You will be picked up from your hotel this morning and driven directly east to Bolu along the freeway, then a short distance up the mountain to the breathtakingly beautiful alpine lake of Golcük. Continue on to charming "olde worlde" Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with some of the most beautiful traditional old Ottoman mansions in Turkey. Visit the Cinci Hani - a 17th century caravanserai; the Arasta (old) bazaar where craftsmen still use old Ottoman methods; and the restored mansion, Kaymakamlar Evi. Overnight at hotel (B,L,D).

An early start this morning to visit the marvellous ancient Hittite sites of Yazilikaya. Visit the two open-air rock sanctuaries where the sunlight shines directly on the bas-reliefs in the mornings, and the vast city of Hattusas which was the capital of the Hittite Kingdom (1400-1200 BC). Explore Hattusas with its Lion’s Gate, the Tunnel, the King’s Gate, the Citadel and the Grand Temple. Continue east to Amasya, and wander along the shady tree-lined Ziya Pasa Bulvari on the river bank, to view the picturesque Ottoman half-timbered houses and their reflections in the river. Return in the evening to see the illuminated bridges, minarets and Pontic tombs high up in the cliffs. Overnight Amasya (B,L,D).

Drive south to Sivas, stopping to visit the ancient town of Tokat on the way. Tokat has been so untouched by tourism, and really is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. On arrival in Sivas, visit the museum and the impressive Seljuk buildings, in particular the wonderful Cifte Minare Medrese with its twin minarets, the Sifaiye Medresesi which is now used as a bazaar, the Buruciye Medresesi, and the Gok Madrese. Wander in the bazaar or drink tea in one of the tea gardens. Return to Amasya to overnight (B,L,D).

The highlight of the day today will be the 14th century Sumela Monastery, built high on a steep cliff above a gorge in the Altindere National Park - its setting makes it look more Tibetan than Turkish. Surrounded by the ruins of the monks’ quarter, is a church covered inside and out with brilliant frescoes. Drive to the neighbouring town of Akçaabat, famous for its köfte (meatballs), and have lunch in one of the köfte restaurants along the seashore. In the afternoon visit the 13th century St. Sophia Church, which is now a museum and some of the finest examples of Eastern Roman paintings are displayed in its frescoes. Then continue along the Black Sea coast through tea plantation areas and drive inland through Camlihemsin with its picturesque arched stone bridges, and wonderful mountain plateaux of Ayder. Overnight in Rize (B,L,D).

A spectacular drive through mountains, valleys and gorges, and along the Tortum Lake to Erzurum, an important city on the famous Silk Road during the Middle Ages. On the way visit the stunningly beautiful 10th century Georgian churches of Haho, Osk Van and Ishan (These are subject to road conditions, as continuous wet weather can deteriorate the roads badly). If time permits on arrival in Erzurum, you will be able to wander in the Rustem Pasa Carsisi (covered Bazaar) in an old many-chimneyed caravanserai with an inner courtyard. Overnight in Erzurum (B,L,D).

Transfer to the airport in Erzurum and end of our services (B).