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A TCW-verified local partner in Trabzon
Limited to a maximum of 15 participants
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Explore Sumela Monastery, Zigana Pass, and Hamsikoy on this full-day tour from Trabzon. Enjoy a lunch break in Hamsikoy, then optionally enhance your journey with a visit to Karaca Cave. A well-paced day combining history, nature, and scenic routes awaits.
On this full-day tour from Trabzon, get ready to explore some of the Black Sea region’s most iconic historical and natural landmarks. Departing in the morning, our journey begins with a scenic drive to Altindere National Park, a lush valley surrounded by dense forests and mountain landscapes. After using the park shuttle services, we reach the starting point of a short forest walk leading to Sumela Monastery.
Before entering the monastery, we stop at St. Barbara Chapel (Aya Varvara Church), one of the best viewpoints for photographing Sumela Monastery from above. Accompanied by your tour leader, you then explore the monastery’s main rock church, frescoes, and living quarters, gaining insight into its remarkable history and cliffside architecture. After the guided visit, free time is provided to explore the surroundings or enjoy the views at your own pace.
Following the Sumela Monastery visit, we continue towards Zigana Pass, one of the most important geographical and historical crossings of the Eastern Black Sea region. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Zigana Pass is known for its panoramic mountain views and cool, fresh air. Short stops are made here to enjoy the scenery and capture photos of the dramatic landscapes.
The final main stop of the day is Hamsikoy, a charming mountain village famous for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional rice pudding. During the lunch break, you can enjoy local dishes, followed by free time to take short walks around the village and experience rural Black Sea life. At the end of the tour, we return to Trabzon by a comfortable drive.
Optional Visit: Karaca Cave
Depending on your reservation preference, you may enhance your tour with a visit to the world-famous Karaca Cave. Guests choosing this option continue the journey after the Hamsikoy stop towards the Gümüşhane region. Known for its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and travertine formations, Karaca Cave is explored with guidance, offering a fascinating underground experience. After the visit, the return journey to Trabzon begins.
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.
Open in Google MapsBefore the Tour:
Sumela Monastery Visit:
Lunch:
Entrance Fees (per person):
What to Bring:
Note: The itinerary may change due to weather or operational conditions.
La meilleure expérience de ma vie avec un guide et son chauffeur. Habituellement, les guides sont bruyants et peu efficaces. Cette guide a été agréable, souriante, présente sans être étouffante. Excellente conduite du chauffeur. Merci à vous 2. Malgré ce temps couvert, vous avez ébloui le ciel par votre présence. Jacques
Great day today, we could visit Sümela monastery and see great views around the Trabzon area. Both guide and driver were very nice and helpful!
This was a very nice trip to monastery, top of the mountain and Hamsikoy village for the lunch. All in all it was a good time and special thanks to the team of guide and driver. They were polite, humble and very nice. Worth making this trip
It was an oustanding trip we had in Trabzon and I strongly reccomend to join if you visit here. Our guide and driver were friendly and working hard to make our trip great. They offer another tour so now we are interested in it too.
This tour exceeded all my expectations. Our guide and driver were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and made every moment engaging. The itinerary was perfectly paced, the scenery absolutely breathtaking, and the small group felt personal and comfortable. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish. If you’re thinking about doing this tour, just book it. You won’t regret it! Highly recommended!