Trabzon: 4-Day Eastern Black Sea Tour

Discover the Eastern Black Sea on a 4-day tour from Trabzon, visiting Sumela Monastery, Zigana Pass, Hamsikoy, Ayder Plateau, Firtina Valley and Uzungol. Enjoy 4- or 5-star hotels, breakfast, local guiding, arrival transfer from Trabzon Airport and day tours through the region’s nature and culture.

• Explore Sumela Monastery, Zigana Pass and Hamsikoy: history, mountain scenery and distinctive Black-Sea flavors.
• Discover Firtina Valley and Ayder Plateau: stone bridges, waterfalls and traditional Black-Sea highland scenery.
• Follow Solakli Valley toward Uzungol: panoramic views, relaxing walks and characteristic Black Sea landscapes.
• Stay in selected 4/5-star Trabzon hotels with breakfast, transfers and carefully planned full-day sightseeing.

1. IntroIntroduction

   See the essential landscapes of Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region in four days, while using Trabzon as a comfortable base throughout your stay. Instead of changing hotels as you travel, you stay in Trabzon city center and head out on three different full-day routes: Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Hamsikoy; Firtina Valley and Ayder Plateau; and Uzungol with Solakli Valley.

   For first-time visitors, the itinerary offers a useful introduction to what makes this part of Turkey different from the country’s better-known western and Mediterranean regions. You will move from the Black Sea coast into forested valleys and mountain landscapes, visit the cliffside Sumela Monastery, see traditional highland scenery around Ayder, follow the Firtina River past tea-growing areas and stone bridges, and spend time at Uzungol, one of northern Turkey’s best-known mountain destinations. Optional rafting and zipline activities are also available in Firtina Valley for travelers who want to add a more active experience.

   With 3 nights in a selected 4- or 5-star hotel, daily breakfast, scheduled sightseeing, local guiding, transportation, arrival transfer from Trabzon Airport and final drop-off in Trabzon, the main logistics are already arranged. It is a practical choice for travelers who have limited time but want a structured first look at the Eastern Black Sea without rushing between different hotels each night.

2. Day 1Arrival in Trabzon and Hotel Transfer

   Upon arrival at Trabzon Airport, you will be met according to the flight details provided with your booking and transferred to your 4- or 5-star hotel in Trabzon city center, based on the accommodation category you selected. Standard hotel check-in is from 14:00, while earlier access to your room depends on availability.

   The rest of the day is free, with no scheduled sightseeing. You may relax after your journey or make use of your central location to explore Trabzon city center at your own pace. Meydan Square, local cafés, restaurants and shopping streets are all within easy reach from centrally located hotels.

   To make the best use of your travel time, we recommend choosing a flight that arrives in Trabzon at 19:00 or later. This allows for a relaxed first evening before the full sightseeing program begins the following morning with Sumela Monastery, Zigana Pass and Hamsikoy.

   Accommodation

   • Usta Park Hotel · 4-star · or similar
   • Zorlu Grand Hotel · 5-star · or similar

   Included activities

   • Meet and greet at Trabzon Airport with private transfer to your city-center hotel

   Special info

   As no guided sightseeing is scheduled on the first day, we recommend choosing a flight that arrives in Trabzon at 19:00 or later to make better use of your travel time.

   Guests arriving in Trabzon by intercity bus or private vehicle should make their own way to the hotel. Standard hotel check-in time is 14:00, and early check-in is subject to room availability. Guests arriving by car may use the hotel’s free parking.

3. Day 2Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Hamsikoy

   After breakfast, we leave Trabzon and travel through the scenic Macka Valley to Altindere National Park. From here, the included park shuttle takes us to the monastery approach point. We then continue on foot along a forest path and stepped section of approximately 350 metres to reach Sumela Monastery. On the way, we pause near St. Barbara Chapel for panoramic views and photographs of the monastery set dramatically into the cliffside.

   With a local guiding service, we explore Sumela’s main rock church, frescoes, chapels and living quarters, while learning about the monastery’s history and remarkable mountain setting. A short period of free time follows for photographs and independent exploration.

