Trabzon: Sumela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsikoy Daily Tour

The historic Trabzon province in northeastern Turkey offers visitors a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures. One of the region’s premier attractions is the Sumela Monastery, a centuries-old Orthodox Christian complex perched dramatically on a cliffside amidst the rugged Pontic Mountains. Coupled with the enchanting Karaca Cave and the picturesque village of Hamsikoy, this comprehensive daily tour provides an immersive experience that showcases the diverse riches of Trabzon. With knowledgeable guides, convenient logistics, and mouthwatering local cuisine, this adventure promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the captivating history and breathtaking landscapes that define this remarkable corner of Turkey.

Key Points

• The daily tour explores Trabzon’s historical, cultural, and natural sites, including the Sumela Monastery, Zigana Mountain Summit, and Karaca Cave.
• The tour provides a 1.5-hour visit to the Sumela Monastery, a 1-hour lunch stop in the picturesque village of Hamsikoy, and a 30-minute exploration of Gümüşhane Province.
• Scenic views from the Zigana Mountain Summit at 2,000 meters and the exploration of Karaca Cave with its stunning stalactites and travertines are highlights of the tour.
• The tour offers a comprehensive experience to discover the four seasons of the Black Sea region, including sampling local cuisine and gaining historical insights.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 48 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, organized structure, and reliable transportation.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This daily tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Trabzon’s historical, cultural, and natural wonders, including the iconic Sumela Monastery, the awe-inspiring Zigana Mountain Summit, and the captivating Karaca Cave.

Priced from £41.47 per person and lasting 8.5 hours, the tour is available in Arabic, English, and Turkish.

Pickup and drop-off are provided from 11 convenient locations in the area, allowing for seamless transportation.

Highlights include a 1.5-hour visit to the renowned Sumela Monastery, a leisurely lunch stop in the charming village of Hamsikoy, and breathtaking views from the Zigana Mountain Summit at an altitude of 2,000 meters.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy the region’s rich Greek Orthodox heritage and savor the flavors of local cuisine.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights a diverse array of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, commencing with a 1.5-hour visit to the renowned Sumela Monastery, where visitors can enjoy the region’s Greek Orthodox heritage. Travelers will then enjoy a 1-hour lunch stop in the picturesque village of Hamsikoy, followed by a 30-minute visit to the Gümüşhane Province. The tour also includes a 25-minute stop at the Zigana Mountain Summit, offering scenic vistas at an altitude of 2,000 meters, and a visit to the Torul Glass Terrace, a 240-meter-high attraction. Finally, the tour explores the Karaca Cave, known for its stunning stalactites and travertines, and offers opportunities to sample regional delicacies.

Itinerary Highlights	Duration
Sumela Monastery	1.5 hours
Hamsikoy	1 hour
Gümüşhane Province	30 minutes
Zigana Mountain Summit	25 minutes

Experience and Highlights

Travelers embarking on this Trabzon tour can expect to discover the diverse four seasons of the Black Sea region in a single day, seeing the area’s rich Greek Orthodox history and breathtaking natural landscapes.

From the scenic views atop the Zigana Mountain Summit at 2,000 meters to the exploration of the historical and natural wonders at the Sumela Monastery, the tour offers a well-rounded experience.

Indulging in the local cuisine, including the renowned Hamsikoy rice pudding, and visiting the Torul Glass Terrace further enhance the immersive cultural experience.

With knowledgeable guides and an organized itinerary, this tour provides an opportunity to appreciate the unique blend of Trabzon’s heritage and natural beauty.

Important Information

Cancellation of the tour is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring rain gear, as the tour involves a 350-meter climb to reach the Sumela Monastery and includes travel on non-smooth roads.

Consumption of alcohol and drugs isn’t permitted during the tour.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with significant physical limitations, as the climb to the monastery can be challenging.

Guests should be prepared for the demands of the tour, which combines sightseeing, culture, and moderate physical activity.

Adherence to the guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

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Customer Reviews

Based on the 48 reviews received, customers have generally provided positive feedback regarding the Trabzon: Sumela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsikoy Daily Tour.

Reviewers consistently praised the knowledgeable guides, well-organized tour structure, and the opportunity to savor local cuisine in picturesque settings.

However, some guests have expressed concerns about the quality of communication in English and certain aspects of the tour’s service delivery.

The tour received an overall rating of 4.7/5, with high marks for transportation (4.7/5) and solid value for money (4.4/5).

While the majority of visitors enjoyed the experience, addressing the minor issues raised could further enhance the tour’s customer satisfaction.

Transportation

One of the key highlights of the Trabzon: Sumela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsikoy Daily Tour is the reliable transportation provided, with customers rating it 4.7 out of 5.

Guests are offered a range of convenient pickup and drop-off locations around Trabzon, ensuring a seamless start and end to their day-long excursion. The tour utilizes comfortable and well-maintained vehicles, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey.

Whether you’re staying at the CEBECI GRAND HOTEL, Radisson Blu Hotel, or DoubleTree by Hilton Trabzon, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your doorstep, making the logistics of the tour hassle-free.

The transportation aspect of this tour is consistently praised by customers for its efficiency and reliability.

Value for Money

Customers generally consider the Trabzon: Sumela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsikoy Daily Tour to offer excellent value for their money, rating it 4.4 out of 5 on this metric. The tour’s inclusive pricing structure, which covers transportation, guided visits to key attractions, and opportunities to sample local cuisine, appears to resonate well with travelers. Despite the tour’s reasonable cost, it encompasses a diverse range of experiences that allow participants to thoroughly enjoy the region’s cultural and natural wonders. The tour’s value is further bolstered by the high-quality service, knowledgeable guides, and seamless organization, as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.

Criteria	Rating
Overall Value	4.4/5
Cost-Effectiveness	4.6/5
Inclusions	4.5/5
Variety of Experiences	4.3/5
Customer Satisfaction	4.4/5

Feedback Summary

The overall customer feedback for the Trabzon: Sumela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsikoy Daily Tour is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the tour’s strengths across various aspects.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and attentive guides, who provide insightful commentary and ensure a seamless and well-organized experience.

The local cuisine stops, particularly the opportunity to try the Hamsikoy rice pudding, are also widely appreciated.

However, some reviewers have noted occasional issues with communication in English, suggesting room for improvement in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Tour Guides Provide Information in Any Other Languages Besides English?

The tour guides provide information in several languages, including Arabic and Turkish, in addition to English. This allows them to cater to the diverse linguistic needs of the tour participants.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, as it’s a pre-set daily tour. However, the tour provides options for pickup and drop-off locations to accommodate guests’ needs. The languages offered are Arabic, English, and Turkish.

What Are the Requirements for the 350-Meter Climb to Sumela Monastery?

The 350-meter climb to Sumela Monastery requires a moderate level of fitness. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the path can be steep and challenging in parts. Those with mobility issues may find the trek difficult.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour operator offers discounts for group bookings, often providing a reduced per-person rate for parties of 3 or more. Customers should inquire about group pricing when making their reservation to take advantage of these potential savings.

Can the Tour Be Booked as a Private Tour?

The tour can be booked as a private tour. Private tours typically offer more flexibility in scheduling, customized itineraries, and personalized attention from the guide. However, private tours may have higher per-person costs compared to group tours.

Recap

The Trabzon: Sumela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsikoy Daily Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the region’s captivating history, natural wonders, and local culture.

With a visit to the iconic Sumela Monastery, a glimpse into the enchanting Karaca Cave, and a delightful lunch in the picturesque village of Hamsikoy, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking an enriching and well-rounded experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: