Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Hamsiköy Village Tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Set out from Trabzon to visit the iconic Sümela Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs of Altındere Valley. Explore the lush landscapes of Altındere National Park, surrounded by forested mountains and fresh mountain air, and enjoy opportunities to capture stunning photographs along the way.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Altindere Vadisi National Park
The first stop is Sümela Monastery, located within Altındere National Park, reached after an enjoyable drive of approximately one hour. Inside the national park, shared minibuses are used, followed by a 300-meter walk along a forest path to reach the monastery. Before entering Sümela Monastery, visit St. Barbara Chapel, which offers one of the best viewpoints to admire the monastery set dramatically against the mountains.
Sumela Monastery
Upon arrival at Sümela Monastery, historic aqueducts, stone stairways, and visitor facilities welcome you. Before entering, take a short moment to enjoy the surrounding nature and scenic views. After passing through the entrance gate reached by stone steps, the monastery complex opens up before you. During the visit, explore the main rock church, chapels, student rooms, library, guesthouse, and sacred spring, along with other sections of this remarkable site. At the end of the visit, meet with the group leader and return along the same path.
What‘s Included
Transportation by new model air conditioned vehicle
Hotel Pick-up and drop-off
Tour guiding
All trips specified in the program
Food and Drinks
Museum and Entrance fees 20 Euro per person (cash in TL or by credit card)
National Park shuttle service fee
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Sumela Monastery, Zigana and Hamsiköy Village Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
73 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The biggest disappointment of my life
W3068HHsamb,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00What a waste to money!!! You pay 140TL for the shuttle bus, 185TL for the parking lot and 20 Euros to access probably 5% of the monastery!! What a scam. Free distant views are worth it though.
Highly recommended great tour
Connector37327183042,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day tour! Sumela Monastery and Karaca Cave were stunning. Taner was a fantastic guide—informative and friendly. Big thanks to Husain for the smooth ride. Highly recommend!
Great trip out. Lovely guide.
397andyw,,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good tour. Great value for money. Rose the guide was highly engaging and helpful. Can recommend this trip out from Trabzon.
Great value, spectacular location
869franciss,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day out from Trabazon to visit an old monastery in a genuinely spectacular location. The add ons of the Zigara pass and a good lunch in Hamilkoy were well worthwhile. Highly recommend the sutlaj rice pudding!
Disappointed in our tour guide
Karen L,,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00We had a driver and saw the sights but our tour guide only talked like she had read a script and didn’t tell us much or talk very often. At the pass she took selfies and seemed very disengaged from the group…not sure if she even wanted the job. An audio guide would have been so much better. The monastery while historic is now full of thick wooden railings that don’t fit the site done placed there by the Turkish government, half the inside of the church was curtained off for refurbishment and I was disappointed that so much of the artwork has been vandalized. A good guide with a lot of history might have made up for this.
Amazing trip
Leyestha S,,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Both driver and Irem our tour guide was very nice. They are punctual in time which was very amazing. The tour itself involved several different places which was very beautiful and iconic..however, i believe the time inside the sulema monastery should be less than 1 hour. Hence, more time can be given to explore the hamsikoy village..Overall, was amazing trip.
Sümela Monastery and Zigana Pass Tour With Zenofon
Camper66699266633,,Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were very pleased with the small group tour of Sümela Monastety, Zigana Pass and Hamsiköy on Zenofon Tours. We only had 6 people in our tour mini-bus, which was excellent. Our tour guide Taner was very knowledgeable about the history of Sümela and the surrounding area, and fun and courteous. Our driver Emrah was skilled and gave us a nice, smooth ride. Vehicle was cleans air conditioned. Tour left at 9 am which is a great idea because we beat all the big bus tours and avoided crowds at Sümela and the other stops. Views at Zigana Pass and Hamsiköy are breathtaking. Zenofon is not overly commercialized which is a plus. Overall, we were very happy with the tour.
Very fun
aimana831,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good helped us out and explained in detail The nature was amazing and the places we passed were so relaxing. I hope to visit again and recommend to my family and friends in Amman to visit Trabzon and its surroundings Thank you so much for your sightseeing and beautiful hearts
Good Transportation, Good Driver, Friendly and very knowledgeable guide. Explained everything in good english.
Masood L,,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took two day trips. Both trips were very well organized. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. They were very flexible in dropping off at desired locations
Sumela Monastery and Karaca cave tour
Resort676668,,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was well planned , the guide was very polite and knowledgeable . Sumela monastery's history was explained in good English , the place was mesmerising and the scenery was absolutely beautiful, after that we went to the Karaca cave and that was amazing too. Overall was a very enjoyable day .
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Operated by Zenofon Tours