Soumela Monastery

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Soumela Monastery: Our most recommended tours and activities

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsiköy Daily Tour

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsiköy Daily Tour

Take part in a guided outing as you head to one of the region's most famous destinations - Sümela Monastery. Explore the grounds of the holy destination before seeing other landmarks such as Zigana Mountain Summit, Torul Glass Terrace, and much more. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute journey before arriving at Sümela Monastery parking lot. Get ready to explore a location filled with historical, religious, and natural beauty. Hop aboard the shuttle and head up to the monastery itself. Reach the legendary structure after taking a 10-minute walk. Continue on your journey as you head to your next destination, Zigana Mountain Summit. Be in awe of a location at an altitude of 2000-meters. Admire views of nature from a unique vantage point and even stop for a bite to eat for lunch. Travel to Torul Glass Terrace which stands at an impressive 240-meters high. Reach the Karaca cave, one of the most beautiful and healthy caves full of magnificent stalactites and travertines. Head to the popular Gümüşhane fruit pulp and kome aisles and enjoy a tasting. Finish your adventure by reaching Hamsiköy and pass by the historical silk road route. Get the opportunity to taste the famous Hamsiköy rice pudding on site.

UZUNGÖL & SÜMELA MONASTERY GROUP TOUR

UZUNGÖL & SÜMELA MONASTERY GROUP TOUR

Located on a steep valley slope within the borders of Altındere village, Sumela Monastery is 17 km away from the town center and 1150 m from the sea. It was established at an altitude. The monastery is 300 m from the valley floor. It consists of rooms surrounding a large rock cavity. The ceiling of this natural formation is large enough to protect many parts of the monastery and the large rock church from rain. The original name of the monastery, popularly known as 'Virgin Mary', is 'Panaghia Tou Melas', meaning 'Virgin of Montenegro'. It is rumored that the definition of 'Melas', meaning 'Land', which has become 'Sümela', originates from the 'Karadaglar', which is always seen with its dark colored mass, on which the monastery leans. Located 99 km from Trabzon and 19 km from Çaykara district, at an altitude of 1090 m above sea level, Uzungöl surpasses the beauty of the Alps with its steep slopes and magnificent forest cover. The lake, located in the middle of the valley and formed by the rocks falling from the slopes blocking the Haldizen Creek, is known as "Uzungöl" and the surrounding area was given the same name. Especially the old wooden houses of the nearby "Şerah" village, built in a style suitable for the region, complement the beauty of nature. Uzungöl, which attracts great attention from local and foreign tourists, is very rich in terms of its touristic potential. In the surrounding area, it is possible to organize trekking, bird watching and botanical tours, as well as trips to the lakes among the higher mountains or to other plateaus nearby such as Şekersu, Demirkapı and Yaylaönü. In terms of wildlife, the mountains around Uzungöl host various animal species such as bears, wolves, wild goats, foxes and Caucasian mountain roosters.

From Rize Merkez: Sumela Monastery and Trabzon Private Tour

From Rize Merkez: Sumela Monastery and Trabzon Private Tour

After meeting the local certified guide, head towards the Sumela Monastery. Passing through the Altindere valley, Enjoying the views of Altindere valleys nature, River, Reaching Sumela Monastery on the Cliffs. Discover Sumela Monastery and its frescoes depicting The Creation of the Earth, The Creation of Adam and Eve, and Frescoes of Jesus, his apostles and holy Marie’s life. After visiting Monastery, Head to Torul city castle observation glass terrace, The terrace is the highest viewing terrace in Turkey and it overlooks the most beautiful natural views of city of Torul with its beautiful mountains, plains, river and castle, but access to terrace requires great courage. One of the amazing place is Karaca cave. The cave is roughly 105 meters in length, average 15 meters in height. Entrance height is about 1,8 meters and has a total floor area of 1500 m2. The air inside the cave is cooler than outside in summertime, and warmer in winter, it has own microclimate. Cave contains different types of rocks, minerals, dripstones and ponds. On the way back, visiting Trabzon’s Hamsikoy village which is popular with its nature and rice pudding made from the milk of Hamsikoy village, After learning a little about natural life of villagers, of course taste the rice pudding and than returning hotel.

