🏔️ Welcome to Trabzon – A Gateway to the Black Sea’s History & Beauty
Your adventure in Trabzon begins with an exploration of its stunning landscapes, historic monasteries, Ottoman-era mosques, and lively bazaars. As a city that has played a pivotal role in Turkey’s history, Trabzon offers a blend of Byzantine grandeur, Ottoman elegance, and modern Turkish vibrancy.
From the birthplace of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to the breathtaking Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, this journey will immerse you in awe-inspiring history and local traditions.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Ataturk Pavilion & Ottoman Mosques

🏛 Ataturk Pavilion
A symbol of modern Turkey, this elegant mansion surrounded by lush gardens was used by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk during his visits to Trabzon.
Explore Ataturk’s personal artifacts and furniture, preserved inside this picturesque early 20th-century residence.

🕌 Yavuz Sultan Mosque
Named after Sultan Selim I (Yavuz Sultan Selim), this impressive Ottoman mosque reflects the grandeur of Islamic architecture in the Black Sea region.

🕌 Fatih Mosque & İskender Pasa Mosque
Both historic Ottoman-era mosques, built after the conquest of Trabzon, showcasing fine examples of early Ottoman craftsmanship.

🏛️ Midday: Byzantine & Ottoman Heritage

⛪ Kaymaklı Monastery
One of the few Byzantine monasteries that remained unconverted.
Famous for preparing a meal made entirely of dairy products for the Ottoman sultan, giving it its unique name.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Trabzon, this site offers tranquil views and a glimpse into the Byzantine monastic lifestyle.

🕌 Hagia Sophia of Trabzon
A smaller but equally historic counterpart to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia.
Originally built as a Byzantine church, later converted into a mosque, and now operating as a museum, showcasing Trabzon’s blend of Christian and Islamic history.
Admire its stunning frescoes, intricate stone carvings, and panoramic views of the Black Sea.

🌆 Afternoon: Trabzon’s Historic Icons

🏰 Trabzon – Birthplace of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent
Trabzon is the birthplace of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the most powerful rulers in Ottoman history.
Known as “Kanuni” (The Lawgiver) in Islamic nations, Suleiman expanded the empire’s borders and introduced groundbreaking legal reforms.
Visit historic sites and monuments dedicated to his legacy.

🛍️ Women’s Bazaar (Kadınlar Pazarı)
A historic marketplace that was once exclusively for women, now open to all.
A perfect place to buy handmade crafts, textiles, and local delicacies such as Trabzon’s famous anchovies (hamsi), fresh cheeses, and hazelnuts.

🌉 Zagnos Pasha Bridge
A beautifully preserved Ottoman-era bridge, offering scenic views of Trabzon’s river and lush surroundings.
Walk along the old stone pathways, where traders and travelers once crossed centuries ago.

🏨 Evening: Overnight Stay in Trabzon
After a day filled with history, cultural treasures, and breathtaking sights, check in to your hotel in Trabzon for a relaxing overnight stay before continuing your journey through the Black Sea region.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities:
Stroll along Trabzon’s coastal promenade, enjoying the refreshing Black Sea breeze.
Dine at a local seafood restaurant, savoring Trabzon’s renowned Black Sea cuisine, including grilled hamsi (anchovies), kuymak (cheesy cornmeal dish), and Laz boreği (sweet pastry dessert).

🏔️ Hidden Monasteries & Living Pontic Greek Culture

A Journey Through History, Mountain Passes & Timeless Traditions
Today, you will dive deeper into the Black Sea region’s rich history, exploring ancient monasteries, breathtaking mountain passes, and a Pontic Greek village, where traditions have survived for centuries.
From the early Christian era to the remnants of Byzantine rule, this day will unveil the hidden gems of the Pontic Mountains, showcasing a blend of faith, resilience, and cultural heritage.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Vazelon Monastery – A Testament to Resilience
Begin your day with a visit to Vazelon Monastery, one of the oldest monastic structures in the region, predating the more famous Sumela Monastery.

🏛 Highlights of Vazelon Monastery:
Founded in 270 AD, Vazelon is among the oldest Christian monasteries in Anatolia.
Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, it withstood countless invasions before being abandoned in 1922 during the Greek-Turkish population exchange.
Walk through its mystical ruins, surrounded by dense forests, misty mountain peaks, and the echoes of history.
This off-the-beaten-path site offers a haunting yet mesmerizing experience, allowing you to step into the world of early Christian monks who once called this monastery home.

🏔️ Midday: Zigana Pass & The Living Pontic Greek Village
Journey through the Zigana Pass, one of Turkey’s most scenic and historically significant mountain routes, where caravans once traveled along ancient Silk Road trade paths.

🏡 Visit Gumushane Suleymaniye Mahallesi – A Living Pontic Greek Village
Step into a village frozen in time, where descendants of Pontic Greek settlers have maintained their language, customs, and traditions for centuries.
🔹 Learn about the Pontic Greeks, whose distinct culture evolved separately from modern Greek communities, preserving:
An ancient dialect, closely related to Classical Greek.
Traditional Pontic wedding ceremonies, rich with music and dance.
Unique musical traditions, featuring the kemençe (Pontic lyra), a beloved regional instrument.

