Private Sümela Monastery & Zigana Mountain Tour

Private Sümela Monastery & Zigana Mountain Tour

Explore the mountains west of Trabzon on a private day tour combining Sümela Monastery, the forests of Altındere Valley, the mountain landscapes of Zigana and the traditional village of Hamsiköy.

Travel with your own vehicle and professional licensed guide from Trabzon into the mountains of Maçka and Altındere. The main highlight is Sümela Monastery, a historic Greek Orthodox monastery built into the cliffs of Altındere Valley and one of the most remarkable cultural landmarks in the Trabzon region.

After visiting Sümela, continue through the mountain landscape towards Zigana Mountain, with opportunities for photographs along the route. The journey continues to Hamsiköy, a traditional mountain settlement famous for its local sütlaç, before returning to Trabzon.

As a private tour, the departure time, sightseeing pace and selected stops can be adjusted according to your interests and schedule.

Tour Highlights

-         Private Sümela Monastery tour from Trabzon

-         Sümela Monastery

-         Altındere Valley

-         Maçka

-         Zigana Mountain

-         Hamsiköy

-         Traditional Black Sea mountain villages

-         Forest and mountain scenery

-         Local Hamsiköy sütlaç

-         Flexible private itinerary

-         Private vehicle

Private Sümela Monastery & Zigana Tour Program

Departure from Trabzon

Your private tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Trabzon or another agreed location.

Choose a departure time that suits your schedule and begin the journey towards Maçka and Altındere Valley.

Maçka & Altındere Valley

Travel from Trabzon towards Maçka and continue into the scenic Altındere Valley.

The road takes you through forests and mountain landscapes as you approach Sümela Monastery.

Sümela Monastery

The main highlight of the tour is Sümela Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs overlooking Altındere Valley.

Explore the monastery and learn about its long history, architecture and importance as a historic Greek Orthodox religious center in the region.

Your guide will provide information about the site and the surrounding area while allowing you time to explore and take photographs.

Zigana Mountain

After visiting Sümela, continue towards Zigana Mountain.

The mountain route offers changing views of forests, valleys and highland landscapes. Photo stops can be arranged along the route where road and weather conditions allow.

Hamsiköy

Continue to Hamsiköy, a traditional mountain settlement known throughout the region for its local sütlaç, or rice pudding.

Enjoy a short break in the village and, if you wish, try the local dessert at your own expense.

Return to Trabzon

After exploring the mountain route and Hamsiköy, begin the return journey to Trabzon.

Your private vehicle will take you back to your hotel or another agreed drop-off location.

What's Included

-        Private transportation throughout the tour

-        Hotel pickup and drop-off in Trabzon

-        Private Sümela Monastery and Zigana sightseeing

-        Flexible sightseeing schedule

-        Local tour assistance

-        Local taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

-        Entrance fees unless specifically stated

-        Lunch and drinks

-        Local food and dessert purchases

-        Personal expenses

-        Gratuities

-        Services not specifically listed above

Good to Know

-        Access to Sümela Monastery may change because of weather, maintenance, conservation work or official regulations.

-        Visiting arrangements can change, so current access conditions should be confirmed before travel.

-        Some walking is required at Sümela Monastery.

-        The mountain roads can be winding.

-        Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

-        Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountain areas.

-        Photo stops depend on road, weather and traffic conditions.

-        Entrance fees and meals are not included unless specifically stated.

-        Guide services can be arranged upon request.

Why Choose a Private Sümela Monastery Tour?

A private Sümela Monastery tour gives you greater flexibility than a scheduled group excursion.

Travel with your own vehicle and professional licensed guide, choose a departure time that fits your plans and spend more time at Sümela, Hamsiköy or selected viewpoints along the route.

The itinerary can also be adjusted for couples, families and small groups, subject to travel time and local conditions.

Request Your Private Sümela Monastery Tour

Tell us your preferred travel date, number of guests and any places you would like to include along the route.

We will prepare a private quotation based on your group size, vehicle requirements, guide language and requested services.

Your vehicle, your guide, your schedule — your way of discovering Türkiye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sümela Monastery Tour from Trabzon private?

Yes. This is a private Sümela Monastery and Zigana Mountain tour with your own vehicle and professional licensed guide.

How long does the Private Sümela Monastery Tour take?

The tour is planned as a full-day experience from Trabzon. The exact duration depends on traffic, weather, visiting conditions at Sümela and the time spent at each stop.

Is Sümela Monastery open every day?

Visiting arrangements can vary because of weather, maintenance, conservation work and official regulations. Current access conditions should be confirmed before your travel date.

Is entrance to Sümela Monastery included?

Entrance fees are not included unless specifically stated in your booking. Any applicable entrance fees can be confirmed when your private tour is arranged.

Can we visit Sümela Monastery without joining a group?

Yes. A private vehicle and professional licensed guide can be arranged for your group, allowing you to visit Sümela without joining a scheduled group tour.

Is Hamsiköy included in the tour?

Yes. Hamsiköy is included as part of the standard private itinerary, subject to road and weather conditions.

Can we try Hamsiköy sütlaç?

Yes. Hamsiköy is known for its traditional sütlaç. You can stop for the local dessert during your free time in the village. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can the Sümela and Zigana itinerary be customized?

Yes. Because this is a private tour, the sightseeing pace and selected stops can be adjusted according to your interests, available time and local conditions.

Can families and small groups book this tour?

Yes. Private Sümela Monastery tours are suitable for couples, families and small groups. Vehicle arrangements can be made according to the number of guests and luggage requirements.

Can I request a different guide language?

Yes. Guides speaking other languages can be arranged subject to availability. Additional charges may apply depending on the requested language.