[Do not return without seeing, eating and drinking-5]
Black Sea plains radiate color

 If you happen to pass through Rize, sip some of its tea. After all, Rize is known as the tea capital of Turkey. Venture out to the Kaçkar Mountains, unmatched throughout the world in terms of its endemic plant species. While in the area, try some of the Laz boreği, a syrup-soaked dessert of pudding sandwiched between layers of pastry.  But there's more to the Black Sea coast and environs than just the far east. We'll take you on a short tour of must sees and dos in this land of milk and honey.

Rize: Green fields meet blue skies

Known for its tea, it should come as no surprise that tea gardens line the streets. Have a cup at the Ziraat Tea House as you gaze at the mountains that stretch from the coast way up into the sky.

 If you have the time, visit the Ayder Plateau to see its natural beauty and wooden houses dotting the slope, shrouded in fog. The scene is nothing short of picturesque. When you're done sightseeing, rest a bit at the plateau's thermal spa, which comes with its own doctor. And if you love water, stop by the Fırtına Valley, whose rivers are perfect for rafting. If you're into mountain climbing, head for the top of the Kaçkar Mountains. They are home to over 2,000 plant species, and their summits offer a stunning view.

Trabzon: the star of the eastern Black Sea

Trabzon, a city with thousands of years of history as a cultural and trade center, is one of the most important tourism centers in the eastern Black Sea region. The Greek Sümela Monastery situated on the side of a hill that rises above a river draws large crowds of tourists. If you arrive in the summer, you'll be surrounded by green; winter visitors will see it covered by a sheet of white snow.

Other places to visit in Trabzon are the Hagia Sophia Museum, which dates back to the 13th century; the Trabzon Castle, which is the best protected historical monument in the region and stretches all the way from the sea to the hilltops; and the Atatürk Manor, a gift from the people of Trabzon to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The manor is located in the Soğuksu district, some seven kilometers south of the city, and is an example of 19th century architecture.

 In terms of food, restaurants serve stuffed savoy cabbage, kaygana (a Turkish omelet), corn bread, salmon cooked in butter, Hamsiköy sütlaç (a pudding made of milk and rice), Akçaabat köfte (made by leaving meatballs raw for two hours after preparation and then cooking them) and mıhlama (a Turkish fondue made with cornmeal, Trabzon butter and cheese).

Gümüşhane: the place to go for nature lovers

On your approach to Gümüşhane, you'll pass through Zigana Mountain and get to the most important tourist site in the area: the Karaca cave. Relax and breathe the clean air here as you explore this mysterious world. The cave is said to be millions of years old!

 Although Turkey's mountains are skiing hotspots in the winter, Zigana also offers summer activities, including grass skiing, a photo-video safari, bird watching, trekking, paragliding, nature walks on horseback and a summer campground carnival. In June, July and August, it's home to the Rosehip Culture and Tourism Fest.

 Gümüşhane mantı (bits of dough stuffed with ground meat and then boiled), rosehip soup, un herlesi çorbası (a flour-based soup), yergök dolması (a type of stuffing peculiar to this region), çıtma beans, kaygana, erişte (homemade fettuccini), tel helva (a sweetmeat-like dessert made with semolina or flour) are just a few of the specialties of this place.

If you're visiting Giresun, associated with nuts, see Giresun Island, one of the pearls of the Black Sea. Then climb up to Giresun Castle to get a bird's eye view of the city below. Summers are the perfect time for barbecues, but the region's famous pide (round and flat bread), hamsili börek (anchovy pastry) and black cabbage meals are in season year-round. History buffs will enjoy the Giresun Museum, which itself began life as a church in the 18th century and was later converted into a prison before becoming a museum. A good souvenir from here is a peştemal (hamam towel) and handmade items sold in the Kazancılar Bazaar.

When in Samsun, eat some pide and then nokul for dessert

Samsun, one of the most important cities of the Black Sea region, is strongly tied to the role it played in the Turkish War of Independence. The Bandırma Ship Museum, the Gazi Museum and Reji, also known as the Tütün docks, used by France when Atatürk first came to Samsun and recently reconstructed by the Samsun Municipality, are among the popular places visitors want to see. But for a more natural excursion, visit the Kızılırmak Bird Paradise, the Paphlagonia rock graves, the historic Asar Castle, the Kunduz flatlands (a summer campground) and Terme. Be sure to try the pide and nokul (a rolled pastry).

Ordu: Turkey's oxygen tank

The Ordu governorship advertises Ordu as Turkey's “Oxygen region” because of its flatlands (a popular campsite in the summer). Ordu offers its visitors a different kind of beauty. When you first arrive, climb Boztepe and treat yourself to some local food among this unique Black Sea scenery. Domestic and international visitors coming to Ordu often visit Hoynat Island and Yason Cape in the Perşembe district, the Oktamış Waterfall in Ulubey, the Keyfelan flatlands in Mesudiye, the Ulugöl, Akkuş and Argın flatlands in Gölbey and the Çambaşı flatlands in Kabadüz. Taste the stuffed black cabbage, pilaf with anchovies, black cabbage soup with corn flour and Ordu pide (round and flat bread).

Amasya: the city of Ferhat and Şirin

Amasya's old buildings are well preserved. The city presents a mystical atmosphere to its visitors, a feeling intensified by the Yeşilırmak River that passes through it and the Ottoman houses lining the river's banks.

