Istanbul & Trabzon Tour: 4 Days with Sumela Monastery & Flights

Istanbul and Trabzon with Sumela Monastery in 4 days: the key facts

This package pairs Istanbul's old city with Trabzon on the Black Sea coast. Day 1 is arrival and a transfer to your hotel. On Day 2 you spend a full day on foot in the old city with a guide, seeing the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar (Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are optional), and fly to Trabzon in the evening. Day 3 is Sumela Monastery, built into a cliff face, and the Ataturk Pavilion, before a flight back to Istanbul for your last night. Day 4 is the airport transfer.

It suits travellers who already plan to be in Istanbul and want to add one region most visitors never see, with very little road time: both long legs are flights. It is a short trip with one full sightseeing day in each city. The price is from $1,455 per person.

What time does the Istanbul tour start on Day 2?

The page gives two different times. The Day 1 text says your guide meets you at 09:30 AM the next morning, while the Day 2 text says the guide picks you up at the hotel at 09:00 AM. Be ready at 09:00 to be safe, and ask us to confirm the exact pickup time in writing. The day ends with a transfer to the airport for the evening flight to Trabzon, so pack and check out before the tour starts.

What does the Sumela visit involve?

Sumela Monastery is built on the side of a cliff in the hills outside Trabzon. It reopened in 2021 after a long restoration, and it still closes for short periods for safety work on the rock face; the most recent short closure was in June 2026. Ask us to check its status for your date. The page does not describe the walk from the car park to the monastery, so wear shoes with good grip. After Sumela you visit the Ataturk Pavilion, a hillside villa with views over Trabzon, and then fly back to Istanbul.

What is the best time of year for Trabzon?

The Black Sea coast is green because it rains in every season. July and August are usually the driest months, while autumn tends to be the wettest. In winter, snow can make the mountain roads harder to use, so late spring through early autumn is the easiest window. Bring a light rain jacket whatever the month. Read more in our Black Sea Turkey guide.

Does the package include Uzungol?

No. The Trabzon day on this package is Sumela Monastery and the Ataturk Pavilion only, with a flight back to Istanbul the same day. Uzungol Lake is a separate trip from Trabzon. If you want it, add a night in Trabzon and book the Uzungol day trip from Trabzon. The Trabzon and Sumela Monastery tour is also sold on its own. If you want to see more of the region, the 7-day Black Sea tour from Istanbul covers it in more depth.

What should I wear on the Istanbul day?

The Blue Mosque asks all visitors to cover shoulders and knees, and women to cover their hair; scarves are usually available at the entrance, and shoes come off at the door. The mosque closes to visitors during the five daily prayers, with the longest closure at Friday midday, so the guide may change the order of stops. If you add Hagia Sophia, the same clothing applies. Comfortable shoes matter most, since this is a full day on foot. See what to wear in Istanbul for more.

Are Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia included?

Both are marked optional, which means their tickets are not part of the included entrance fees. The page lists a Hagia Sophia entrance ticket as an add-on at $40. It does not list a price for Topkapi Palace on this package. Other add-ons on the page are the Whirling Dervishes show at Hodjapasha in Istanbul for $30 and one extra tour day for $115. If you want these, include them when you request your plan so the price you approve covers them.

Which hotels are used, and can we add nights?

The page says accommodation with breakfast is included for three nights, two in Istanbul and one in Trabzon, but it does not name the hotels or give a star category. Ask for the hotel names in your written plan. You can add nights in Istanbul at the end, and the page lists one extra day for $115. Day 3 ends with free time in Istanbul after the flight, which you can use for shopping or an evening activity. For more Istanbul or regional combinations, see our multi-city packages.

How do I book this package?

Choose a date and the number of guests in the booking form on this page, or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. We send you a written plan with flight times, hotel names, the Day 2 pickup time and the list of what is included, and you check it before any payment. Read the cancellation policy before you confirm. The tour is operated by Viracocha Travel Turizm, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.