Day Trip

Sumela Monastery and Trabzon City Tour

Provider:
Enjoy the historic and natural beauty of Trabzon with the Sumela Monastery and Trabzon City Day Tour. Start at Altındere National Park, visit Sumela Monastery, explore Atatürk Mansion, discover Hagia Sophia Mosque, and take in panoramic views from Boztepe Hill.

About this activity

Duration 7 hours

Check availability to see starting times

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Live tour guide

English, Turkish

Instant Confirmation

Pick-up service

Mobile ticketing

Small group

5% off on your 1st booking

Use WELCOME promo code in checkout

Highlights

  • Explore the historic Sumela Monastery nestled in Altındere National Park and discover its fascinating architecture.
  • Walk through the lush forest to St.Barbara Chapel for breathtaking views of Sumela Monastery and the surrounding nature.
  • Visit the 13th-century Hagia Sophia Mosque, famous for its unique Byzantine frescoes and rich cultural history.
  • Discover the elegance of Atatürk Mansion, a fine example of 19th-century Trabzon architecture with stunning gardens.

Full description

Our tour starts from the designated meeting point, and our first stop is Sumela Monastery, located in Altındere National Park. We take the park's shuttle service to get closer to the monastery, and then visit St. Barbara Chapel (Aya Varvara Church), which offers stunning views of the monastery. We take a short break here to enjoy the scenery.

After this visit, we continue with a 350-meter walk through a forest path to reach the Sumela Monastery, built on a steep cliff. At the entrance, you'll be greeted by historic aqueducts, stone staircases, and medieval architecture. You will explore various parts of the monastery, including the Rock Church, chapels, and student rooms, and discover the rich history of this remarkable site. After the visit, we return to our vehicle and take a break for lunch, either at Altındere National Park or in Trabzon city center.

Following lunch, we proceed to visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya), a former Byzantine church built in the 13th century, famous for its rare frescoes. After our visit, we head to Atatürk Mansion. Along the way, we pass by Trabzon Castle, Gülbahar Hatun Mosque, Zagnos Valley, and the historic Ortahisar District. We visit the Atatürk Mansion, a stunning example of 19th-century Trabzon civil architecture, and enjoy some time in its beautifully designed gardens.

Finally, we make our way to Boztepe for panoramic views of Trabzon. At the end of the day, after visiting Boztepe, our tour concludes, and we bid farewell, hoping to see you on another tour.

Includes

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle
  • All trips specified in the program
  • Professional guiding service
  • Hotel pick-up service (optional)
  • Museum and Entrance fees
  • National Park shuttle service fee
  • Food and drinks

Meeting point

Atatürk Square (Meydan)

We meet in front of the exchange office located next to Burger King, across from McDonald's. Please arrive at the meeting point before the tour's departure time.

Important information

Important Information Before Your Tour:
Our tour departs from the designated meeting point in Trabzon city center at 9:00 AM. Hotel pick-ups are scheduled either before or after the tour’s departure time, depending on the operational plan. Our operations team will inform you of your exact pick-up time before the tour.

Additionally, please ensure you complete the Participant Information Form provided in the confirmation email.

Getting to Sumela Monastery:
A shuttle service is mandatory to reach the parking area and the start of the walking path to the monastery. The monastery is accessible via a 350-meter forest path, which is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Please note that there are several stairs to navigate during your visit to the monastery.

Lunch: Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant in Trabzon city center.

Entrance Fees (per person):

  • Sumela Monastery: 20 Euro
  • Shuttle Service Fee: 52 TL per person.
  • Atatürk Mansion: 70 TL 

What to Bring: 
Bring an ID or passport, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing, including a raincoat even in summer.

Important Note: Our guide/agency staff may change the itinerary depending on weather conditions.