Rize tea plantations & Ayder Plateau
A scenic day (or 1–2 day) excursion through Rize province’s iconic tea terraces and the high-mountain meadow of Ayder Plateau (Ayder Yaylası). The activity mixes cultural immersion — visits to family-run tea gardens and tea houses — with nature: river valleys, waterfalls, wooden Hemshin villages and the lush, cool pastures of the Kaçkar foothills.
Location
Rize tea plantations & Ayder Plateau (Ayder Yaylası), Rize / Çamlıhemşin, Turkey
Duration
Typical 1-day (8–10 hours). Optional 1–2 day overnight stay in Ayder for more hiking and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit
Late April to October (best months: May–June and September–October). Avoid the wettest months of November–March if you prefer drier trails.
Pricing
Approximate prices (per person): Shared group day tour €40–€80; Private day tour €120–€250; 1-night package with accommodation in Ayder €150–€350. Prices vary by season, group size, and inclusions (meals, transfers, entrance fees).
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Walking through terraced tea gardens and seeing tea plucking (may–September).
Visiting a local tea processing house and enjoying fresh çay (Turkish tea) tastings.
Scenic drive through the Fırtına Valley, stopping at wooden suspension bridges and waterfalls.
Ayder Plateau — alpine meadows, wooden guesthouses, thermal springs and panoramic views of the Kaçkar foothills.
Short hikes to nearby waterfalls (e.g., Palovit, Gelin/Kuzgun) and viewpoints.
Meet local Hemshin villagers and learn about traditional architecture and cuisine.
Itinerary
Pickup from Rize or Pazar; drive through tea country.
Stop for photos of terraced tea fields and short stroll among the bushes.
Visit a tea garden and small processing (çay) house.
Demonstration of plucking and basic processing, followed by tea tasting and chance to buy fresh leaf or packaged Rize tea.
Drive to Fırtına Valley; visit wooden bridges and river viewpoints.
Optional short riverside walk; lunch at a local village restaurant (try muhlama, hamsi when in season).
Continue up to Ayder Plateau.
Scenic ascent with stops at waterfalls (Palovit, Gelin) and viewpoints. Arrive at Ayder for panoramic meadow views.
Explore Ayder — walk the plateau, visit thermal springs, relax in a teahouse or guesthouse.
Short easy hikes available; if overnighting, check into a wooden pension and enjoy local cuisine.
Return drive to Rize or overnight in Ayder.
Drive back through Fırtına Valley; evening arrival in Rize if doing a day tour.
Safety Requirements
Weather in the Kaçkar foothills is changeable — bring waterproof clothing and expect fog or rain even in summer.
Trails can be muddy and slippery after rain; wear sturdy, grippy footwear.
Altitude at Ayder is moderate (~1,350 m); those with serious medical conditions should consult a doctor before high-altitude walks.
Respect private tea plantations — ask before entering fields and avoid stepping on bushes.
Mobile phone reception can be patchy in valleys and on plateau — carry paper directions, a power bank and inform your accommodation of plans.
Tips
Bring layered clothing — mornings and evenings at Ayder are cool even in summer.
Carry cash (Turkish lira) for small purchases, teas, tips, and some guesthouses that don’t accept cards.
Try local specialties: muğla/muhlama, local cheeses, and seasonal trout or anchovy dishes.
Buy freshly packed Rize tea from producers — they will vacuum-seal for travel.
If photographing tea pickers, ask politely first; a small tip is appreciated.
Allow time for slow stops — the drive and small villages invite short photo and tea breaks.
If you want hiking beyond the plateau (Kaçkar peaks), hire a local guide and consider an extra night or two.
