Sümela Monastery&Uzungöl: Daily Group Tour

Introduction

If you’re eyeing a day trip from Trabzon that combines both cultural wonders and breathtaking scenery, this Sümela Monastery & Uzungöl: Daily Group Tour might catch your interest. While I haven’t personally experienced this tour, I’ve reviewed the details and feedback to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What I like about this tour is how it offers a chance to see two iconic spots—the ancient Sümela Monastery and the lush Uzungöl—in just one day. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to a tea factory adds a taste of regional life. On the flip side, a potential concern is the overall timing, which some travelers found a bit rushed. This trip seems best suited for those who want a comprehensive look at the area without too much fuss, but who are okay with a fairly full schedule.

If you’re someone who loves combining history, nature, and local culture, and don’t mind a long day, this tour could be right up your alley. Just keep in mind that the experience depends heavily on the guide’s management of the itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Visit two major attractions in one day: Sümela Monastery and Uzungöl.
• Includes transportation and a guided experience making logistics easier.
• Entry and shuttle bus tickets for Sümela are additional costs to consider.
• Timing can be tight, so be prepared for a full day with some rushing.
• Highlights include scenic views, frescoed monastery walls, and regional tea.
• Average rating is 3.3/5, with some mixed reviews about the itinerary management.

What the Tour Offers in Detail

Starting the Day in Trabzon

The tour kicks off early at 09:00, with pickup included if you’re staying within the specified areas. From the get-go, it’s a well-organized way to cover a lot of ground without the hassle of planning individual transport. The group size isn’t specified but is likely small to medium, typical for guided tours.

Visiting Sümela Monastery

A standout of this trip is the Sumela Monastery, often called the “hidden monastery beyond the clouds.” Built in the 4th century, it’s a site that offers more than just its age—think stunning frescoes and a dramatic mountain setting. The journey involves a shuttle bus at an additional fee of 70, which takes you up to the parking area, followed by a 300-meter walk to reach the monastery.

This part of the tour is quite popular, but it comes with some caveats. For example, the entrance fee is 20, and the shuttle bus costs 52. You’ll also need to walk a short distance, which might be a consideration if you have mobility issues. Some reviews have pointed out that the experience at Sümela can feel rushed, with a tight schedule that sometimes leaves little time for exploring or photography.

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Tea Factory Visit – Sampling and Learning

Next, the trip goes to a regional tea factory—an important part of the local economy. Here, you’ll get an overview of how tea leaves go from the garden to your cup, along with a chance to taste various types of Turkish tea. It’s a nice cultural touch that adds flavor to the day, especially if you’re a tea lover.

Right after, a sales office visit allows you to try and buy Turkish delights, chocolates, coffee, and aromatic teas—perfect for bringing home a taste of the region or just enjoying some treats on the spot.

Uzungöl – Scenic Views and Free Time

The highlight for many is Uzungöl, a lake famous for its dramatic mountain backdrop and lush surroundings. The tour takes you up to the Observation Terrace first, where the views are ideal for photos. You’ll love the way the lake stretches out below, framed by forested slopes—beautiful any time of year, but especially in spring and summer.

You then get about 2 hours of free time around Uzungöl, giving you the chance to walk along the lake, explore the small town, or visit the Dursun Ali nan Museum. The free time is a nice addition, though one review mentioned feeling a bit rushed and that the entire trip ran longer than planned, nearly 11.5 hours.

The Return Route and Sightseeing

On the way back, there’s a quick stop at the Historical Tiled Bridge built in 1935—a brief but picturesque break. Expect to arrive back in Trabzon between 18:00 and 19:00, depending on traffic and season.

The Practical Side: Price, Duration, and Logistics

At $95 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering it includes transportation, a guide, and the program. However, remember that the entry ticket for Sümela (20) and the shuttle bus (52) are extra costs, which can add up. So, if you’re on a budget, it’s worth factoring these in.

The 10-hour duration makes for a long day, especially if you’re not used to full itineraries. The timing can feel rushed, particularly at Sümela, where some travellers felt they didn’t have enough time to fully appreciate the monastery or take photos.

The tour is led by guides speaking English, Arabic, and Turkish. Having a multilingual guide is helpful, especially in a diverse group, but the reviews suggest some guides might have room for experience in managing the itinerary more smoothly.

Additional Considerations

• If you have mobility issues, the walk to Sümela might be a concern.
• The tour is not suitable for travelers over 95 years old.
• Bring cash and a credit card, especially for the optional entrance and shuttle.
• No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the bus or at sites—standard rules but worth noting.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One reviewer noted that the trip was “well organized” and the guide friendly, but also mentioned that the guide “lacked experience” and “mismanaged the itinerary,” which made the day feel hurried. That’s a helpful reminder that the experience can vary depending on who’s guiding.

Another traveler appreciated the “stunning views” and called the tour “a great experience,” but also pointed out that the whole trip ran longer than expected, leaving little time at each stop. If maximizing your time at each location is important to you, this is something to consider.

Conversely, some travelers felt they missed out on parts of the original plan, like the historic tiled bridge, because of timing issues. It’s a reminder that the schedule can be tight, and flexibility might be limited.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see two significant natural and historical attractions in the Trabzon region without the hassle of organizing transfers and entries. It suits those who enjoy guided experiences and are comfortable with a packed schedule. If you’re looking for a relaxed, unhurried day, this might feel a bit rushed.

People interested in Turkish tea and local culture will find the factory visit interesting, and those who love scenic landscapes will appreciate the views at Uzungöl.

However, if you prefer more time at each site or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider a private or more leisurely alternative.

The Sum Up

All in all, this Sümela Monastery & Uzungöl tour offers a solid way to discover some of the most iconic spots near Trabzon in a single day. It combines history, nature, and local flavor, making it a good option for travelers who want a rundown without the fuss of planning every detail.

The tour’s success depends heavily on the guide’s ability to manage time efficiently, so expect a day that’s somewhat structured but can feel hurried. The inclusions of the tea factory and scenic viewpoints add nice touches, giving you a rounded experience.

Best suited for those who prioritize seeing major sights and don’t mind a full schedule. If you’re after a more relaxed pace, consider whether this tour fits your travel style. Either way, you’ll return with some memorable images and stories from one of Turkey’s most scenic regions.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, transportation is included in the tour price, with a guide leading the way. You also pay extra for the shuttle bus to Sümela.

What is the duration of the tour? It lasts about 10 hours, starting at 09:00, with return expected between 18:00 and 19:00.

Are the entry tickets included? No, the entry ticket for Sümela Monastery (20) and the shuttle bus (52) are additional.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly? The tour is not suitable for travelers over 95 years old and involves walking and full day travel, so consider that if traveling with older or very young children.

What language is the tour guide available in? Guides speak English, Arabic, and Turkish, making communication accessible for many travelers.

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

What should I bring? Bring cash and a credit card, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Will I have free time at Uzungöl? Yes, about 2 hours to walk around the lake or explore at your leisure.

Is there anything I should be aware of regarding the schedule? The itinerary can be tightly managed, and some reviews suggest it may feel rushed, so plan your expectations accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here: