Sumela Monastery and Uzungöl Tour

From Trabzon: Sumela Monastery & Uzungöl Day Tour Discover the natural beauty, history, and traditions of the Black Sea region on a full-day tour from Trabzon, departing at 10:00 AM. Sumela Monastery: Visit the spectacular 4th-century monastery built into cliffs 1,200 meters above sea level. Enjoy its historic frescoes, unique architecture, and breathtaking mountain views. Tea Factory: Discover how traditional Turkish tea is produced, from fresh leaves to your cup, and enjoy tea tasting. Sürmene Knife Shop: Explore the region's famous handcrafted knives and enjoy a short shopping break. Uzungöl Lake: Enjoy 1.5 hours of free time to walk around the beautiful lake, take photos, relax at cafés, or taste local specialties. Historical Kiremitli Bridge: Stop for a 10-minute photo break at this charming bridge built in 1935. Return to Trabzon: Approximately 7:00 PM, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

1. 1

   Sumela Monastery

   1.5 hours

   It is believed that the church was built between 365-395 AD. The rules of Cappadocia churches, which are frequently encountered in Anatolia, were made; in fact, there is a similar cave church in the Maşatlık area of ​​Trabzon. Little can be said about the thousand-year period between the first foundation of the church and its conversion into a monastery. According to a legend told among the Black Sea Greeks, two monks named Barnabas and Sophronios of Athens had the same dream; in their dreams, they saw the place of Sumela where the icon was located, out of the three Panagia icons made by Saint Luke in the children of Jesus. Thereupon, unaware of the events, they came to Trabzon by sea, met there, told each other about their dreams and thought that the first church could be built. However, the fact that it is widely present in the frescoes in the monastery makes it thought that Emperor Alexios III of Trebizond, who is given special importance, is the real founder of the monastery.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   30 min

   we start our visit to the tea factory, which is very important for the regional economy since tea production is only done in the Black Sea region in Turkey. Here, we get information about the adventure of tea leaves from gardens to cups and have the opportunity to try different types of tea.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   20 min

   Afterwards, we stop by a sales office where we can taste and buy different kinds of Turkish delight, chocolate, coffee and aromatic teas.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   10 min

   When we reach Uzungöl, we first go up to the Observation Terrace and take our photos while watching the view of Uzungöl.

5. 5

   Uzungol

   2 hours

   After visiting the Observation Terrace, we give you about 2 hours of free time by the lake. During this time, you can walk around Uzungöl or visit the Dursun Ali İnan Museum. At the end of our free time, we start our return journey.

6. 6

   Hapsiyas Kiremitli Kopru

   10 min

   On the way back, we take a 10-minute photo break at the Historical Tiled Bridge, which was built in 1935. Depending on the season and traffic conditions, we will arrive in Trabzon between 18:00 and 19:00 in the evening.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• The remaining 3 hours 45 minutes is for travel time.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.