   We then continue towards Zigana Pass, historically linked with the Silk Road, stopping to enjoy the mountain scenery. Our final stop is Hamsikoy, where you have free time for lunch and may try the village’s famous traditional rice pudding. Afterwards, we return to your hotel in Trabzon.

   Accommodation

   • Usta Park Hotel · 4-star · or similar
   • Zorlu Grand Hotel · 5-star · or similar

   Meals

   • Breakfast at your hotel

   Included activities

   • Guided visit to Sumela Monastery with a local guide
   • Scenic photo stop near St. Barbara Chapel
   • Scenic stop at Zigana Pass
   • Visit to Hamsikoy

   Special info

   The route to Sumela Monastery includes a forest path and sections of stairs, so the site is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

   The Sumela Monastery entrance fee is €20 per person and is not included in the tour price. For cash payments, the equivalent amount must be paid in Turkish lira at the ticket office. Visa and Mastercard are also accepted.

4. Day 3Ayder Plateau and Firtina Valley

   After breakfast at the hotel, we travel east from Trabzon along the Black Sea coast toward Ardesen and Firtina Valley. Tea gardens, traditional wooden houses and the fast-flowing Firtina River shape the scenery as we continue inland, with short stops along the way. Guests who wish may join optional rafting or zipline activities, subject to weather, water levels and operator availability, while those preferring a slower pace can simply relax by the river.

   Continuing through the valley, we see the region’s characteristic historic stone arch bridges before climbing toward the foothills of the Kackar Mountains. At approximately 1,350 metres above sea level, we reach Ayder Plateau, where you can enjoy views of Gelintulu Waterfall, walk among traditional wooden houses and spend free time at your own pace.

   During the lunch break, you may try local dishes such as muhlama and cornbread. In the afternoon, we return to Trabzon through Firtina Valley and drop you off at your hotel in the city center.

   Accommodation

   • Usta Park Hotel · 4-star · or similar
   • Zorlu Grand Hotel · 5-star · or similar

   Meals

   • Breakfast at your hotel

   Included activities

   • Visit to Ayder Plateau
   • View of Gelintulu Waterfall

   Optional activities

   • Rafting in Firtina Valley
   • Zipline in Firtina Valley

   Special info

   Rafting and zipline are subject to weather conditions, river levels and the operating conditions of local providers.

   As weather and road conditions can change quickly in the plateau and valley areas, the order of stops may be adjusted when necessary for operational reasons.

5. Day 4Uzungol, Solakli Valley and Return to Trabzon

   After breakfast, complete your hotel check-out and depart for the final sightseeing day of the tour. Following the Black Sea coast, our first stop is Surmene, where you can learn about the region’s traditional knife-making craftsmanship. We then visit a tea factory to see how Black Sea tea is processed and enjoy a tea tasting.

   From Of, the route turns inland and follows the green landscapes of Solakli Valley toward Uzungol. On arrival, we visit the Uzungol Observation Terrace for panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains, followed by the artificial waterfalls. You then have free time around the lake for walking, lunch, cafés or shopping at your own pace.

   At approximately 16:00, we begin the return journey to Trabzon. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the tour is expected to finish between 18:00 and 19:00 at Trabzon city center or Trabzon Airport.

   Meals

   • Breakfast at your hotel

   Included activities

   • Visit to a Surmene knives factory outlet
   • Tea factory visit with tea tasting
   • Visit to the Uzungol Observation Terrace
   • Visit to the artificial waterfalls in Uzungol

   Special info

   If you are flying out of Trabzon on the same day, we recommend booking a flight departing at 20:30 or later to allow sufficient time for possible traffic or operational delays.

   The Uzungol Observation Terrace entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid locally.

• 3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a selected 4-star or 5-star hotel in Trabzon city center
• 3 full-day tours: Sumela–Zigana–Hamsikoy, Ayder–Firtina Valley and Uzungol
• Local guiding service during the scheduled day tours
• Comfortable transportation throughout the tour program
• Arrival transfer from Trabzon Airport to your hotel
• Drop-off at Trabzon city center or Trabzon Airport at the end of the tour
• Altindere National Park shuttle service for the Sumela Monastery visit
• Compulsory package tour insurance under Turkish travel regulations
• VAT and applicable taxes for the listed services