Day 13 - Hopa - Rize (B, L, D)

This morning we will visit the picturesque Black Sea town of Hopa that nestles in the foothills of  a forested mountain close to the Turkish – Georgian border. We will visit the village of Sarp and the Azder Highlands. We will continue on to the tea growing area Rize for a brief visit. Rize is built on a mountain slope and covered with tea bushes that look like puffy green pillows. The vegetation is so dense in Rize that it is virtually impossible to see the ground. The shoreline and hinterland possess myriad shades of green. Rize is famous the world over for its flora and tea. There about 20 flowers that are unique to the Rize area. The verdant inner regions extend all the way to the shoreline, with mountains and highland meadows hovering overhead. The picture is completed as traditional villages and highland meadow houses blend in with nature to make an enriching contribution. Among all the natural beauty we will also see interesting mosques and typical village houses and the fortress. We will dine and spend the night in Rize.