RIZE: THE KAÇKAR SKYRUNNING EXPERIENCE

8 days Not CancellableMeet on locationInstant confirmationMin age 12+Guided by S4HT
RIZE: THE KAÇKAR SKYRUNNING EXPERIENCERIZE: THE KAÇKAR SKYRUNNING EXPERIENCE
Play video View all (2)
Not CancellableMeet on locationInstant confirmationMin age 12+Guided

Why we love it?

This 8-day trail running experience in Rize, Türkiye, centers on the Eastern Black Sea’s rugged terrain and cultural heritage, with daily runs through the İgnar Merze valley, Sakura Plateau, and Sırt Plateau. Participants will summit Marsis at 3,150 meters while supported by expert guides, satellite communication, and hydration stations along technical single-tracks designed to challenge advanced runners. The historic Şatıroğlu Guest House serves as a base for recovery, offering traditional Black Sea culinary masterclasses where you can learn to prepare Muhlama and Laz Böreği, alongside cultural activities like tea-harvesting workshops and Horon folk dance celebrations. Nature immersion includes forest bathing in humid rainforests and river-cooling sessions by the Fırtına River beneath ancient stone bridges, blending athletic challenge with local traditions and natural beauty. This tour suits trail runners seeking a combination of endurance training and cultural engagement in a remote mountain setting.

Inclusions

  • 7 Nights Stay: Enjoy an authentic stay at the historic Şatıroğlu Guest House.
  • Round-trip Transfers: Group transfers to and from Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) are included.
  • Professional Guidance: Access to 6 days of expert trail running guidance.
  • Safety & Communication: Lead and sweep guides for every run, equipped with satellite communication and first aid.
  • Full Board: Daily breakfast, lunch packs prepared for the trail, and traditional dinners are provided.
  • Unlimited Refreshments: Access to unlimited tea, coffee, and water throughout your stay.
  • On-Trail Support: Mobile hydration and nutrition stations positioned at accessible trail intersections approximately every 7–10 km.
  • Black Sea Culinary Masterclass: A hands-on workshop at the Guest House to learn how to make local delicacies like Muhlama and Laz Böreği.
  • Tea Harvesting Workshop: Opportunity to join local workers in the fields to harvest and traditionally dry your own tea.
  • River Cooling Experience: A post-run recovery session soaking legs in the ice-cold Fırtına River, followed by coffee at a 300-year-old stone bridge.
  • Horon Dance Training: A final celebration featuring training in the rhythmic steps of traditional local folk dance.
  • Village Family Lunch: A mid-run stop at a local family home for authentic home-cooked meals.

Exclusions

  • Travel & Protection: Flight tickets to and from Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) are not included.
  • Insurance: Personal sports insurance is not provided and must be arranged independently.
  • Personal Costs: Personal expenses and any alcoholic beverages are at the traveler's own expense.
  • Private Transfers: Individual transfers outside of the scheduled group times are available for 70 €.
  • Specialized Workshops: While some activities are included in specific itineraries, additional sessions can be purchased:Black Sea Culinary Workshop: 20 € per person.Tea Harvesting & Traditional Processing: 40 € per person.Black Sea Night & Folklore Culture: 40 € per person.River Cooling/Stone Bridge Experience: 30 € per person.

Itinerary

Meet at Rize Airport

Day 8

Turkiye Rize Trail Running & Trekking Routes

  • This professional trail running itinerary follows the high standards of S4ht.com

    EXPERIENCE ITINERARY

    Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Welcome Agenda: Group transfer from Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) to the historic Şatıroğlu Guest House.+3

    Run: Light coastal "shake-out" run to acclimatize to the Black Sea air.+1

    Point of Interest: Black Sea Shoreline. Experience the dramatic transition from sea level to the mountain foothills.+1

    Daily Peak Experience: Coastal Sunset Dinner. A welcome feast at a specialized Black Sea seafood restaurant by the shore.+1Day 2: The Tea Heritage Trail (Route 3) Agenda: Run from Süneryalı Doğuş Tea Factory to the Şatıroğlu Guest House via the Osman Orhon Mansion.

    Technical: 15 km (Mixed terrain: 10 km concrete, 5 km dirt road).

    Point of Interest: Osman Orhon Mansion. A glimpse into the architectural heritage of the region.

