Sumela MonasteryThe Perfect Trabzon & Black Sea Itinerary (3, 5 or 7 Days)
Sumela Monastery is the headliner, but Turkey's Black Sea coast is packed with green mountains, lakes and tea fields. Here's how to plan it.
3-day itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Trabzon
Land at TZX, check in, catch the sunset from Boztepe Hill and check out Trabzon's Hagia Sophia.
Day 2 – Sumela Monastery + Hamsiköy
Hit the monastery at opening, then rice pudding in Hamsiköy on the way back.
Day 3 – Uzungöl Lake
A full day at the lake, wooden houses, mountain views. Fly out that evening or the next morning.
5-day itinerary
Do the 3-day plan, then add:
Day 4 – Rize & the tea gardens
Drive east along the coast through endless tea fields.
Day 5 – Ayder Plateau & Fırtına Valley
Green highlands, waterfalls, old stone bridges and Ottoman-era villages.
7-day itinerary
Add two slow days in the highlands – stay in a wooden guesthouse in Ayder or Uzungöl, hike, and eat way too much muhlama (Black Sea cheese fondue).
Book the whole thing as an all-inclusive package:
DIY or package?
| DIY | All-inclusive package | |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | You book everything | Done for you |
| Transport | Rental car or tours | Included |
| Hotels | Booked separately | Included |
| Best for | Confident road-trippers | First-timers, families |
Going DIY? Grab a rental car and hotels separately:
Hotels in Trabzon and the Black Sea region:
FAQ
How many days do you need in Trabzon?
At least 3 days to see Sumela Monastery, Uzungöl and the city. 5 days lets you add Ayder and Rize.
What is the best Black Sea Turkey tour?
An all-inclusive multi-day package covering Sumela, Uzungöl and Ayder is the easiest way to see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit the Black Sea region?
May to October, when the highlands are green and roads are open.