🏛️ Explore Trabzon’s Byzantine & Ottoman Heritage

A Journey Through Empires, Legacy & Cultural Treasures
Nestled along the Black Sea coast, Trabzon is a city where history, culture, and stunning landscapes converge. With its deep connections to the Byzantine Greek Empire, Ottoman rule, and modern Turkey, Trabzon offers an immersive experience into centuries of civilization, art, and architecture.
From hidden Byzantine ruins to the birthplace of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, this tour reveals Trabzon’s historical significance through its iconic landmarks, monasteries, and bustling bazaars.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Ataturk Pavilion & Byzantine Ruins
🏡 Ataturk Pavilion
A grand holiday residence used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
This elegant early 20th-century mansion offers insight into Atatürk’s personal life, showcasing original furnishings, historical artifacts, and panoramic views over Trabzon.

🏛️ Byzantine Ruins & Influence
Trabzon was once the capital of the Empire of Trebizond, a Byzantine Greek successor state that flourished until the Ottoman conquest.
Discover hidden Byzantine landmarks, including remnants of fortifications, monasteries, and medieval churches that reflect the city’s former imperial grandeur.

🏰 Midday: Ancient Churches, Monasteries & Mosques

⛪ Hagia Sophia of Trabzon (Aya Sofya)
Often called the “Little Hagia Sophia”, this Byzantine masterpiece was originally built as a church, later converted into a mosque, and now functions as a museum.
Admire its stunning frescoes, domed ceilings, and intricate stone carvings, showcasing a blend of Christian and Islamic influences.

🏛️ Kaymaklı Monastery
One of Trabzon’s lesser-known but historically rich monastic sites, Kaymaklı Monastery dates back to the Byzantine period.
Famous for hosting an Ottoman sultan, it also gained recognition for its dairy-based cuisine, earning it its unique name (Kaymaklı – meaning “creamy” in Turkish).

🕌 Ottoman-Era Mosques
Fatih Mosque – Originally a Byzantine church, this mosque was later converted after Trabzon’s conquest and remains one of the most historically significant mosques in the city.
İskender Pasa Mosque – Built by Ottoman governor İskender Pasha in the 16th century, this mosque is known for its elegant minarets and traditional Ottoman design.
Mother of Yavuz Sultan Mosque – Dedicated to the mother of Sultan Selim I (Yavuz Sultan Selim), a sultan known for expanding the Ottoman Empire into the Middle East.

🕌 Afternoon: Trabzon & Sultan Suleyman’s Legacy
🏛 Birthplace of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent
Visit Trabzon, the birthplace of Sultan Suleyman, known in the West as Suleyman the Magnificent and in the Islamic world as Suleyman the Lawgiver (Kanuni Sultan Süleyman).
Learn about his reign (1520-1566), which was marked by:
✅ Expanding the Ottoman Empire to its greatest territorial reach, stretching from Hungary to the Persian Gulf.
✅ Legal and administrative reforms, ensuring religious tolerance and integrating non-Islamic regions into the empire.

🛍️ Evening: Local Bazaars & Historic Icons
🛍️ Women’s Bazaar (Kadınlar Pazarı)
A historical marketplace once designated for women to shop freely, now open to all visitors.
Browse handmade goods, traditional textiles, and authentic Trabzon souvenirs, including woven fabrics, copperwork, and regional delicacies.

🌉 Zagnos Pasha Bridge
Commissioned by Zagnos Pasha, a powerful figure in the Ottoman court and son-in-law of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
This scenic Ottoman bridge offers spectacular views of Trabzon’s old city, riverbanks, and historic districts.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Trabzon
After a day of cultural exploration, historic discoveries, and scenic beauty, check in to your hotel in Trabzon for a relaxing overnight stay.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities:
Take a leisurely evening walk along Trabzon’s coastal promenade, enjoying the refreshing Black Sea breeze.
Dine at a traditional Trabzon restaurant, sampling Black Sea specialties such as Trabzon pide (a cheesy, boat-shaped flatbread), Akçaabat köfte (grilled meatballs), and Laz böreği (a sweet layered pastry dessert).
Visit a local Turkish tea house, where locals gather to sip on Black Sea-grown tea and enjoy casual conversations.

