Trabzon stands out in Turkey’s Black Sea region not just for its lush landscapes and ancient sites, but also for its memorable lunch experiences. Whether you’re craving a meal amid pine forests overlooking Sumela Monastery or want to enjoy fresh fish by Uzungol Lake, Trabzon offers options that blend local flavor with stunning scenery. The Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch is a standout for its mix of history, nature, and delicious regional dishes, while the Uzungol Lake Day Tour with Lunch provides a scenic lakeside picnic and a chance to explore local wildlife. We especially love how these tours pair cultural sights with hearty meals that truly reflect the region’s character.
In this guide, you’ll find two of the best lunch-focused tours in Trabzon. Both tours are around eight hours long, include a tasty meal, and showcase the area’s natural beauty and unique attractions. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the details.
Brief overview of the top lunch tours in Trabzon
The list below highlights two top-rated lunch experiences in Trabzon. The first combines visits to Sumela Monastery and the Karaca Caves with a pine-tree lunch in Zigana Pass (Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch), while the second takes you to the stunning Uzungol Lake, complete with hiking, a tea factory visit, and a lakeside meal (Trabzon: Uzungol Lake Day Tour with Lunch). Both tours are rated 4.3 out of 5, so they’ve earned their place on our list for delivering memorable experiences.
1. Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch
At number 1 is the Sumela Monastery Day Tour with Lunch, which offers an immersive experience into both history and nature. For around $386 per person, this 8-hour adventure includes a visit to the iconic monastery built into a cliff face on the Black Sea coast. The tour also features a walk through Altindere National Park, where you can listen to the calming sounds of waterfalls and explore caves that reveal the area’s geological features.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to enjoy a lunch in Zigana Pass, surrounded by towering pine trees, giving you a true taste of the region’s natural bounty. After lunch, the tour continues to the Karaca Caves, an underground marvel with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and finishes with a visit to Hamsikoy, where you can taste a traditional regional pudding. The guide shares insights into the area’s history and geology, making it both educational and delicious.
This tour is well suited for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a comprehensive day out. With a solid rating of 4.3/5, visitors note the well-organized itinerary and scenic stops. The main caveat? It’s a full day, so good footwear and weather preparedness are key.
Bottom line: This tour combines cultural highlights with scenic beauty and a hearty regional lunch, making it ideal for travelers seeking a full day of exploration.
2. Trabzon: Uzungol Lake Day Tour with Lunch
Number 2 on our list is the Uzungol Lake Day Tour with Lunch, priced at about $261 per person. This 8-hour trip takes you from Trabzon to what many call Turkey’s most beautiful lake, often compared to Switzerland with its lush hills and reflective waters. The tour includes a stroll along numerous hiking trails in the surrounding hills—perfect for nature lovers who want some light trekking—and a visit to a local tea factory where you can learn about the region’s tea-making traditions.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to spot local wildlife like roe deer, Eurasian lynx, and various birds of prey. The highlight is enjoying a lakeside lunch, often featuring fresh grilled fish or traditional Turkish dishes, with Uzungol’s stunning scenery as your backdrop. The guide shares insights about the area’s ecology and culture, making this a well-rounded nature outing.
Rated 4.3/5, travelers appreciate the mix of outdoor activity and relaxation, especially the chance to breathe in fresh mountain air. The main consideration? This tour involves some walking and uneven paths, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with light hikes.
Bottom line: For those who love outdoor adventures with a scenic meal, Uzungol offers a peaceful yet exciting escape with authentic regional flavors.
How to Choose Your Best Lunch Experience in Trabzon
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and physical comfort: if history, caves, and mountain scenery excite you, the Sumela Monastery tour (Sumela Monastery) is a great choice. For a more nature-centric day with hiking and wildlife spotting, Uzungol (Uzungol Lake) offers a peaceful retreat.
Budget-wise, the Uzungol tour is more affordable and easier to fit into a day if you prefer a relaxed pace, while the Sumela tour is more comprehensive and historic. Both tours include lunch, so consider what kind of meal you prefer—pine forest picnic or lakeside fish.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, as these tours are popular. Check availability to choose the best start time for your schedule.
Final thoughts
Trabzon offers a range of lunch experiences that beautifully blend scenery, history, and local cuisine. If you want a full day of cultural discovery, the Sumela Monastery tour is hard to beat. For those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape, Uzungol delivers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Both are excellent choices depending on your interests and energy level.
No matter which tour you pick, remember to pack comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a sense of curiosity. Book early to ensure a spot on these popular trips, and enjoy your flavorful journey through Trabzon’s scenic landscapes and delicious regional dishes.