Artvin, Turkey-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Artvin

  • Morning: Arrive at Rize Airport (RZV) or Trabzon Airport (TZX)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or bus from the airport to Artvin city center (approx. 2 hours, 150-200 TRY)
  • Where to Stay: Check-in at a hotel in the city center, such as:
    • Hotel Artvin: A 4-star hotel with comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Guesthouse Akçay: A cozy guesthouse with simple but clean rooms and a family-run atmosphere.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant like:
    • Kebapçi: A popular spot for kebabs, lahmacun, and other street food-style dishes.
    • Baklava House: A quaint bakery serving delicious pastries, bread, and snacks.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Artvin Museum (free admission) to learn about the history and culture of the region.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Göksu River, which runs through the city center.

Day 2: Explore the Surrounding Mountains

  • Morning: Take a taxi or rent a car from Artvin city center (approx. 1 hour, 50-70 TRY) to:
    • Borcka Village: A picturesque village surrounded by mountains and offering breathtaking views.
    • Explore the village’s shops, cafes, and tea houses.
  • Lunch: Try some local specialties like khachapuri (cheese bread) or shashlik (skewers) at a restaurant in the village.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby:
    • Artvin Castle Ruins: Remains of an ancient castle that dates back to the Byzantine era.
    • Explore the surrounding mountains on foot, by bike, or take a guided hike.
  • Evening: Return to Artvin city center and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Waterfalls and Nature

  • Morning: Visit:
    • Düzköprü Falls (free admission): A stunning waterfall that’s perfect for hiking and photography.
    • Explore the surrounding forest and meadows on foot or by bike.
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it near the falls or in a nearby clearing.
  • Afternoon: Visit:
    • Arhavi Waterfalls (free admission): Another picturesque waterfall with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Explore the nearby village and its shops, cafes, and tea houses.
  • Evening: Return to Artvin city center for dinner.

Day 4: Boat Tour on Lake Borcka

  • Morning: Take a boat tour on Lake Borcka (approx. 200-300 TRY per person) that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch on board or at a local restaurant near the lake.
  • Afternoon: Visit:
    • The nearby village and its shops, cafes, and tea houses.
    • Explore the surrounding forest and meadows on foot or by bike.
  • Evening: Return to Artvin city center for dinner.

Day 5: Culture and History

  • Morning: Visit:
    • The Artvin Ethnographic Museum (free admission): A museum showcasing traditional crafts, costumes, and way of life in the region.
    • Explore the surrounding streets and alleys to discover local shops, cafes, and tea houses.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant like Kebapçi or Baklava House.
  • Afternoon: Visit:
    • The Artvin Castle Ruins (free admission): Remains of an ancient castle that dates back to the Byzantine era.
    • Explore the surrounding mountains on foot, by bike, or take a guided hike.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Göksu River.

Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit:
    • The local bazaar (free admission): A bustling marketplace selling traditional goods like carpets, textiles, and souvenirs.
    • Explore the surrounding streets and alleys to discover local shops, cafes, and tea houses.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or try some street food-style dishes from vendors.
  • Afternoon: Visit:
    • A local hammam (bathhouse) for a relaxing soak and massage (approx. 200-300 TRY).
    • Explore the surrounding mountains on foot, by bike, or take a guided hike.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Departure from Artvin

  • Morning: Check-out of your hotel and spend some time exploring the city center one last time.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or bus from Artvin city center to Rize Airport (RZV) or Trabzon Airport (TZX) for your departure flight.

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Be prepared for mild temperatures in spring and autumn, with occasional rain showers. Summer can be hot and humid.
  • Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency, although some shops and restaurants may accept euros or credit cards.
  • Language: Turkish is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially among the younger population.
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure to avoid petty theft.
  • Health: Consult your doctor before traveling, especially if you have any health concerns.

Getting Around

  • Taxi: Available at most hours, with a fixed price or metered fare.
  • Bus: Regular buses connect Artvin city center with surrounding villages and towns (approx. 50-70 TRY per ride).
  • Rent-a-car: Several companies offer car rentals in Artvin city center, including international brands like Hertz and Europcar.
  • Walking: Explore the city center on foot to discover hidden gems and enjoy the scenic views.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Artvin: A 4-star hotel with comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding mountains (approx. 400-500 TRY per night).
  • Guesthouse Akçay: A cozy guesthouse with simple but clean rooms and a family-run atmosphere (approx. 200-300 TRY per night).

Food

  • Kebapçi: A popular spot for kebabs, lahmacun, and other street food-style dishes.
  • Baklava House: A quaint bakery serving delicious pastries, bread, and snacks.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Artvin!