Full Day Sumela Tour From Trabzon

We start the one-day Sumela Monastery tour at 09:30 by meeting at our office. After picking up the guests on the route and a 45-minute drive, we reach the parking area of Sumela Monastery, a magnificent place in the Macka district adorned with rich history, religious importance, and natural beauty. We get on the shuttles that will drop us off at the path of Sumela Monastery. Sumela Monastery in Turkey, built on a cliff on the outskirts of Karadag overlooking the Altindere valley, within the borders of Altindere Village of Macka District of Trabzon, is popularly known as the "Virgin Mary" among the locals. Located approximately 300 meters above the valley, the building has continued the tradition of establishing monasteries outside the city, in forests, caves, and watersides.  

It is said that the monastery founded in the name of the Virgin Mary took its name "Sumela" from the word "melas" meaning "black". Although this name is thought to come from the dark Montenegro Mountains where the monastery was founded, the word Sumela can be attributed to the black color of the Virgin Mary depiction there. After 10 minutes of walking on the path, we will reach the monastery. After visiting the monastery, we will return to the shuttles by walking back on the path and then reach our vehicle.  

After about 45 minutes, we will reach our next stop, the summit of Zigana Mountain. Being located at an altitude of approximately 2000 m, this spot offers a breathtaking view as well as a delicious lunch. The following spot is Hamsikoy, where you can taste the famous Hamsikoy rice pudding. The feature of Hamsikoy Rice Pudding is that the delicious milk originating from the floral flora of the region is cooked using a special cooking technique, using only rice, sugar, and salt, for as long as an hour. Then, we pass through the Zigana tunnel, the 3rd longest tunnel in the world, and reach the Torul Glass Terrace, which stands out with its 240m height, located in the Torul district.

Then, we reach the Karaca cave, magnificent with its stalactites, stalagmites, and travertines. Karaca Cave, which takes its name from the neighborhood of the village where it is located, is a magnificent natural wonder that came to being naturally after millions of years, was engraved with patience, and every point was given the same care.  

We conclude the tour from Trabzon to Sumela in Trabzon by stopping by the sales office of fruit pulp and kome, which are sweet varieties specific to the Gumushane region.