🍽️ Enjoy Authentic Pontic Cuisine:
Savor regional specialties, including:
Hamsikoy sutlacı – The area’s famous creamy rice pudding, made with fresh local milk.
Black Sea dishes incorporating fresh seafood, corn, and mountain herbs.
🌄 Visit Torul Cam Teras – A Glass Observation Terrace
Experience breathtaking panoramic views from a glass observation deck, suspended over the rugged Black Sea highlands.
Capture stunning photos of the valleys, forests, and winding roads far below.

🌙 Afternoon: Imera Monastery – A Hidden Byzantine Gem
Your final stop is the Imera Monastery, a 650-year-old Byzantine monastery tucked away in the Pontic Mountains.

⛪ Why Visit Imera Monastery?
Less crowded than Sumela, but equally breathtaking.
Protected under local preservation laws, ensuring its authentic Byzantine character remains untouched.
Marvel at its well-preserved frescoes, intricate stone carvings, and unique Byzantine architecture.
Absorb the peaceful atmosphere, as the monastery is surrounded by towering peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests.
This off-the-beaten-track site is perfect for those seeking tranquility, spiritual inspiration, and a deeper connection with history.

🏨 Evening: Overnight Stay in Trabzon
After a day of exploring hidden monasteries, stunning landscapes, and centuries-old cultural heritage, return to Trabzon for another restful night.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities:
Take a relaxed evening stroll along Trabzon’s coastal promenade, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.
Indulge in Black Sea cuisine, trying Trabzon pide (local-style pizza) and Akcaabat kofte (grilled meatballs).
Visit a local tea house, where locals gather to share stories over steaming glasses of Black Sea tea.

🏔️ From Ancient Ruins to Scenic Highlands: A Grand Finale to Your Black Sea Adventure

Exploring Santa’s Forgotten Town, Tea Plantations & Uzungol’s Dreamlike Beauty
Today, you will journey beyond Trabzon, discovering the abandoned Santa Ruins, the tea-covered hills of Ayder, and the breathtaking landscapes of Uzungöl and the Sultan Murat Flatlands. This final day in the Black Sea region blends history, culture, and nature, offering an unforgettable conclusion to your adventure.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Santa Ruins – The Forgotten Pontic Town
Begin your day by traveling to the Santa Ruins, an abandoned Pontic Greek settlement nestled deep in the Pontic Mountains.

🏛 Why Visit Santa Ruins?
Once a thriving mining town, Santa flourished during the Ottoman period, but its population gradually declined after the mines closed.
Wander through ancient stone-built houses, churches, and village squares, imagining the vibrant life that once filled these streets.
Learn about the 1923 Greek-Turkish population exchange, which led to the final abandonment of this historic town.
Capture stunning views of misty valleys and mountain landscapes, where nature has reclaimed this forgotten settlement.
A visit to Santa Ruins is like stepping into a lost world, offering a rare glimpse into Pontic Greek heritage and Ottoman-era history.

🍃 Midday: Ayder Tea Gardens & Traditional Craftsmanship
Continue your journey to Ayder Plateau, famous for its Cay (Turkish Tea) plantations and breathtaking mountain scenery.

🍃 Visit the Lush Tea Gardens
Walk through rolling green tea plantations, where local farmers still handpick the freshest tea leaves.
Learn about the tea-harvesting process, from fresh green leaves to the aromatic black tea enjoyed worldwide.

🍵 Traditional Turkish Tea Experience
Visit a tea processing factory, where you will see firsthand how tea is dried, fermented, and packaged.
Enjoy a tea-tasting session, where you can savor different varieties of locally grown Black Sea tea.

🔪 Surmene Knife House – The Art of Traditional Blades
Explore the craftsmanship behind the famous Surmene knives, hand-forged using techniques passed down for generations.
Learn how these high-quality knives, used for hunting, cooking, and decoration, have become highly prized across Turkey.
A visit to Ayder is not just about tea—it’s an immersion into local craftsmanship, flavors, and Black Sea traditions.

🏞️ Afternoon: Uzungol & Sultan Murat Flatlands
Continue to Uzungol, one of Turkey’s most scenic and peaceful lake towns, where nature takes center stage.

🌲 Why Visit Uzungol?
Nestled between misty peaks and deep green forests, Uzungol is the perfect retreat into nature.
Take in stunning panoramic views across the valley, where wooden cottages sit beside the glassy lake.
Enjoy a walk along the lakeside, soaking in the fresh mountain air and peaceful ambiance.

🌄 Sultan Murat Flatlands – A Hidden Highland Paradise
Travel to Sultan Murat Yaylası, a vast, untouched expanse of rolling green hills stretching for kilometers.
This area is rich in local folklore and traditional nomadic life, where villagers herd livestock and live in wooden plateau homes.
Experience pure solitude in nature, with breathtaking views of mountain peaks and endless meadows.
This journey through Uzungöl and the Sultan Murat Highlands offers a fitting finale to your adventure, allowing you to connect deeply with the raw beauty of the Black Sea region.

✈️ Evening: Return to Trabzon & Departure
After a day filled with ancient ruins, rich tea culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes, you will transfer to Trabzon Airport for your onward journey.

🌍 End of Tour – A Journey Through History, Culture & Breathtaking Nature
Your unforgettable Black Sea adventure comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of ancient towns, misty mountains, and warm hospitality.

📌 Looking to explore more of Turkey?
We offer custom travel experiences, including:
✅ Eastern Anatolia & Mount Ararat Expeditions
✅ Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys & Underground Cities
✅ Aegean Coast & Ancient Wonders of Ephesus
📅 Book your next journey and uncover more of Turkey’s hidden gems!