From Rize Merkez: Sumela Monastery and Trabzon Private Tour

Explore Trabzon’s Top Sights on a Full-Day Private Tour from Rize

This 8-hour private tour offers an immersive experience of Trabzon’s most remarkable landmarks, departing from Rize Merkez. For $345 per group up to 4, travelers enjoy a carefully curated journey with entry tickets included (except for Sumela Monastery) and the guidance of a certified local guide. The tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day exploring nature, history, and local traditions in southeastern Turkey.

The itinerary balances natural beauty with cultural highlights, from the iconic Sumela Monastery to the stunning Karaca Cave. The tour’s highlight is the Torul castle observation glass terrace, which offers some of the most breathtaking views in Turkey. The trip concludes with a visit to Hamsikoy village and a taste of its famous natural rice pudding. This is a well-rounded experience suited for travelers seeking both scenic vistas and cultural insights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day private tour from Rize with 8 hours of sightseeing
• Includes transportation, certified guide, and entrance fees (except Sumela Monastery)
• Visit Sumela Monastery, with its famous frescoes depicting biblical scenes
• Experience the Torul castle glass terrace, the highest viewing spot in Turkey
• Explore Karaca Cave, known for its minerals, dripstones, and unique microclimate
• Taste Hamsikoy’s renowned natural rice pudding made from village milk
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup/drop-off included

Starting Point at Ricosta Hotel with Easy Access

The tour begins at Ricosta Hotel, where a guide or driver greets visitors holding the travel agency board. This straightforward start ensures a smooth beginning for all participants. The transportation is in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, making the long day pleasant and relaxed.

Pickup and drop-off are included, allowing travelers to focus on the sights without logistical concerns. The private group setting helps maintain a personalized and flexible experience, with the option to ask questions and explore at your own pace.

Visiting Sumela Monastery: Cliffs and Frescoes

The Sumela Monastery, perched on the cliffs of the Altindere Valley, is the first major stop. The journey passes through the Altindere valley, offering lush views of nature, the river, and mountains. Once at the monastery, visitors will appreciate the frescoes that depict scenes like The Creation of the Earth, Adam and Eve, and the lives of Jesus, his apostles, and holy Maries.

The monastery’s architecture and location make it a striking sight, with its history blending religious significance and scenic beauty. The guided explanation enhances understanding of the frescoes and the site’s history, making this stop both visually and intellectually engaging.

The Thrill of the Torul Castle Glass Terrace

Next, the tour takes visitors to Torul city castle observation glass terrace, which stands as Turkey’s highest viewing terrace. The terrace overlooks spectacular mountains, plains, and the river, providing panoramic vistas that are hard to match.

Access to this terrace demands a bit of courage due to its height and transparent floor, but the views are well worth the bravery. The experience offers a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the region’s natural beauty from a dizzying perspective.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Karaca Cave’s Natural Wonders

A highlight of this tour is Karaca Cave, with a length of around 105 meters and natural features across a floor area of 1500 m². Inside, the temperature is cooler than outside in summer, and warmer in winter, thanks to its microclimate.

The cave showcases diverse rocks, minerals, dripstones, and small ponds, creating a serene underground landscape. The average height of 15 meters allows visitors to marvel at the formations from multiple angles, making it a fascinating stop for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts alike.

The Charm of Hamsikoy Village and Its Rice Pudding

The final stop is Hamsikoy village, a peaceful place known for its natural environment and local rice pudding made from village milk. Visitors can learn about the village life and traditional farming practices before savoring the famous rice pudding.

This small village offers a relaxing end to the busy day, giving travelers a taste of authentic local culture and culinary tradition. The experience is casual and friendly, perfect for those who want to connect with rural Turkish life.

Practical Details: Transportation and Group Size

The tour operates with a private group, meaning it is tailored for small parties of up to 4 people. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the long drives between stops. Hotel pickup and drop-off make the entire day hassle-free, especially for travelers staying in Rize.

The availability and start times are flexible, so it’s easy to find an option that fits your schedule. The cost of $345 covers all entrance fees (excluding Sumela Monastery) and the guide, providing good value for a full-day experience.

Pricing and Booking Flexibility

The tour is priced at $345 per group up to 4, making it an economical option for small groups or families. The reserve now and pay later feature offers flexibility and peace of mind, allowing travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

Cancellation is free if made up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility in case plans change unexpectedly.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences all packed into a single day. The Sumela Monastery with its frescoes remains a key highlight, along with the panoramic views from Torul castle’s glass terrace.

The inclusion of Karaca Cave’s unique microclimate and the visit to Hamsikoy village for local delicacies provide a well-rounded taste of the region. The private group format ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed pace compared to larger tours.

Considerations and Limitations

While the tour is rich in sights, it requires walking and some physical activity, especially at the Sumela Monastery and Torul castle terrace. The terrace access demands a bit of courage due to its height and transparent flooring. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and consider bringing a change of clothes for the cave visit.

The entrance fee for Sumela Monastery is not included in the base price, costing 20. It’s advisable to plan for this additional expense.

Final Thoughts on the Rize to Trabzon Private Tour

This private tour offers a comprehensive and flexible way to discover the highlights of the Trabzon region in one day. From historical monasteries to spectacular viewpoints and underground caves, it balances scenic beauty with cultural richness.

Ideal for small groups and families, the tour provides personalized guidance, comfortable transportation, and all key entry tickets included. The price of $345 is a reasonable investment for a full day of sightseeing, especially considering the quality of sites visited.

Travelers who enjoy nature, history, and local culture will find this tour both rewarding and memorable. While the Sumela Monastery involves some walking and the terrace requires bravery, these are minor considerations for those eager to explore this vibrant region.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the tour price?
  The transportation, certified guide, and entrance fees (except for Sumela Monastery) are included.

• How long is the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins and ends at Ricosta Hotel in Rize.

• Is the tour suitable for all ages?
  Yes, but expect some walking and the need for comfortable shoes. The Terrace access requires a bit of courage due to height.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Is the Sumela Monastery entrance fee included?
  No, it costs 20, which is paid separately.

• What should I bring on the tour?
  Comfortable shoes and a change of clothes are recommended.

• Is food included?
  No, meals and drinks are not included, but you can purchase lunch during the day.

• What is the guide language?
  The guide speaks English, Russian, and Turkish.

• How many people can join?
  The tour is designed for a private group of up to 4 people.

• What makes this tour special?
  The combination of scenic views, historical sites, underground caves, and local village experiences in a single day sets this tour apart.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
  More Great Tours Nearby