Ayder Highland & Storm Valley Full-Day Tour from Rize
Overview
Ayder Highland & Storm Valley Full-Day Tour from Rize
Discover the essence of the Black Sea, with its magnificent mountains and breathtaking waterfalls, on a full-day trip to Rize and the Kackar range.
Wild nature and living culture come together here, in a landscape of roaring rivers, misty castles and wooden highland houses. As you drive through the valleys and up to the high plateaus, you see how people and this dramatic land have shaped each other.
Peace of Ayder Highland
Far from the noise of the city, the day invites you to enjoy the peace of the highlands, the rhythm of rural life and the calm of Ayder.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Rize Ayder Highland & Storm Valley Tour
Your guide meets you in your hotel lobby and you drive to the Camlihemsin district of Rize, where the stunning landscapes of the Kackar Mountains begin. The journey starts in Storm Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys of the Black Sea region.
The Storm River rushes between steep forested mountains, with breathtaking views, and is a paradise for rafting and nature lovers.
You continue to Zilkale Castle, a medieval fortress perched dramatically on a rocky cliff above the valley. Believed to date from the 14th or 15th century, it has eight towers and a watchtower, with panoramic views of the mountains. It once helped protect the trade routes through the region.
Next is Palovit Waterfall. Fed by streams from the Kackar Mountains, it drops 15 metres into a lush green canyon, its power and mist capturing the wild beauty of Rize.
The route continues to Gelintulu Waterfall near Ayder Highland. Named for its resemblance to a bride's veil, it falls gracefully from the snowy peaks of the Kackar range. Its water comes from the Kavron Stream and flows on towards the Ayder hot springs, whose warm sulphurous water is said to have healing properties.
Finally you reach Ayder Highland, one of the most famous plateaus of the Eastern Black Sea. At 1,350 metres and surrounded by spruce and beech forests, it is known for its hot springs, wooden chalets and rich plant and animal life.
You have free time to enjoy the fresh mountain air, take photos and explore the village atmosphere before driving back to your hotel.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Local Tour Guides
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✓Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
- ✕Personal Expenses
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.
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Ayder Highland and Storm Valley tour from Rize: what you need to know
This private full day takes you into the Kackar Mountains above Rize, from $85: through Storm Valley, past the medieval Zilkale Castle and two waterfalls, Gelintulu and Palovit, up to Ayder Highland with its wooden houses and alpine meadows. Your local guide meets you in your hotel lobby, and a private van and museum tickets and attraction fees are included.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 to 9 hours |
| Price | from $85 |
| Type | Private, your group with a local guide |
| Start and end | Your hotel |
| Highlights | Storm Valley, Zilkale Castle, Gelintulu and Palovit waterfalls, Ayder Highland |
| Included | Private guide, private van, museum tickets and attraction fees |
| Not included | Meals and drinks, tips |
What is Storm Valley?
Storm Valley (Firtina Vadisi) is the valley of a fast-flowing mountain river in the Camlihemsin district of Rize, lined with dense forest, old stone arch bridges and tea gardens. It is the gateway to the Kackar Mountains and one of the greenest landscapes in Turkey.
What do you see on the tour?
| Stop | What it is |
|---|---|
| Storm Valley | River, forest and stone bridges in the Kackar foothills |
| Zilkale Castle | A medieval castle on a rocky outcrop above the valley |
| Gelintulu Waterfall | A tall waterfall in the forest |
| Palovit Waterfall | A powerful waterfall deep in the valley |
| Ayder Highland | A highland village of wooden houses and meadows, surrounded by peaks |
Ayder or Uzungol: which highland should you visit?
| Black Sea tour | Character | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This tour | Wilder mountains, waterfalls and a castle | $85 |
| Uzungol day trip from Trabzon | A famous lake and highland plateaus | $80 |
| Sumela Monastery tour | The cliffside monastery | $120 |
| Trabzon city tour | History in the city | $75 |
Uzungol is gentler and more famous; Ayder and Storm Valley are wilder, with roaring rivers and higher mountains.
Is there a lot of walking?
There are short walks to the waterfalls and around Ayder, on paths that can be wet and uneven. You do not need to be a hiker, but good shoes help. The guide adapts the walks to your group.
What is Ayder like?
Ayder is a highland village at the foot of the Kackar peaks, with wooden chalets, guesthouses and green meadows threaded by streams. In summer local families move up to the highlands with their animals, and the village fills with visitors escaping the coastal heat. Its setting, surrounded by forest and mountains, is the reward at the end of the drive up through Storm Valley.
What local food should you try?
The Kackar valleys are known for dishes such as muhlama, a rich cornmeal and cheese fondue, fresh trout and local honey. Tea grown on the Rize slopes is served everywhere along the way.
When is the best time to visit Ayder?
Late spring to early autumn, when the highland roads are open and the meadows are green or covered in flowers. The Black Sea mountains are often misty and rainy, which gives them their atmosphere; bring rain gear. In winter, snow can close the higher roads.
What should you bring?
A rain jacket, warm layers for the highlands, waterproof walking shoes, and cash for tea, local honey and lunch.
How do you book?
Choose your date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with your hotel in Rize or Trabzon. We confirm in writing and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our Black Sea tours and our Turkey tour packages.
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