🏛️ Hidden Monasteries & Living Pontic Greek Culture in the Trabzon Highlands
A Journey Through Ancient Spiritual Centers & Timeless Traditions
Today, venture deep into the mountainous landscapes of Trabzon, uncovering historic monasteries, ancient Greek Pontic villages, and breathtaking natural scenery. This journey takes you through the remnants of Byzantine spirituality, the enduring legacy of the Pontic Greeks, and the stunning highland passes of the Pontic Mountains.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Vazelon Monastery – A Forgotten Spiritual Center
Begin your day at Vazelon Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant Byzantine religious centers in the region.

🏛 Why Visit Vazelon Monastery?
Founded in 270 AD, making it older than the famous Sumela Monastery.
Over the centuries, the monastery was attacked and rebuilt multiple times, reflecting the region’s tumultuous history.
Abandoned after the 1922 Greek-Turkish population exchange, its once-thriving religious community never returned.
Walk through its haunting yet mesmerizing ruins, surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks, a reminder of a lost chapter of Byzantine history.

🏞️ Midday: Zigana Pass & The Living Greek Pontic Culture
Continue your journey through the Zigana Pass, one of the most famous and scenic mountain crossings in the Pontic region, offering stunning panoramic views of rugged landscapes and deep valleys.

🏡 Visit a Traditional Pontic Greek Village
Step into a living Greek Pontic settlement, where descendants of ancient Greek settlers still maintain their language, customs, and way of life.
Learn about the history of the Pontic Greeks, who settled here long before the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
Despite the 1922 population exchange and the upheavals of World Wars, some Pontic Greek families have preserved their traditions, keeping their unique dialect and folk practices alive.

🍽 Authentic Pontic Hospitality & Cuisine
Enjoy a home visit, where locals prepare traditional Pontic dishes, offering an intimate glimpse into their daily lives.
Taste homemade specialties, such as:Hamsikoy sütlacı – A famous, creamy Black Sea rice pudding.
Regional dishes using fresh herbs, seafood, and locally grown produce.
Witness a Pontic wedding celebration (if lucky!), where you’ll experience traditional music, folk dance, and ceremonial customs that have been passed down for generations.

📍 Cultural Experiences at Torul Cam Teras & Sultanci Memleketi Hamsikoy
Enjoy breathtaking views from Torul Cam Teras, a glass observation deck offering panoramic landscapes of the surrounding mountains.
Explore Hamsiköy, a picturesque highland village famous for its dairy farms, traditional architecture, and serene pastoral scenery.

⛪ Afternoon: Imera Monastery – A Protected Legacy
Your final stop is the Imera Monastery, a historic Orthodox Christian monastery that has been carefully preserved by the local community.
🏛 Why Visit Imera Monastery?
Built over 650 years ago, the monastery remains one of the best-preserved Byzantine sites in the region.
A testament to the deep Christian history of the Pontic Mountains, reflecting a unique architectural style that blends Byzantine and local influences.
Learn about efforts to protect this sacred site, as the local community fights to preserve its religious and historical importance.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush green valleys and dramatic cliffs, making it an ideal spot for reflection and photography.

🏨 Evening: Return to Trabzon & Overnight Stay
After a day filled with ancient monasteries, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery, return to Trabzon for an overnight stay.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities:
Relax at a traditional Trabzon tea house, sipping on locally grown Black Sea tea while reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Enjoy a seafood dinner along the Trabzon coast, trying freshly caught Black Sea anchovies (hamsi) and local mezze dishes.
Take a quiet evening walk along the coastal promenade, where you can watch the sunset over the Black Sea.

