Full Day Tour in Uzungol Lake With Turkish Tea Tasting

Nestled between the majestic Kaçkar Mountains, Uzungol Lake beckons adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. This full-day tour, led by experienced guides from IBK Travel, promises an immersive experience blending the region’s captivating landscapes with its rich cultural heritage. Travelers will explore a traditional tea factory in Surmene, sampling authentic Turkish flavors while gaining insight into the local artisanry. But the true star of the day is undoubtedly Uzungol Lake itself, where visitors can lose themselves in the serene beauty of the surrounding forests and alpine vistas. With ample opportunities for exploration and discovery, this tour offers a chance to uncover the hidden gems that make this corner of Turkey truly remarkable.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Trabzon, Turkey, offers an exploration of the scenic Uzungol Lake and a traditional Turkish tea tasting experience.
• The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, coffee/tea, and a visit to a tea factory for a tasting.
• Visitors can discover the charming town of Surmene, browse organic products, and learn about the region’s tea and knife-making traditions.
• Uzungol Lake provides a serene setting with stunning mountain and forest views, as well as an opportunity to visit a historic Ottoman Bridge.
• The tour is guided by English and Arabic-speaking professionals and accommodates up to 27 travelers, with a moderate level of physical fitness required.

Tour Overview

What’s the Uzungol Lake Tour all about? It’s a full-day bus trip from Trabzon, Turkey, that explores the Black Sea Coast, Uzungol Lake, a traditional Surmene knife shop, and an Ottoman bridge.

Operated by IBK Travel, this tour can accommodate up to 27 travelers. The excursion includes an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, coffee/tea, and a tea tasting.

It’s led by English and Arabic-speaking guides, starting at 9:30 am with pickup details provided a day in advance. Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour highlights include visiting a tea factory, exploring Surmene shops, and admiring the scenic Uzungol Lake and its surrounding landscapes.

Inclusions and Schedule

Along With the air-conditioned vehicle, the Uzungol Lake Tour includes lunch, coffee/tea, and a tea tasting.

The tour features an English and Arabic-speaking guide to assist travelers. The tour starts at 9:30 AM, with pickup details provided a day prior to the experience.

Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

The Uzungol portion of the tour lasts around 5 hours, allowing plenty of time to admire the scenic lake, steep Alps, and lush forests, as well as take a break for lunch.

Exploring Surmene

The tour starts with a visit to Surmene, a charming town on the Black Sea coast.

Travelers explore a traditional tea factory, where they’ll learn about the process of making Turkish tea and enjoy a tasting.

Next, they browse shops showcasing organic products and the region’s famous Surmene knives.

This stop lasts around 2 hours, and admission is free.

Visitors can enjoy the town’s vibrant culture and witness the skilled craftsmanship of the local artisans.

The tour guide provides insights into the history and significance of Surmene’s tea and knife-making traditions, enriching the overall experience.

Discovering Uzungol Lake

Following the scenic drive along the Black Sea coast, the tour arrives at the breathtaking Uzungol Lake.

Nestled among the steep Alps and lush forests, the lake offers a serene and picturesque setting. Travelers can take in the stunning views of the lake, with its tranquil waters and artificial waterfalls cascading down the surrounding cliffs.

The group enjoys a lunch break and leisure time to explore the area before visiting the nearby Ottoman Bridge.

This scenic stopover provides a chance to take in the natural beauty of the region, complementing the earlier visit to the traditional tea factory in Surmene.

Travelers’ Perspectives

Travelers’ experiences with the Uzungol Lake tour have been mixed, with both positive and critical feedback.

Many praised the tour’s punctuality and the scenic beauty of the lake, steep Alps, and lush forests.

However, some were disappointed with the guide’s language skills, which made communication challenging.

Plus, some travelers felt that the tour lacked organized activities, leading to a lack of structure during the free time.

Despite these criticisms, the tour generally received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Recommendations suggest booking the tour in person to potentially secure better pricing.

Tour Highlights

Uzungol Lake and its surrounding area offer a captivating array of natural wonders for visitors to explore.

The tour takes you to the traditional tea factory where you’ll enjoy a Turkish tea tasting, enjoying the local culture. You’ll then have the opportunity to explore the shops, finding organic products and the renowned Surmene knives.

After the tea stop, you’ll head to the breathtaking Uzungol Lake, where you can admire the steep Alps, lush forests, and artificial waterfalls during your lunch break and leisure time.

The tour also includes a visit to the historic Ottoman Bridge, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.

Physical Fitness Requirements

For the Uzungol Lake tour, a moderate level of physical fitness is required from travelers.

This full-day excursion involves some light walking, primarily around the scenic lake area. While the terrain is generally flat, there may be some uneven ground or gentle inclines to navigate.

Travelers should be able to comfortably walk for extended periods, as the tour includes a 2-hour visit to the Surmene knife shops and a 5-hour exploration of Uzungol Lake.

Individuals with mobility concerns or physical limitations may find certain aspects of the tour challenging.

It’s essential for participants to ensure they can handle the physical requirements before booking the experience.

Additional Booking Information

Confirmation is provided upon booking the Uzungol Lake tour. This full-day excursion from Trabzon, Turkey, is operated by IBK Travel and can accommodate up to 27 travelers.

Customers should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Pickup times may vary by hotel, with the exact time provided a day before the tour.

Booking can be made online, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

Travelers should keep in mind that some reviews have mentioned language barriers with the guide, so booking in person may provide better pricing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

According to the tour overview, there’s no mention of an option to customize the itinerary. The tour appears to have a fixed schedule and set activities, with no flexibility for travelers to modify the program.

What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted for Booking?

For this IBK Travel tour, customers can pay with a variety of methods, including cash, credit card, and online booking. The tour operator accepts multiple payment options to provide flexibility for travelers.

Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?

The tour operator doesn’t specify dietary accommodations. However, they do include lunch, coffee/tea, and a tea tasting, suggesting they may be able to cater to certain dietary needs if requested in advance.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Shopping at Each Location?

The tour allocates 2 hours for shopping at the Surmene knife shops and organic product stores. At Uzungol Lake, there’s a lunch break and leisure time before visiting the Ottoman Bridge, but the specific duration for shopping isn’t mentioned.

Can the Tour Be Booked for a Private Group Arrangement?

The tour can be booked for a private group arrangement, though the maximum group size is 27 travelers. Private group bookings may provide more flexibility in scheduling and activities compared to the standard tour.

Recap

This captivating full-day tour offers a chance to take in Uzungol Lake’s breathtaking natural beauty while savoring authentic Turkish tea and learning about local traditions. With ample time for exploration, the tour provides an unforgettable experience, blending serene landscapes, cultural insights, and professional guidance for an enriching day in Turkey’s stunning Northeastern region.