Nestled in the heart of the Turkish Black Sea region, the Sümela Monastery and Uzungöl offer a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and culture. This daily group tour promises to whisk adventurers away on a 10-hour journey, where they’ll explore the intricate frescoes of the 4th-century monastery, discover the serene charm of Uzungöl, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s vibrant heritage. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a tea factory visit, this tour provides a comprehensive experience for those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of this remarkable landscape.
Key Points
- Daily 10-hour group tour to Sümela Monastery and Uzungöl lake, priced at $95.83 per person.
- Tour includes transportation, English/Arabic/Turkish guide, entry tickets, and shuttle bus to Sümela Monastery.
- Highlights include 4th-century frescoes, tea factory visit, and free time at Uzungöl.
- 300m hike required to explore Sümela Monastery, with alternative arrangements available for those unable to walk the distance.
- Tour not suitable for individuals over 95 years old, and advance booking is recommended with 24-hour cancellation policy.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Sümela Monastery & Uzungöl Tour is a daily group tour that takes visitors to explore the Sümela Monastery in Altındere National Park and the scenic Uzungöl lake.
Priced from $95.83 per person, the 10-hour tour includes transportation, an English/Arabic/Turkish-speaking guide, entry tickets, and a shuttle bus to the monastery.
Highlights include discovering the 4th-century monastery’s frescoes, visiting a tea factory, and enjoying free time by Uzungöl.
Advance booking is recommended, as cancellations must be made 24 hours prior for a full refund.
The tour isn’t suitable for those over 95 years old, and alcohol is prohibited during the excursion.
Itinerary Highlights
This daily group tour departs from Trabzon at 09:00 and first takes visitors to the Sümela Monastery in Altındere National Park.
Visitors can take a shuttle bus for 52₺ to reach the starting path, which involves a 300m walk to the monastery. Once there, they’ll explore the historic monastery known for its 4th-century frescoes.
Visitors can take a shuttle bus for 52₺ to reach the starting path, which involves a 300m walk to the historic Sümela Monastery and its 4th-century frescoes.
Next, the tour visits a tea factory to learn about regional tea production and sample various teas.
After, it’s on to Uzungöl, where travelers enjoy views from the Observation Terrace and have 2 hours of free time by the lake or to visit a local museum.
Transportation and Accessibility
Transportation for this tour is provided, as the pickup service is included. However, a shuttle bus is required to reach the starting point of the Sümela Monastery hike, which costs an additional 52₺.
The hike itself is about 300m from the shuttle drop-off point. For those unable to walk this distance, alternative arrangements can be made.
The tour is generally accessible, though it may not be suitable for individuals over 95 years old. Participants should bring a credit card and cash, as no alcohol or drugs are allowed during the tour.
Included Services
The tour package includes transportation, an English, Arabic, and Turkish-speaking tour guide, and the tour program.
It also provides the following:
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Entry ticket for the Sümela Monastery, valued at 20€.
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Shuttle bus ticket for the Sümela Monastery, costing 52₺.
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Access to a tea factory, where you can learn about tea production in the Black Sea region and taste various teas, as well as visit a sales office for Turkish delights and other products.
Important Information
Although the tour is not suitable for individuals over 95 years of age, visitors should bring their credit card and cash for any additional expenses. During the tour, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited in the vehicle. On top of that, alcoholic drinks are not allowed at any point throughout the excursion.
| Important Information | Details |
| — | — |
| Age Limit | Not suitable for individuals over 95 years |
| Payment | Bring credit card and cash |
| Prohibited Items | No alcohol or drugs allowed in the vehicle |
| Alcohol Policy | Alcoholic drinks prohibited during the tour |
Free Cancellation and Pay Later
Customers can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Plus, the tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, enabling customers to secure their spot without paying upfront.
Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, securing their tour without upfront financial commitment.
This flexible booking process ensures that customers can plan their trip with ease and without financial commitment until the last minute.
The key benefits include:
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
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Reserve your spot without paying today.
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Flexible booking process to accommodate changing plans.
Tea Factory and Turkish Delights
One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to a local tea factory, where visitors can learn about the intricate process of tea production in the Black Sea region. Guests will have the opportunity to taste various types of tea and visit a sales office showcasing Turkish delights and other local products. This provides a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to enjoy the region’s vibrant culture and culinary offerings.
| Tea Varieties | Taste Notes | Production Process | Sales Office |
| — | — | — | — |
| Black Tea | Rich, robust | Withering, rolling, oxidation, drying | Turkish Delights |
| Green Tea | Fresh, delicate | Withering, pan-firing, drying | Baklava |
| Herbal Tea | Aromatic, soothing | Blending, drying | Lokum |
| Oolong Tea | Floral, semi-oxidized | Partial oxidation, rolling, drying | Turkish Coffee |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour overview, there are no explicit restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks. However, it’s worth noting that the tour includes a visit to a tea factory where visitors can taste various teas.
Is the Tour Suitable for Those With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues, as it involves a 300m walk from the shuttle drop-off to the Sümela Monastery and negotiating uneven terrain. Visitors should consider their physical abilities before booking.
Are There Any Opportunities for Swimming at Uzungöl?
The tour does not include any swimming opportunities at Uzungöl. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the lake from the Observation Terrace and have free time to explore the area, but there are no designated swimming areas mentioned in the itinerary.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?
The tour duration and itinerary can’t be extended or customized, as it’s a pre-set group tour. However, travelers can book private or customized tours separately if they’d like more flexibility in their sightseeing.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
There are no discounts mentioned for students or seniors on this tour. The standard pricing of $95.83 per person applies, though the tour company may offer occasional promotions or discounts that could be inquired about.
The Sum Up
The Sümela Monastery and Uzungöl tour offers a captivating and affordable day trip, providing easy transportation, knowledgeable guidance, and the chance to take in breathtaking natural scenery and historic sites. With a flexible cancellation policy and included extras like a tea factory visit, this tour provides excellent value for those seeking to experience the beauty of northeastern Turkey.
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