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery Private Tour

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery Private Tour

Take part in a guided outing as you head to one of the region's most famous destinations - Sümela Monastery. Explore the grounds of the holy destination before seeing other landmarks such as Zigana Mountain Summit, Torul Glass Terrace, and much more. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute journey before arriving at Sümela Monastery parking lot. Get ready to explore a location filled with historical, religious, and natural beauty. Hop aboard the shuttle and head up to the monastery itself. Reach the legendary structure after taking a 10-minute walk.

Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch

Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch

Begin your day with a visit to the mesmerizing Altindere National Park. Soak up the tranquility of the park as you listen to the sound of the waterfalls and snap photos. Follow your guide on a 15-minute walk to the Sumela Monastery observation point and marvel at the impressive architecture of the monastery, carved into the cliff face. After admiring the views, continue to Cosandere Valley and spend some free time exploring. Stop among the pine trees to enjoy a delcious lunch at Zigana Pass. After lunch, visit the ancient Tortul Castle and put your bravery to the test with a walk along a 240-meter-high glass observation platform. Later, enter the magnificent Karaca Caves. This natural wonder is filled with easy-to-navigate walkways and plenty of lighting to showcase its beauty. The final stop is in Hamsikoy, a peaceful region of 5 farming villages, where you’ll taste a local pudding known as sutlac before beginning the return journey to Trabzon.

Soumela Monastery: Our most recommended tours and activities

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsiköy Daily Tour

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery, Cave, and Hamsiköy Daily Tour

Take part in a guided outing as you head to one of the region's most famous destinations - Sümela Monastery. Explore the grounds of the holy destination before seeing other landmarks such as Zigana Mountain Summit, Torul Glass Terrace, and much more. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute journey before arriving at Sümela Monastery parking lot. Get ready to explore a location filled with historical, religious, and natural beauty. Hop aboard the shuttle and head up to the monastery itself. Reach the legendary structure after taking a 10-minute walk. Continue on your journey as you head to your next destination, Zigana Mountain Summit. Be in awe of a location at an altitude of 2000-meters. Admire views of nature from a unique vantage point and even stop for a bite to eat for lunch. Travel to Torul Glass Terrace which stands at an impressive 240-meters high. Reach the Karaca cave, one of the most beautiful and healthy caves full of magnificent stalactites and travertines. Head to the popular Gümüşhane fruit pulp and kome aisles and enjoy a tasting. Finish your adventure by reaching Hamsiköy and pass by the historical silk road route. Get the opportunity to taste the famous Hamsiköy rice pudding on site.

UZUNGÖL & SÜMELA MONASTERY GROUP TOUR

UZUNGÖL & SÜMELA MONASTERY GROUP TOUR

Located on a steep valley slope within the borders of Altındere village, Sumela Monastery is 17 km away from the town center and 1150 m from the sea. It was established at an altitude. The monastery is 300 m from the valley floor. It consists of rooms surrounding a large rock cavity. The ceiling of this natural formation is large enough to protect many parts of the monastery and the large rock church from rain. The original name of the monastery, popularly known as 'Virgin Mary', is 'Panaghia Tou Melas', meaning 'Virgin of Montenegro'. It is rumored that the definition of 'Melas', meaning 'Land', which has become 'Sümela', originates from the 'Karadaglar', which is always seen with its dark colored mass, on which the monastery leans. Located 99 km from Trabzon and 19 km from Çaykara district, at an altitude of 1090 m above sea level, Uzungöl surpasses the beauty of the Alps with its steep slopes and magnificent forest cover. The lake, located in the middle of the valley and formed by the rocks falling from the slopes blocking the Haldizen Creek, is known as "Uzungöl" and the surrounding area was given the same name. Especially the old wooden houses of the nearby "Şerah" village, built in a style suitable for the region, complement the beauty of nature. Uzungöl, which attracts great attention from local and foreign tourists, is very rich in terms of its touristic potential. In the surrounding area, it is possible to organize trekking, bird watching and botanical tours, as well as trips to the lakes among the higher mountains or to other plateaus nearby such as Şekersu, Demirkapı and Yaylaönü. In terms of wildlife, the mountains around Uzungöl host various animal species such as bears, wolves, wild goats, foxes and Caucasian mountain roosters.

