Discover Trabzon’s Sümela Monastery, Zigana Summit, and Torul Glass Terrace on a captivating guided tour. Experience history, nature, and breathtaking views.
Discover Trabzon’s Sümela Monastery, Zigana Summit, and Torul Glass Terrace on a captivating guided tour. Experience history, nature, and breathtaking views.
- Sumela Monastery - It is believed that the church was constructed between 365-395 AD. The architectural style follows the Cappadocia churches, commonly found in Anatolia; a similar cave church exists in the Maşatlık area of Trabzon. Little is known about the thousand-year span between the church’s initial foundation and its transformation into a…
- Sumela Monastery - It is believed that the church was constructed between 365-395 AD. The architectural style follows the Cappadocia churches, commonly found in Anatolia; a similar cave church exists in the Maşatlık area of Trabzon. Little is known about the thousand-year span between the church’s initial foundation and its transformation into a monastery. According to a legend among the Black Sea Greeks, two monks, Barnabas and Sophronios of Athens, shared the same dream; they envisioned the location of Sumela where the icon was placed, one of the three Panagia icons created by Saint Luke in the children of Jesus. Unaware of each other’s dreams, they traveled to Trabzon by sea, met there, shared their dreams, and believed the first church could be established. However, the prominence of Emperor Alexios III of Trebizond in the monastery’s frescoes suggests he may be the true founder of the monastery.
- Zigana - Zigana Pass is a mountain pass in the North Anatolian Mountains, within Gümüşhane province. It stands at an elevation of 2032 meters.
The pass serves as a transition point between the Eastern Black Sea’s geographical features and the Central Anatolian plateaus. The Harşit Valley is situated on the Central Anatolian side. On this side of the pass, villages are less frequent compared to the Black Sea side, where collective settlements are more common, and forest density decreases. The pass is surrounded by dense forests.
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Hamsikoy - Hamsiköy is a historic accommodation site located 19 km from Maçka District on the northern route of the Silk Road from China and India to Europe, on the northern slope of Zigana Mountain. Its name is derived from the Arabic Hamse village (five villages).
Hamsiköy boasts unique natural beauty with its flowing waters from rivers throughout the valley, mist-covered mountain slopes, forests adorned with purple-flowered rhododendrons, historical mansions, and fountains. Besides its natural, cultural, and historical significance, it contributes to Trabzon’s and the country’s economy with its delicious milk from the region’s flower flora and the production of vacuum kashar, butter, string cheese, and curd cheese.
Hamsiköy Sütlacı: The specialty of Hamsiköy Sütlacı lies in the delicious milk from the region’s flower flora, cooked for an hour using a special technique with only rice, sugar, and salt.
- Torul Glass Observation Terrace - The glass observation terrace, constructed near Torul Castle, known to have been built in the Middle Ages and incorporated into Ottoman territory during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet for defense and surveillance, is one of Turkey’s highest examples at 240 meters above the ground and one of the most accessible glass terraces, just 2 kilometers from the highway.
The 240-meter glass observation terrace in Torul District is now open to visitors. Built on the hilltop where Torul Castle is located, along the route of the Zigana tunnel and Karaca Cave, it draws attention from local and international tourists with its 90-square-meter area and reinforced glass platform that can accommodate 50 people simultaneously.
- Karaca Cave - Karaca Cave, named after the village neighborhood where it resides, is a stunning natural marvel shaped by nature over millions of years, meticulously carved, with every detail crafted with care. Located just southwest of Karaca Neighborhood within Cebeli Village in Torul district of Gümüşhane, it is 17 km from the city center and 1550 meters above sea level. Visitors can access the cave via a 4 km road branching off 12 km north of the Gümüşhane-Trabzon highway, where facilities are available for dining, resting, and purchasing souvenirs.
- Air-conditioned car
- Entrances: Sümela Monastery, Karaca Cave, Torul Glass Terrace
- Tour guide
- Air-conditioned car
- Entrances: Sümela Monastery, Karaca Cave, Torul Glass Terrace
- Tour guide
- lunch
- entrances: sümela monastery, karaca cave, torul glass terrace
- lunch
- entrances: sümela monastery, karaca cave, torul glass terrace
Join a guided tour to visit one of the area’s most renowned attractions - Sümela Monastery. Discover the sacred site’s grounds before visiting other notable spots like Zigana Mountain Summit, Torul Glass Terrace, and more.
Enjoy a picturesque 45-minute drive before reaching the Sümela Monastery parking area. Prepare to explore a place rich in historical,…
Join a guided tour to visit one of the area’s most renowned attractions - Sümela Monastery. Discover the sacred site’s grounds before visiting other notable spots like Zigana Mountain Summit, Torul Glass Terrace, and more.
Enjoy a picturesque 45-minute drive before reaching the Sümela Monastery parking area. Prepare to explore a place rich in historical, religious, and natural wonders.
Board the shuttle to ascend to the monastery itself. Arrive at the iconic structure after a brief 10-minute walk.
Continue your adventure to the next stop, Zigana Mountain Summit. Marvel at this 2000-meter high location. Take in the breathtaking natural views from a unique perspective and pause for a delightful lunch.
Proceed to Torul Glass Terrace, which rises an impressive 240 meters. Visit the Karaca cave, celebrated for its stunning and healthy formations of stalactites and travertines.
- The remaining 3 hours 45 minutes is for travel time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.