Silversea Luxury Cruises To TRABZON

Discover the picturesque beauty and splendid landmarks of Trabzon during a half-day excursion to this historic city.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive into Trabzon, and a visit to the St. Sophia Museum.

St. Sophia Museum

Originally a church built by the Commenos family in the 13th century, the St. Sophia Museum was expanded by Emperor Manuel Paleologos VII later in the same century, then converted into a mosque in the 16th century. It finally became a museum in 1957. Upon arrival, discover its historical importance to Trabzon and some beautiful but faint frescoes that are still visible inside this remarkable building.

Gulbahar Hatun Mosque

Next, proceed for a visit to the Gulbahar Hatun Mosque. Selim I Yavuz built this holy mosque in 1507 below and to the west of the citadel for his mother, who is also buried here. The Gulbahar Hatun Mosque is the oldest building in the town to have always functioned as a Muslim house of prayer (other older buildings were later converted into mosques).

Country House of Ataturk

Leaving the mosque, proceed to the country house of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of his home along with picturesque views and photo opportunities overlooking Trabzon.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for an orientation tour of the city and some free time in the city centre before returning to the pier.

Explore the picturesque beauty and splendid sights of the Black Sea region during a full-day tour of the port city of Trabzon.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the Sumela Monastery.

Sumela Monastery

Officially known in Turkish as the 'Meryem Ana Manastiri' and derived from the Greek St. Maria of Mount Mela, or 'Hagia Maria tou Mela', this spectacular monastery is perched on the mountainside. To this day, it remains a mystery as to how such a huge monastery was built on the side of a mountain with the primitive technology available in the 6th century. With its eerie mist and forested background, Sumela is a truly magical sight. From the bottom, the monastery looks as if it would be impossible to reach without divine guidance. From the top, take in breathtaking panoramic views of your surroundings. This ethereal structure is highlighted by 14th-century additions, and is one of Turkey's most renowned destinations.

Leaving the monastery, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to the St. Sophia Museum.

St. Sophia Museum

Originally a church built by the Commenos family in the 13th century, the St. Sophia Museum was expanded by Emperor Manuel Paleologos VII later in the same century, then converted into a mosque in the 16th century. It finally became a museum in 1957. Upon arrival, discover its historical importance to Trabzon and some beautiful but faint frescoes that are still visible inside this remarkable building.

Country House Visit

Next, your tour continues with a visit to the country house of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of his home, along with picturesque views and photo opportunities overlooking Trabzon.

Ortahisar Buyuk Fatih Mosque

Your tour concludes with a drive to the Ortahisar District and a visit to the Ortahisar Buyuk Fatih Mosque, or 'Golden-Headed Mary Church'. This ancient Byzantine Church contains some of the most stunning examples of Ottoman ornamental art. It is strange that the church's reputation is Ottoman, as its character is positively Byzantine. The church was built in the 10th century, renovated during the ensuing three centuries and used for the crown ceremonies of Byzantine Emperors until the 15th century, when the Ottomans converted it into a mosque after conquering the city of Trabzon.

Midway through the tour, lunch with local specialties of Black Sea region will be served at a local restaurant.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive into Trabzon, and a visit to the St. Sophia Museum.

St. Sophia Museum

Originally a church built by the Commenos family in the 13th century, the St. Sophia Museum was expanded by Emperor Manuel Paleologos VII later in the same century, then converted into a mosque in the 16th century. It finally became a museum in 1957. Upon arrival, discover its historical importance to Trabzon and some beautiful but faint frescoes that are still visible inside this remarkable building.

Country House of Ataturk

Leaving the mosque, proceed to the country house of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of his home along with picturesque views and photo opportunities overlooking Trabzon.

Hamsiköy Village

Travel through the rich countryside for approximately 1 hour, to arrive at Hamsiköy, a famous mountain village to the south of Trabzon, well known for its delicious food, along with its natural beauties.

The history of Hamsiköy is considerably old. It was an accommodation spot on the Northern route of The Silk Road that stretched from China and India to Europe in very Old days.

Here we will have a lunch of local specialties.

Karaca Cave

After the lunch, drive approximately 30 minutes to Karaca Cave, whose entrance has been used as a natural shelter in the ancient time. The cave shows fascinating examples of dripstones.

At the end of the tour, drive approximately 90 minutes back to the port.