From Rize Merkez: Sumela Monastery and Trabzon Private Tour

From Rize Merkez: Sumela Monastery and Trabzon Private Tour

After meeting the local certified guide, head towards the Sumela Monastery. Passing through the Altindere valley, Enjoying the views of Altindere valleys nature, River, Reaching Sumela Monastery on the Cliffs. Discover Sumela Monastery and its frescoes depicting The Creation of the Earth, The Creation of Adam and Eve, and Frescoes of Jesus, his apostles and holy Marie’s life. After visiting Monastery, Head to Torul city castle observation glass terrace, The terrace is the highest viewing terrace in Turkey and it overlooks the most beautiful natural views of city of Torul with its beautiful mountains, plains, river and castle, but access to terrace requires great courage. One of the amazing place is Karaca cave. The cave is roughly 105 meters in length, average 15 meters in height. Entrance height is about 1,8 meters and has a total floor area of 1500 m2. The air inside the cave is cooler than outside in summertime, and warmer in winter, it has own microclimate. Cave contains different types of rocks, minerals, dripstones and ponds. On the way back, visiting Trabzon’s Hamsikoy village which is popular with its nature and rice pudding made from the milk of Hamsikoy village, After learning a little about natural life of villagers, of course taste the rice pudding and than returning hotel.

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery Private Tour

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery Private Tour

Take part in a guided outing as you head to one of the region's most famous destinations - Sümela Monastery. Explore the grounds of the holy destination before seeing other landmarks such as Zigana Mountain Summit, Torul Glass Terrace, and much more. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute journey before arriving at Sümela Monastery parking lot. Get ready to explore a location filled with historical, religious, and natural beauty. Hop aboard the shuttle and head up to the monastery itself. Reach the legendary structure after taking a 10-minute walk.

Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch

Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch

Begin your day with a visit to the mesmerizing Altindere National Park. Soak up the tranquility of the park as you listen to the sound of the waterfalls and snap photos. Follow your guide on a 15-minute walk to the Sumela Monastery observation point and marvel at the impressive architecture of the monastery, carved into the cliff face. After admiring the views, continue to Cosandere Valley and spend some free time exploring. Stop among the pine trees to enjoy a delcious lunch at Zigana Pass. After lunch, visit the ancient Tortul Castle and put your bravery to the test with a walk along a 240-meter-high glass observation platform. Later, enter the magnificent Karaca Caves. This natural wonder is filled with easy-to-navigate walkways and plenty of lighting to showcase its beauty. The final stop is in Hamsikoy, a peaceful region of 5 farming villages, where you’ll taste a local pudding known as sutlac before beginning the return journey to Trabzon.

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What people are saying about Soumela Monastery

Overall rating

4.4
(11 reviews)

Amazing tour of some of the highlights in the Trabzon region. I had the incredibly handsome Hakan as my tour guide and I could not recommend him enough. His English is perfect and his knowledge of everything we visited was flawless. He kept a good pace and was very respectful and kind to everyone. Sumela monastery was magnificent despite the rain and other highlights were the cave and the mountain top restaurant we visited. Fantastic day out, well worth the money and hopefully you get Hakan as your guide too!

This was the perfect tour that allowed us to see so much of Trabzon’s beauty. The locations and sights were incredible and best way to experience the history and culture. The guide was amazing and taught us so much along the way.

Great views and great guide. Very convenient if you don't have the time to sort transport yourself. Guide was great.

The Sümela Cave was excellent to go to and had plenty of time to view inside. The Cave was a highlight

Everything was perfect! The guide was explaining everything well in English!