Trabzon

Well.. Noone replied so I am answering;

Blacksea region is very green , the most forested area in Turkey. So Turkish people and recently Arabs like to visit . Trabzon is beautiful city but not so much historical places( comparing other parts of Turkey such as ; east or west there are many Roman ruins) Because it is very forested places, not so much excavations carried out. Just a few years ago they discovered Kyble statue at the city of Ordu . Google. If you have a chance, go there.

The most popular place at Trabzon Sumela monastery that is amazing! You have to go there and visit hagia sophia museum at city centre.

The city is very famous with anchovies!!! They make anything with anchovies!! try it !

I remember , I went to Hamsiköy just to taste local dessert there called “sütlac” rice pudding!!! Thats best ever !!!

I think you wouldn’t need a guide or a tour company. Just rent a car and drive . It has beautiful roads.

Hope that this helps you.

Have fun!

If you’re planning to make your own way there, one of the absolute highlights is Sumela Monastery. It’s located high up on a cliff inside Altındere National Park.

The monastery was originally founded in the 4th century and has gone through different historical phases under Byzantine / Roman / Ottoman periods. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes that have survived for centuries, and when you learn the stories behind them, the whole place becomes even more fascinating.

From Trabzon city centre, there are daily departure tours going to Sumela Monastery, usually with pickup from central locations.

• If you just want to enjoy the nature and atmosphere, a regular daily tour is enough. I recently booked from here https://www.turkishcitywonders.com/en/trabzon-d7/sumela-monastery-zigana-and-hamsikoy-village-tour-t211
• If you want to deep dive into the history, symbolism of the frescoes, and the importance it had in the region, then I would definitely recommend a guided tour.

Thank you for this helpful information. A tour to the monastery would be less stressful than driving. We will rent a car for the Rize portion of our trip.