🏔️ Journey Through Lost Pontic Villages, Tea Plantations & Mountain Wonders
A Blend of History, Culture & Breathtaking Natural Beauty
Today, you will travel beyond Trabzon, venturing into the untouched landscapes of Uzungöl and Ayder Plateau. This journey takes you from the abandoned Pontic villages of Santa to the lush tea plantations of the Black Sea and the highland meadows of Ayder, offering an unforgettable mix of history, tradition, and scenic splendor.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning: Santa Ruins – A Forgotten Pontic Town
Your adventure begins with a visit to the Santa Ruins, a once-thriving Pontic Greek town that now stands as a ghostly yet beautiful tribute to its former inhabitants.

🏛 Why Visit Santa Ruins?
One of the best-preserved abandoned Greek settlements in the Pontic Mountains.
Originally a mining town, Santa flourished during the Ottoman period, but was abandoned after the 1923 Greek-Turkish population exchange.
Explore stone-built homes, ancient churches, and narrow village streets, walking through what remains of a forgotten civilization.
Capture breathtaking photos of the mist-covered mountain slopes and rugged terrain, adding to the town’s mystical charm.
A visit to Santa Ruins is like stepping into a lost world, where history whispers from every stone.

🍃 Midday: Uzungol – The Black Sea’s Natural Wonderland
Continue your journey to Uzungol, one of Turkey’s most picturesque destinations, famed for its crystal-clear lake, lush green forests, and peaceful village charm.
🌱 Experience the Black Sea’s Tea Culture
Walk through rows of tea gardens, set against the backdrop of dense mountain forests.
Visit a local tea factory, where you’ll learn about the traditional process of turning fresh tea leaves into Turkish çay (tea).
Enjoy a tea-tasting session, where you can sample the distinct flavors of the Black Sea’s world-renowned tea.

🔪 Traditional Black Sea Craftsmanship – Surmene Knife House
Stop by Surmene Knife House, a place where local craftsmen have been making handmade knives for centuries.
Learn about the meticulous artistry that goes into crafting high-quality blades used for farming, woodworking, and cooking.
Admire a selection of ornamental knives with intricate engravings, a true representation of the region’s artisanal heritage.

🌲 Why Uzungol is a Must-See:
Surrounded by towering pine forests and misty mountain peaks, Uzungöl is a nature lover’s paradise.
Walk along the serene lakeside, capturing postcard-perfect photos of traditional wooden houses reflected in the water.
Enjoy a traditional Black Sea lunch, featuring local specialties like hamsi (anchovies), kuymak (cheese fondue), and corn bread.

🏞️ Afternoon: Ayder Plateau – A Fairytale Highland Escape
Continue to Ayder Plateau, a breathtakingly beautiful alpine region, known for its rolling meadows, wooden chalets, and untouched wilderness.

🌄 What to Expect in Ayder:
Wander through vast meadows, where villagers live harmoniously with nature, relying on traditional farming and livestock herding.
Breathe in the crisp mountain air, surrounded by mist-covered peaks, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls.
Discover thermal springs, which have been a natural wellness retreat for centuries, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Watch local shepherds at work, tending to their herds of cattle and sheep, a practice that has remained unchanged for generations.

🌊 Relax & Experience the Slow Pace of Rural Life
Sip on freshly brewed mountain tea, as you sit by a wooden chalet, watching the mist roll over the peaks.
Listen to the sounds of nature, from rushing waterfalls to the distant bells of grazing animals.
Ayder is a true escape from modern life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the simplicity and beauty of the Black Sea highlands.

🏨 Evening: Overnight Stay in Ayder Plateau
After a day of Pontic history, tea culture, and stunning natural landscapes, check in to your accommodation in Ayder, where you can unwind and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere.

🌟 Optional Evening Activities:
Relax at a traditional Black Sea guesthouse, where hospitality meets rustic charm.
Indulge in a home-cooked meal, tasting regional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Visit a local tea house, where villagers gather to drink tea and share stories.

