PRIVATE TOUR

Daily From Istanbul: Sumela Monastery and Trabzon City Tour

Provider:
Explore Sumela Monastery and Trabzon City with our day trip from Istanbul. Visit the stunning Altındere National Park, Sumela’s ancient monastery, and Trabzon’s iconic sites including Hagia Sophia Mosque, Atatürk Mansion, and Boztepe. A perfect blend of history, culture, and nature in one day.

About this activity

Duration 10 hours

Check availability to see starting times

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund

Live tour guide

English, Turkish

Instant Confirmation

Mobile ticketing

Meet and greet service

Private group

5% off on your 1st booking

Use WELCOME promo code in checkout

Highlights

  • Discover Sumela Monastery, hidden in the lush Altındere National Park, with its ancient history and stunning views.
  • Explore Trabzon’s top sites, including the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Atatürk Mansion, on this immersive day trip.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Trabzon from Boztepe, a perfect stop for relaxation and stunning scenery.
  • A day trip ideal for combining Trabzon’s rich history, unique culture, and natural beauty in just one day.

Full description

After an early morning direct flight from Istanbul to Trabzon, our friendly team will greet you at Trabzon Airport. Your unforgettable day tour begins here, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture. Our first stop is the breathtaking Altındere National Park, home to one of the Black Sea’s most iconic landmarks, the Sumela Monastery. Following a scenic one-hour drive to the park, we take a shuttle closer to the monastery and enjoy a short 350-meter walk through the lush forest to reach this magnificent structure.

The Sumela Monastery, with its medieval stone stairways, aqueducts, and stunning architecture, will leave you in awe. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll explore key areas such as the guard rooms, library, kitchen, guest and student rooms, holy spring, and the main rock church. After soaking in the rich history, you can unwind at the nearby café, savoring the peaceful natural surroundings.

Following a short coffee break, we head back to Trabzon city center for the next leg of our journey. Our first city stop is the 13th-century Hagia Sophia Mosque, originally built as a Byzantine church and now a mosque. Its impressive frescoes and captivating architecture will transport you back in time. Next, we visit the iconic Atatürk Mansion, where Atatürk himself stayed during his visits to Trabzon. The mansion’s stunning design and beautifully landscaped gardens provide a perfect setting for a peaceful stroll.

After exploring the mansion, we continue our tour through Trabzon’s rich historical fabric, starting with Trabzon Castle and its surroundings. We then proceed to visit the Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, an important Ottoman-era structure known for its architectural beauty. As we walk across the Zagnos Bridge, we pass by the house believed to be the birthplace of Suleiman the Magnificent. Our historical exploration concludes with a visit to the Fatih Mosque, originally a Byzantine cathedral later converted into a mosque.

To wrap up the day, we head to Boztepe, one of Trabzon’s most scenic viewpoints, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the city below. Relax with a cup of tea while taking in the stunning landscape.

As the day comes to a close, your return to Trabzon Airport will be timed according to your departing flight. Alternatively, we can transfer you to your hotel in the city center. We hope this memorable Black Sea day trip will leave you with beautiful memories, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming you again!

Includes

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle
  • Welcome and greeting service at Trabzon Airport
  • Professional guiding service
  • All trips mentioned on the program
  • Lunch
  • Museum and site entrances
  • İstanbul-Trabzon flight tickets (available extra at checkout)
  • National Park shuttle fee

Important information

Things You Need to Know Before the Event:
Our tour starts and ends at Trabzon Airport. Alternatively, your tour can conclude at a hotel in Trabzon city center upon request. Your guide will assist you with these arrangements.

Our local agency will contact you before the tour’s departure time and may request your flight information, if applicable. Additionally, you are required to complete the Participant Information Form, which can be found in the reservation confirmation email sent to you.

Lunch Break Options:
You are free to choose the time and place for lunch throughout the program. You can decide based on your guide's suggestions and your preferences.

Flight Tickets:
You can include flight tickets during the reservation process by selecting from the additional service options.

Tour Cancellations:
In the case of tour cancellations, the cancellation and refund policies of the respective airlines will apply for flight tickets.

Entrance Fees (per person):

  • Sumela Monastery: 20 Euro
  • Shuttle Service: 52 TL 
  • Atatürk Mansion: 60 TL 
  • Boztepe Observation Terrace : 30 TL

What to Bring: Please bring your ID or passport, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Even in summer, it's recommended to carry a raincoat.

Important Note: Our guide/agency representative may make changes to the tour itinerary depending on weather conditions.