Trabzon: Sümela Monastery and Hamsiköy Tour - Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Which Trabzon Tours To Choose? Our Best 3 Picks

Discover the top tours in Trabzon, from the historic Sumela Monastery to private city explorations, perfect for diverse interests and travel styles.

Trabzon is a city that uniquely combines rugged natural beauty with a rich cultural past. Its location on Turkey’s Black Sea coast means you get lush mountains, ancient sites, and a vibrant local scene all in one place. Exploring independently can be a challenge — winding roads, language barriers, and unfamiliar customs — so joining a guided tour makes all the difference. We especially love the Sumela Monastery, Zigana, and Hamsiköy Village Tour for its comprehensive experience and ease, giving you a deep dive into the region’s highlights without the hassle. Whether you’re into history, scenery, or trying local food, there’s a tour that fits.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best Trabzon tours covering everything from day trips to private city explorations. Each offers a different way to experience Trabzon’s unique charm, so you can pick one that matches your pace, budget, and interests.

1. Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Hamsiköy Village Tour

Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Hamsiköy Village Tour

At number one, this full-day small-group tour promises a balanced mix of history, nature, and local flavor. For around $56.89, you’ll spend about six hours exploring some of Trabzon’s most iconic sites. The tour kicks off with the Sumela Monastery, perched on a cliff within Altındere National Park. It’s a place that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, and the walk along the 300-meter forest path offers a chance to soak in the lush scenery. Visiting the St. Barbara Chapel beforehand offers a panoramic view of the monastery, making it a memorable start.

Inside the monastery complex, you’ll see the main rock church, chapels, and the old library — all carefully restored and full of atmosphere. The tour then continues to the Zigana Pass, where mountain views are breathtaking, and finally stops at Hamsiköy Village for a relaxed visit and optional local food. The tour’s value lies in its ease and depth: comfortable transportation, insightful English commentary, and a chance to see the Black Sea region’s highlights without the stress of planning logistics. Reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, the scenic beauty, and the well-paced itinerary, making it perfect for families and first-time visitors.

Bottom line: This tour balances comprehensive sightseeing with comfort, making it ideal if you want a well-organized day without sacrificing authenticity.

2. Trabzon: Sumela Monastery and Hamsiköy Tour

Trabzon: Sümela Monastery and Hamsiköy Tour

Coming in at number two, this full-day experience offers a slightly longer and more in-depth exploration for about $55 per person. Rated at 4.6/5 from over 110 reviews, it emphasizes Black Sea’s four-season climate in one day — a real bonus given Trabzon’s unpredictable weather. This tour starts with a hotel pickup from one of 13 locations, which is a real convenience.

The main highlight is the Sumela Monastery, where you’ll spend around 1.5 hours soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient site. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a traditional Black Sea lunch in Hamsiköy, and then visit Gümüşhane Province for some stunning mountain vistas. The tour also includes a viewpoint visit and a stop at the visitor center, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the area’s geography and history. The pace is deliberate, with plenty of time to enjoy each stop and take photos.

The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the scenic stops, although some note the longer duration might be tiring for very young children. The lunch in Hamsiköy is a highlight, offering a taste of local cuisine amid scenic surroundings.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full day of sightseeing with comfortable logistics and a focus on natural beauty and regional history.

3. Private Trabzon Full Day Tour With A Licensed Guide

Private Trabzon Full Day Tour With A Licensed Guide

At number three, this private option delivers personalized attention and flexibility. For about $327 per group (up to 7 people), you get a tailored 8-hour tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s a superb choice if you prefer a more intimate experience or have specific sites in mind.

This tour covers all the top attractions: Sumela Monastery, Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, and Ataturk Pavilion. Visiting the monastery first allows plenty of time to absorb its dramatic setting. Afterwards, you’ll see the Ataturk Pavilion, where the founder of modern Turkey spent a few days. The tour then heads to Akçaabat for the famous meatballs, followed by a visit to the Hagia Sophia Museum, where stunning frescoes tell stories of the Byzantine past. The final stop at Boztepe Hill offers panoramic views over Trabzon and the Black Sea.

Reviews note that Ozkan, the guide, shares engaging insights and makes the day flow smoothly. The price reflects the personalized service and convenience, especially for those who value flexibility and comfort. The only potential downside is the cost, which might be steep for budget travelers.

Bottom line: Perfect for small groups or couples seeking an exclusive experience with expert guidance and customized itinerary.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Trabzon

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want a full, relaxed day with lots of sights and scenic stops, the Trabzon: Sumela Monastery and Hamsiköy Tour offers great value. For those focused mainly on the iconic monastery with a taste of regional food, the Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Hamsiköy Village Tour delivers a balanced experience at a competitive price.

If you prefer a private, fully tailored day with no compromises on comfort or specific sites, the Private Trabzon Full Day Tour is your best bet — especially for small groups or couples. Booking early is wise, particularly in high season (spring and summer), and always check if the tour includes transportation, meals, and entrance fees.

Final Thoughts

Trabzon offers a wonderful mix of historic sites, spectacular mountain scenery, and local flavor. Whether you choose a well-organized group adventure like the Sumela Monastery, Zigana, and Hamsiköy Village Tour, a comprehensive full-day experience, or a private guided tour, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. For those with limited time, a half-day trip to Sumela is also memorable, but for an immersive experience, the full-day tours provide plenty of scope.

We recommend matching your choice to your travel style: budget travelers will appreciate the value-packed group tours, while those seeking a personalized itinerary will find the private options worth the splurge. No matter what, booking your tour in advance will help secure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this captivating Black Sea city.