The Ports of Black Sea

Samsun
Samsun in northern Türkiye is the largest city on the southern coast of the Black Sea. The most important Turkish port on the Black Sea, it is also a major tobacco-processing center and an agricultural market. The ancient Amisus, it was founded (6th Century B.C.) by Greek colonists, became an important city of the kingdom of Pontus, and was much favored under the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages it was held by the Byzantines, the Seljuk Turks, the Genoese, and the Empire of Trebizond before falling (14th cent.) to the Ottoman Turks. On May 19, 1919, Kemal Atatürk landed at Samsun to organize.

Some Excursion Highlights; * Atatürk Museum   * Archaeological Museum  * Amasya * Village life on green highlands

Sinop
Historically Sinop is a seaport on the southern coast of the Black Sea in northern Türkiye. Ancient Sinop was founded by colonists from Miletus in the 8th cent. B.C., According to the legend, Sinop was founded by the Amazons and later destroyed and it was rebuilt after its destruction (7th century B.C.) by the Cimmerians. Sinop was the birthplace of Diogenes and was in the antiquity the foremost port on the coast, with its land approaches barred by a huge citadel (now in ruins) and its sea side defended by a strong wall.

Some Excursion Highlights; * Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum  * Alaeddin Mosque   * Hamsilos Bay   * Thatca Waterfalls

Trabzon
Trabzon was founded by the merchants from Sinope around 1.000 B.C. and today it is the most important city in the region. It leans with its back against the Eastern Black Sea Mountains. The city is famous for its natural and historical treasures. The province of Trabzon is filled with ruins and historical artefacts that range from castles to monasteries.. Of all the natural and other wonders of the province, perhaps the world famous Sumela monastery best typifies what Trabzon has to offer.

Some Excursion Highlights; * Atatürk Museum  * St. Sophia Church  * Sumela Monatery  * Church of St. Eugenius