This compact three-day trip starts and ends in Trabzon and packs in the two classic sights of the eastern Black Sea: the alpine lake of Uzungöl and the cliffside Sumela Monastery. You stay two nights at a central hotel with breakfast, travel in a comfortable vehicle with an English-speaking guide on both touring days, and have airport or bus-terminal transfers included.
The first day is yours after the airport transfer, with time to enjoy Meydan, Trabzon's lively central square full of cafés, restaurants and shops. On day two you head east along the coast, stopping at a tea factory to learn how Turkish tea is processed and at a Sürmene knife-making outlet, before driving up the Solaklı Valley past wooden village houses, tea gardens and hazelnut orchards to Uzungöl. There you take in the view from the observation terrace, see the man-made cascades that guard the lake against flooding and enjoy free time at lakeside cafés.
The final day delves into the spiritual heart of the region at Sumela Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff within Altındere National Park. A park minibus and a short forest path bring you to its rock church, chapels, library, guesthouse and holy spring. The route then climbs to the Zigana Pass, a Silk Road crossing at 2,050 m once travelled by Marco Polo, and follows the old Zigana road down to Hamsiköy, famous for its sütlaç (rice pudding), before the tour ends at Trabzon airport or your hotel in the evening.
| Tour type | Shared small group · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Days 2 Nights |
| Price | From €358 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 3 |
| Entrance fees | Not included (paid on site) |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
On arrival at Trabzon Airport our team meets you and drives you to your central hotel (check-in from 14:00). The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Meydan square with its restaurants, cafés and shops. Overnight in Trabzon.
After breakfast, drive towards Uzungöl with a first stop at a tea factory to learn how tea is made and browse the outlet, followed by a short stop at a Sürmene knife outlet. Continue up the Solaklı Valley, lined with traditional houses, tea and hazelnut gardens, to Uzungöl. Take in the view from the observation terrace and see the man-made cascades, then enjoy free time for activities, cafés and restaurants by the lake. Depart Uzungöl around 16:00 and return to your hotel. Overnight in Trabzon.
After breakfast, drive about one hour to Altındere National Park, then take the park minibus and walk the 300 m forest path to Sumela Monastery. Explore its main rock church, chapels, monks' rooms, library, guesthouse and holy spring. Stop for lunch at a village restaurant en route, then continue to the Zigana Pass at 2,050 m, an important crossing of the historic Silk Road, and descend the old Zigana road to Hamsiköy to try its famous rice pudding. The tour ends at Trabzon Airport or your city-centre hotel between 18:00 and 19:00 (we recommend return flights from 20:30 onwards).
Trabzon – city arrival and cultural walk → Uzungöl & Haldizen Valley – lake and nature → Sumela Monastery, Zigana Pass & Hamsiköy – historic sites
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Trabzon – city arrival and cultural walk, Uzungöl & Haldizen Valley – lake and nature, Sumela Monastery, Zigana Pass & Hamsiköy – historic sites.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!