    Daily Peak Experience: Tea Harvesting Workshop. Join local workers in the fields to harvest and traditionally dry your own tea.+2Day 3: The Hidden Forest Path (Route 10) Agenda: A technical single-track run from Çağlayan Stone Bridge through Maden Tepe to İgnar Merze.

    Technical: 11 km (100% technical single-track path).

    Elevation: Maden Tepe (400m) and İgnar Merze (350m).

    Point of Interest: Fırtına River. Run alongside the roaring glacial waters that define the valley.+1

    Daily Peak Experience: River Cooling. Post-run recovery session by soaking legs in the ice-cold river, followed by Turkish coffee at a 300-year-old stone bridge.+2Day 4: Ancient Highland Footpaths (Route 4) Agenda: Climb from Açhozli Cave through Salma Waterfall to reach Çatak Plateau.

    Technical: 10 km (100% ancient mountain footpaths).

    Elevation: Finish at Çatak Plateau (1,506m).

    Point of Interest: Salma Waterfall. A hidden gem deep within the rainforest trails.

    Daily Peak Experience: Village Family Lunch. A mid-run stop at a local family home for authentic "home-cooked" fuel and stories of mountain life.+1Day 5: High Plateau Skyrunning (Route 5) Agenda: High-altitude transition from Çatak Plateau to Sakura Plateau.

    Technical: 10 km (100% ancient mountain footpaths).

    Elevation: Reach Sakura Plateau (2,738m).

    Daily Peak Experience: Black Sea Culinary Masterclass. A hands-on workshop learning to make Muhlama and Laz Böreği for a high-carb recovery dinner.+2Day 6: The Marsis Summit Finale (Route 11) Agenda: The ultimate "Skyrunning" challenge. Trek from Çamlık Plateau to the Marsis Summit and return via the lakes.

    Technical: 6-hour duration (Difficulty 4/6).

    Point of Interest: Glacial Lakes. Visit Çalikan Lake, Green Lake, and the "Three Lakes" slope.

    Elevation: Marsis Summit (3,150m).

    Daily Peak Experience: Forest Bathing & Stargazing. A mindful afternoon in the ferns, followed by a midnight bonfire above the clouds.+1Day 7: The Grand Descent (Route 7) Agenda: Run from the high ridges of Sırt Plateau down to the historical arches of Arhavi.

    Technical: 15 km (12 km dirt road, 3 km concrete).

    Point of Interest: Double Arch Bridge (Çifte Kemer). One of the most iconic historical structures in the Black Sea region.

    Daily Peak Experience: Horon Folk Dance Training. Celebrate your journey by learning the rhythmic steps of the local Horon dance.+2Day 8: Departure Agenda: Final traditional breakfast, group photo, and transfer back to Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV).+1

Meeting / Pickup

Rize Airport

Please Note

  • Limited sight accessible
  • Limited mobility accessible
  • Physical Requirements & DifficultyTechnical Terrain: While daily distances are capped at approximately 21 km, the vertical gain and terrain profiles mirror the challenging "Skyrunning" standards found in the Kaçkar by UTMB races.
  • Altitude: The itinerary includes high-altitude challenges, reaching a peak elevation of 3,150m at the Marsis Summit.
  • Difficulty Rating: The most challenging route (Marsis Summit) is rated 4/6 in difficulty and requires approximately 6 hours of sustained physical effort.
  • Fitness Level: This experience is designed for athletes and trail runners capable of handling steep vertical inclines and technical single-track paths.
  • Health & Safety StandardsUTMB Standard Support: The trip provides professional safety measures, including lead and sweep guides for every run.
  • Communication: Guides are equipped with satellite communication and comprehensive first aid kits.
  • Hydration: Mobile hydration and nutrition stations are positioned at accessible trail intersections roughly every 7–10 km.
  • Insurance: Travelers are responsible for securing their own sports insurance, as it is not included in the package.
  • Accessibility & LogisticsTerrain Accessibility: Due to the nature of "Skyrunning" and ancient mountain footpaths, these routes are not wheelchair accessible and require high levels of mobility.
  • Age & Suitability: The program is tailored for trail running athletes and active individuals; it may not be suitable for infants or those with limited physical endurance.
  • Accommodation: Guests will stay at the historic Şatıroğlu Guest House, which offers an authentic mountain experience.
  • Transfers: Round-trip group transfers are provided from Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV).

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable booking

Similar Tours

More From S4HT

From $1,547.27 Per 1 adult