🏰 History, Craftsmanship & Adrenaline – A Perfect Farewell to the Black Sea

Explore Rize Castle, Traditional Weaving, Ziplining & Scenic Highlands
On your final day in the Black Sea region, you will dive into history at Rize Castle, witness traditional craftsmanship, experience a thrilling zipline adventure over the Fırtına Valley, and end with a peaceful retreat in Turkey’s smallest county before heading back to Trabzon for departure.
This last journey blends adventure, history, and relaxation, ensuring that your time in the Black Sea region ends on a memorable note.

✨ Tour Highlights & Itinerary
🌅 Morning: Rize Castle – A Byzantine Fortress with Unique Architecture
Begin your day at Rize Castle, a strategic hilltop fortress offering stunning panoramic views of the Black Sea coast and the city of Rize.

🏛 Why Visit Rize Castle?
Built during the height of the Byzantine Empire, it is believed to have been commissioned by Emperor Justinian I.
Discover its split fortress design, featuring an inner castle with a chapel and outer defensive walls that once protected Rize.
Unlike many other castles, Rize Castle features towers with various shapes—some with round and oval bases, others with square or rectangular foundations.
Walk through the well-preserved sections, where some areas have been restored for visitors, while others have been converted into parks and scenic viewpoints.
Enjoy a refreshing cup of traditional Turkish tea from the castle’s scenic café, overlooking the lush green landscapes of Rize and the deep blue Black Sea.

🧶 Midday: Traditional Wool Weaving Workshop
Travel to a local wool-weaving shop, where artisans preserve the centuries-old art of weaving using traditional methods.

🧵 Experience Authentic Black Sea Craftsmanship
See how locally sourced wool is cleaned, spun, and woven into handcrafted textiles, scarves, and decorative pieces.
Support local artisans by purchasing authentic, handcrafted souvenirs, each with a story and heritage behind it.
Learn about the deep-rooted weaving traditions of the region, passed down through generations of skilled weavers.
This is the perfect place to find unique, high-quality souvenirs that reflect the heart and soul of Black Sea culture.

⚡ Afternoon: Ziplining Over the Fırtına (Storm) Valley
After immersing yourself in history and craftsmanship, it’s time for an adrenaline-filled adventure!

🌊 Why the Fırtına Valley?
One of the most scenic adventure spots in Turkey, where the Fırtına River carves through the dramatic landscapes of the Kaçkar Mountains.
Fast-flowing mountain waters and dense green forests make this one of the best places for outdoor sports and extreme adventures.

🪂 Feel the Thrill of Ziplining!
Soar over the Fırtına River, feeling the rush of wind as you glide above the valley.
Take in unmatched panoramic views of the mountain ridges and the fast-flowing river beneath you.
Capture incredible photos and videos to relive this thrilling experience.
Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a first-time zipliner, this is a must-do for an unforgettable final day in the Black Sea region!

🏞️ Late Afternoon: Scenic Flatlands & Final Relaxation
To wind down from the adventure, take a peaceful visit to Turkey’s smallest county, where rolling meadows, wooden cottages, and serene landscapes create the perfect atmosphere to reflect on your journey.

🌿 Why Visit This Hidden Gem?
Experience a slower pace of life, where local villagers live harmoniously with nature.
Enjoy a gentle walk through the open fields, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Soak in the unspoiled beauty of the Black Sea region, away from tourist crowds.
This is the perfect way to say farewell to the Black Sea, allowing you to fully appreciate the region’s natural beauty one last time.

✈️ Evening: Return to Trabzon & Departure
After a day filled with history, adventure, and tranquility, you will transfer to Trabzon Airport for your return journey.

🌍 End of Tour – A Journey Through History, Adventure & Nature
Your unforgettable Black Sea experience comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of castles, tea plantations, highland adventures, and warm hospitality.

📌 Looking to explore more of Turkey?
We can help you plan your next journey to:
✅ Cappadocia – The Land of Fairy Chimneys & Hot Air Balloons
✅ Ephesus & Pamukkale – Turkey’s Ancient & Natural Wonders
✅ Eastern Anatolia – Mount Ararat & Van Lake Explorations
📅 Book your next adventure today & discover the wonders of Turkey!