Day Trip

Sumela Monastery Tour Zigana Pass and Hamsikoy

5.0
Provider:
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.

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

Mobile ticketing

Small group

Limited to a maximum of 15 participants

5% off on your 1st booking

Use WELCOME promo code in checkout

Highlights

  • Discover Sumela Monastery with local tour commentary inside Altindere National Park.
  • Capture iconic views of Sumela Monastery from St. Barbara Chapel viewpoint.
  • Enjoy panoramic mountain scenery at Zigana Pass on the ancient Silk Road.
  • Take a lunch break in Hamsikoy and taste its famous traditional rice pudding.
  • Enhance your tour with an optional visit to the impressive Karaca Cave.

Full description

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.

Includes

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

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

Before the Tour:

  • The tour departs at 09:30 AM from the meeting point in Trabzon city center.
  • Hotel pickups may take place before or after this time, depending on operations.
  • Your exact pickup time will be shared in advance.
  • Please complete the Participant Information Form sent after your booking.

Sumela Monastery Visit:

  • Shuttle service is mandatory to access Altindere National Park.
  • The visit includes a 350-meter forest path and many steps.
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Lunch:

  • Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Zigana or Hamsikoy.
  • Lunch is not included in the tour price.
  • Credit cards are accepted.

Entrance Fees (per person):

  • Sumela Monastery: 20 Euro (cash in TL or by credit card)
  • Shuttle service: 70 TL (cash only)
  • Karaca Cave (optional): 100 TL (cash or by credit card)

What to Bring:

  • ID or passport
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (a raincoat is recommended, even in summer)

Note: The itinerary may change due to weather or operational conditions.

Customer reviews

5.0
Based on %49 reviews
Excellent46
Very good3
Average0
Poor0
Terrible0