city center and enjoy dinner at Restaurant Safak, serving traditional Turkish cuisine

Day 4: Borçka and the Black Sea Coast

  • Morning: Drive to Borçka (~1 hour), a charming coastal town on the Black Sea
  • Afternoon: Visit the picturesque harbor, take a stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy seafood at one of the local restaurants
  • Evening: Return to Artvin city center and relax at your hotel or explore the nightlife

Day 5: Hatila Valley National Park

  • Morning: Drive to Hatila Valley National Park (~1.5 hours), a stunning natural reserve with lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails
  • Afternoon: Hike through the park’s scenic trails, visit the ancient Hatila Castle, or take a picnic lunch
  • Evening: Return to Artvin city center and enjoy dinner at Restaurant Çınar, serving local specialties

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city center
  • Afternoon: Take a shuttle or taxi back to Kars Airport (KSY) or Trabzon Airport (TZX) for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • Artvin is a mountainous region, and roads can be winding and narrow. Be prepared for scenic drives!
  • The local language is Turkish, but many locals in the tourism industry speak some English.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or rural villages.

Transportation

  • Shuttle services are available from Kars Airport (KSY) and Trabzon Airport (TZX) to Artvin city center.
  • Taxis are widely available, but it’s recommended to negotiate the fare beforehand.
  • Renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for mountainous roads.

Tips

  • Be sure to try local delicacies like kuymak, hapsi, and fresh trout from the Çoruh River.
  • Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning natural beauty of Artvin!
  • Respect the environment and take necessary precautions when hiking or exploring rural areas.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Pasha Konak: A comfortable hotel in the city center with traditional architecture.
  • Hotel Safak: A modern hotel near the riverbank with scenic views.

Where to Eat

  • Cafe & Restaurant Kuledibi: Serves local dishes and has a cozy atmosphere.
  • Restaurant Safak: Offers traditional Turkish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Restaurant Çınar: Serves local specialties like trout from the Çoruh River.