Sumela Monastery & Karaca Cave Tour

No trip to Trabzon is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Sumela Monastery. Carved into the steep cliffs of the Altındere Valley, this architectural marvel sits 300 meters above the valley floor. Dating back over 1,600 years, the monastery expanded over centuries and remained a Greek educational institution until 1923, when the Turkish Republic was founded.

Tour Itinerary

🕘 9:00 AM – Departure from Trabzon
Your tour begins with a hotel pick-up in Trabzon, followed by a scenic one-hour drive through the lush landscapes of the Altındere National Park.

🏛️ Sumela Monastery
Marvel at the stunning cliffside architecture and its centuries-old frescoes.
Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Altındere Valley.
Explore the monastery’s historical chambers, chapels, and courtyard.

🦇 Karaca Cave
Nestled 1,500 meters above sea level, this cave is filled with magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, and unusual cave plants.
Experience the otherworldly atmosphere inside this natural wonder.

🍚 Hamsikoy Village – A Taste of Tradition
Visit the charming village of Hamsikoy, known for its lush scenery and rich traditions.
Indulge in the region’s famous sutlac (Turkish rice pudding), a delicious local specialty.

🌄 Return to Trabzon
The tour concludes with a relaxing drive back to Trabzon, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Tour Inclusions
✔️ Hotel pick-up & drop-off
✔️ Professional guide service
✔️ All entrance fees
✔️ Lunch
✔️ Round-trip transportation
Explore Trabzon’s most iconic landmarks with this unforgettable tour—a perfect mix of history, nature, and local culture!

Day 1 :

🌿 Sumela Monastery & Karaca Cave Tour with Glass Platform Experience

Your adventure through Trabzon’s natural and historical wonders begins at 10:00 AM with a hotel pick-up. This tour offers stunning landscapes, ancient sites, and thrilling experiences, making it a perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure.

Tour Highlights
🌿 Altındere National Park & Natural Waterfalls
Your first stop is at the Altındere National Park, where you will witness cascading waterfalls flowing through lush green landscapes. Take a short photo break to capture the serene beauty and enjoy the relaxing sounds of nature.

🏛️ Sumela Monastery Observation Point
A scenic 15-minute walk leads you to the breathtaking viewpoint of Sumela Monastery, carved dramatically into a steep cliff face. From this vantage point, you’ll take in panoramic views of the dense green forest below, making for a spectacular photo opportunity.

🏞️ Coşandere Valley & Lunch at Zigana Pass
Next, you’ll have free time to explore the serene Coşandere Valley, surrounded by towering pine trees and picturesque mountain views.

🍽️ Enjoy a traditional lunch at Zigana Pass, where you can dine amidst the fresh mountain air.

🏰 Ancient Tortul Castle & Glass Observation Platform
Test your bravery at Tortul Castle, home to a 240-meter-high glass observation platform. If you dare to step out onto the glass, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled panoramic views, perfect for spectacular photos.

🦇 Karaca Caves
Enter one of Turkey’s most stunning cave systems, once a study site for geologists from Karadeniz Technical University. Today, the well-lit walkways allow visitors to marvel at incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations.

🍚 Hamsikoy – A Taste of Tradition
Your final stop is in Hamsikoy, a peaceful region consisting of five interconnected villages. Here, you’ll experience the traditional farming lifestyle and indulge in the region’s famous dessert, sutlac (Turkish rice pudding)—prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

🌇 Return to Trabzon
As the day comes to an end, we will depart from Hamsiköy and return to Trabzon, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Tour Inclusions
✔️ Hotel pick-up & drop-off
✔️ All entrance fees
✔️ Professional guide service
✔️ Lunch in Zigana Pass
✔️ Transportation

Embark on this unforgettable journey through Trabzon’s natural wonders and historical landmarks, where breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and thrilling experiences await!