Artvin, Turkey 7 Day Itinerary

Artvin, Turkey: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Sarp Village

  • Arrival: The closest international airport to Artvin is Trabzon Airport (TZX). Rent a car or arrange transportation to your accommodation in Artvin city.
  • Accommodation: Consider staying at Hotel Yusuf Bey, offering comfortable rooms with mountain views.
  • Lunch: Try local dishes like Hamsili Midye (Stuffed Mussels) and Yemis Böreği (Artvin’s famous cheese pastry) at Çiçek Restaurant in Artvin city.
  • Afternoon: Visit Sarp Village, known for its stunning views of Mount Erciyes and the beautiful Sarp River. Enjoy a walk around the village.
  • Dinner & Evening: Dine at Kafkasya Restaurant in Sarp, serving traditional Turkish dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 2: Hopa Castle & Surroundings

  • Morning: Head to Hopa town and explore the ancient Hopa Castle, offering panoramic views of the Coruh River. Visit the nearby Armenian Church of Saint Giragos.
  • Lunch: Try a delicious İnegöl Kebabı at Çiğdem Restoran in Hopa.
  • Afternoon: Stroll along the picturesque riverside promenade, then head to the beautiful Kackar Mountains National Park for a scenic drive or short hike.
  • Dinner & Evening: Dine at Kavşut Restaurant in Hopa, serving traditional Turkish and Armenian dishes.

Day 3: Artvin City & Surroundings

  • Morning: Visit the Artvin Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture. Stroll through Yusuf Sekban Street, lined with colorful houses and local shops.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Yıldız Restaurant in Artvin city, known for its fresh seafood dishes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Artvin Art Gallery, then drive to İkizdere Valley, home to the stunning Ikizdere Waterfall and thermal springs.
  • Dinner & Evening: Dine at Sekerci Restaurant in Artvin city, offering a variety of Turkish dishes.

Day 4: Yusufeli & Surroundings

  • Morning: Head to Yusufeli and visit the beautiful Surmene Lake, perfect for a scenic walk or boat ride.
  • Lunch: Try local dishes like Karadeniz Tavuk Şiş (Black Sea Grilled Chicken Skewers) at Ayça Restaurant in Yusufeli.
  • Afternoon: Visit the ancient city of Archeopolis, a short drive from Yusufeli. Explore the ruins and learn about its history.
  • Dinner & Evening: Dine at Çınar Restaurant in Yusufeli, known for its traditional Turkish dishes.

Day 5: Istanbul

  • Morning: Drive to Trabzon Airport (TZX) and catch a flight to Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport (IST). Spend the day exploring Istanbul’s famous landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
  • Dinner & Evening: Dine at a traditional Turkish restaurant in Istanbul, like Ciya Sofrası or Kız Kulesi Restaurant.

Day 6: Return to Artvin & Kafkasör Village

  • Morning: Fly back to Trabzon Airport (TZX) and return to Artvin. Head to Kafkasör Village, known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly locals.
  • Lunch: Try local dishes like Kavurma (stewed meat dish) at Aşçı Restaurant in Kafkasör.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Çoruh River Gorge, offering stunning views and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
  • Dinner & Evening: Dine at Yol Restaurant in Kafkasör, serving traditional Turkish dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last hours relaxing and exploring the beautiful scenery of Artvin before heading to Trabzon Airport (TZX) for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Turkish Lira is the local currency.
  • The best time to visit Artvin is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites.
  • Hiking shoes are recommended for exploring the mountains and villages.
  • Don’t forget to sample local dishes like Çorba (soup), Börek (pastry), and Dolma (stuffed vegetables).

Transportation:

  • Renting a car is highly recommended to explore Artvin and its surroundings. You can rent cars at Trabzon Airport (TZX) or in Artvin city.

Tips:

  • Take plenty of photos, as the scenery in Artvin is simply stunning.
  • Be prepared for changes in altitude, especially when driving through the mountains.
  • Ask locals for recommendations and tips on where to visit and what to do. They are usually more than happy to help!