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Kastamonu... Kastamonu is a lovely city hidden in the midst of forests. The beauty of the 12th century Byzantine castle at the foot of the hill welcomes you. The 13th century Atabey Mosque and the Ibni Neccar Mosque are worth visiting. In the village of Kasaba you will have the opportunity to see one of the most elegant wood carvings of Türkiye, on the Mahmut Bey Mosque. The Ilgaz National Park is 63 km south of Kastamonu. It is a perfect destination for mountaineering and especially for winter sports since there is a ski - center with good accommodation facilities. The landscape at from the Ilgaz Mountain (2,587 m) is breathtaking; you will want to take some photographs. The Kizilirmak River contributes to that marvelous picture of the city. The Ilgarini cave at Cide, the Alinca underground cave at Kure, and the International Equestrian Tourism Center of Daday are the other attractions. Inebolu, 100 kms north of Kastamonu, is a typical Black Sea town, exhibiting fine examples of traditional Turkish architecture in the midst of greenery. To the east of Inebolu is the Abana holiday center. To the west is Cide with good hotels and sandy beaches, as well as the dreamlike Gideros Bay. Situated inland amid beautiful forests, the provincial center of Kastamonu has preserved its important monuments : the 12th century Byzantine castle, the 13th century Atabey Mosque and the Ibni Neccar Mosque of 1356. The Archaeological and Etnographic Museum displays artifacts found in the region. Near the town is Evkaya, a rock tomb dating from the sixth century BC. In the village of Kasaba, the 14th century Mahmut Bey Mosque retains some of the finest wood carvings found anywhere in Türkiye. 41 km west of Kastamonu via Daday, Cömlekciler village has traditional timber houses, and farms offering country horseback riding-tours. 63 km south of Kastamonu, the road brings you to Ilgaz National Park, a delightful protected area which includes the Ilgaz Mountains; a ski center possesses good accommodation. In Tosya, east of the park by the Devrez and Kizilirmak rivers, extensive rice fields cover the landscape. Safranbolu originally takes its name from the saffron fields that dotted the area in the 19th century. Today, saffron fields abound in the village of Davutobasi, 20 km away, where a thriving saffron business continues. Before leaving, be sure not to miss the Arasta (Old Bazaar) where you can watch craftsmen at work and bargain with them for their goods.

The "lokum" (Turkish Delight) is also a special treat, unique among lokum connossieurs and a must to sample.