5 days · Black Sea
The western Black Sea from Abant to Kastamonu
From the forests of Abant and Yedigöller to Amasra's castle, and from the wooden houses of Safranbolu to the Valla Canyon and Kastamonu.
- Day 1
Abant and Güzeldere
- 09.00–11.00 · Mudurnu, BoluLake AbantA mountain lake ringed by pine and fir forest.
🚗 94,3 km · 96 min
12.36–14.36 · Gölyaka, DüzceGüzeldere WaterfallA waterfall dropping from a height in a wooded valley.
🍽️ What to eat: Abant kebab
🛏️ Where to stay: Abant or central Bolu
- Day 2
Yedigöller
🚗 116,2 km · 136 min
11.16–13.16 · BoluYedigöller National ParkSeven connected lakes in the forest; a riot of colour in autumn.
The forest road may close in winter.
🍽️ What to eat: Abant kebab
🛏️ Where to stay: Central Bolu
- Day 3
Ereğli and Amasra
🚗 89,6 km · 110 min
10.50–12.50 · Ereğli, ZonguldakCehennemağzı CavesCaves told in myth as where Heracles descended to the underworld.🚗 157,7 km · 130 min
15.00–17.00 · Amasra, BartınAmasra CastleA castle wrapping the peninsula, bearing Roman, Byzantine and Genoese traces.
🍽️ What to eat: Amasra salad
📍 Where to eat:- Ereğli strawberries: A strawberry festival is held in May-June.
- Fish and Amasra salad: At the harbour restaurants.
🛏️ Where to stay: Amasra: guesthouses and boutique hotels
- Day 4
Safranbolu
🚗 93,4 km · 83 min
10.23–12.23 · Safranbolu, KarabükHistoric Houses of SafranboluA UNESCO-listed Ottoman town of timber houses and a historic bazaar.
Spending a night in one of the mansion hotels near the old bazaar is a nice idea.
📍 Where to eat:- Saffron lokum and zerde: At the confectioners in the bazaar.
🛏️ Where to stay: Safranbolu: historic mansion hotels
- Day 5
The Valla Canyon and Kastamonu
🚗 100,7 km · 121 min
11.01–13.01 · Pınarbaşı, KastamonuValla CanyonA deep and challenging canyon in Küre Mountains National Park.🚗 131,6 km · 147 min
15.28–17.28 · KastamonuKastamonu CastleA historic castle on the rocky hill above the city.
Crossing the canyon needs experience and a guide; you can also enjoy the view from the viewpoints.