The city hosted Greek geographer Strabo, known as the first geographer of the world, and was the legendary home of Ferhat and Şirin -- a local folktale of impossible love. The city was managed by several Ottoman şehzades (heirs apparent), who later became sultans.

Several local sites to seek out include the King Rock Tombs, the Castle (Harsena), the Kızlar Palace, the Hazeranlar Mansion, the Ferhat Water Channel, the Aynalı cave, the Bimarhane (treatment center), the Gökmedrese, the Burmalı Minare Mosque, the Sultan Beyazıd II Complex , the Çelebi Mehmed Medrese (old theological school), the Clock Tower and the Halifet Gazi Tomb. They are among Amasya's most picturesque places. Borobay Lake and the Baraklı Waterfall in Taşova are Amasya's main natural beauties.

Sinop: Turkey's northernmost point

A common theme throughout the Black Sea region, forests keep the air clean here, too. The sea is clear, with beaches finding no equal in all of Turkey.

Places worth seeing are Sinop castle; the Balatlar church, built by the Byzantines; the Seyyit Bilal türbe (mausoleum) built on behalf of a Turkish statesman who lived in the district; the Alaaddin Mosque; the Pervane Medrese; and the Martyrs' Fountain, built using money recovered from the pockets of soldiers who died in a surprise attack by the Russians in 1853. Along the coast, you'll find Ak Liman (the White Bay), Sarıkum and İnceburun. All three are ideal spots to while away some time. Sinop's chestnuts, nokul and meat dumplings are good picks for visitors fond of new foods. If you're into delicious salads and fish, try the scorpionfish shish.

Zonguldak

Zonguldak's image as a “black city,” widely known for coal mining, quickly dissipates upon arrival. In fact, its rich variety of color overshadows everything else. Wayfarers hoping to discover the “black diamond” instead encounter every shade of green. Venture beyond the trodden path to the Harmankaya Waterfall and swim in the small lakes formed at its base.

Karabük's Safranbolu: a journey back in time

If a time machine could take you back 100 years, Karabük's Safranbolu district would not be much different. Its historic mansions, fully preserved along with cobblestone-paved streets, give wandering visitors a glimpse into the past. Make sure not to miss the Bulak cave and its handmade oven, calcareous rocks, stalagmites and stalactite travertines in the 400-square-meter area open to tourists.

Food-wise, meat cooked in underground pit ovens is among Karabük's most delicious flavors. Apart from that, try some Safranbolu Turkish delight -- it tastes and looks different from the typical lokum. Give some to your loved ones as a present.

Bartın: Turkey's Venice

Bartın's Amasra district has a river that passes through it and pours out into the Black Sea. It is by far the most recognized of the province's attractions. Authorities plan to organize tours on the Bartın River, taking Italy's Venice as an example. Gazing down the riverbanks is gazing at history. Traces of one civilization after another are visible throughout Amasra's infrastructure.

Wooden Bartın houses display the architectural characteristics of art movements brought forth to Turkey by the Tanzimat Fermanı (the Administrative Reforms Decree issued in 1839). Although they are not completely preserved like houses in Safranbolu, they are worth seeing. The city museum has found a home for itself in the restored historic Kemal Samancıoğlu Mansion. Bartın's food is just as varied as its buildings, with Amasra's special salad, seasonally prepared with 28 kinds of fresh vegetables and fish, reflecting its cuisine culture. The food is absolutely unforgettable.

Picnic on Camiçi Plateau

Tokat's Castle remains from the Selçuk period, its Mevlevihane (dervish lodge) has been faithfully restored to its original condition and remains from the Ottoman period. Tokat's old houses and hamams (Turkish baths) are some alternative places to visit, as are Sulusaray's thermal springs, thought to have healing effect on many illnesses. Be sure to taste Tokat kebab, keşkek (a wheat and barley stew) and bat (a kind of stew).

Çorum boasts 25 kinds of roasted chickpeas (leblebi)

Çorum has preserved traces of the Selçuk and Ottoman eras with its mosques, clock towers, bridges and civil architecture. Several of its mansions have been meticulously restored and are open to tourists. Its historic clock tower, built in 1894 by city guard Yedi Sekiz Hasan Paşa, the 700-year-old Ulu Mosque, the Hıdırlık Mosque, Çorum Castle and historic Çorum houses all await visitors. Munch on the famous roasted chickpeas, which come in 25 kinds, from stores in the Çöplük bazaar at every time of day.

Bolu: a lake paradise

Bolu is often mentioned for its natural beauty, historic buildings and food and drinks. The Sülüklü Lake, the Sünnet Lake, the Aladağ Lake, the Seben plateaus, Abant Lake and Yedigöller National Park are the ideal spots to visit for anyone fond of nature. Kabaklı gözleme (marrow pancake), string bean soup, candy beans found in the district of Göynük and nutty macaroni with dried curd and plum, cranberry and mulberry compotes are all worth tasting. 

Safranbolu Turkish delight Çorum's roasted chickpeas Tokat’s famous kebab Safrabolu’s kuyu kebab The Atatürk Mansion in Trabzon Safranbolu’s historic homes Rize’s Ayder Plateau Trabzon’s famous cheese Rize’s Kaçkar Mountains