Trabzon’s rugged Black Sea coast makes it a fantastic base for full-day tours packed with natural beauty, history, and local flavor. Whether you’re after a relaxing escape to Uzungol’s mountain lakes or exploring the city’s rich sites like Sumela Monastery, the variety of options here means there’s something for all. What stands out in these tours is how they blend cultural experiences, breathtaking scenery, and local crafts—like tea at a factory or knives in Surmene—delivering a well-rounded taste of Trabzon. We especially appreciate the small-group Uzungol tour that combines scenic exploration with shopping and a comfortable ride, perfect for travelers wanting an authentic day without the hassle of planning.
If you’re considering a full-day adventure in Trabzon, you’ll find options ranging from intimate private trips to larger group excursions, each with its own vibe and highlights. Some tours focus on the natural beauty of Uzungol, while others offer city highlights like Hagia Sophia or Sumela Monastery. The best choice depends on your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend on each aspect. Below, we’ve rounded up the five best full-day tours, giving you all the details you need to pick your perfect day out.
1. Uzungol Tour: Full-Day Nature Adventure with Tea Factory Visit
Discover Uzungol, a stunning mountain lake, on a small-group day tour from Trabzon. This trip is designed for travelers who want comfort and convenience, with all transportation included. The tour begins early, with hotel pickup and a scenic drive along the coast. One of the highlights is visiting a tea factory, where you’ll learn how Turkey’s famous tea is produced and even buy some to take home. You’ll also stop at a knife warehouse in Surmene, a town renowned for its handcrafted blades.
The tour includes a visit to Uzungol itself, where traditional village houses cling to steep slopes, and tea and hazelnut gardens frame the scenery. You’ll have time to explore at your own pace or enjoy a local meal. What makes this tour stand out is its small group size—limited to 15 people—ensuring a more personalized experience. Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the smooth organization, with reviews highlighting how much they enjoyed the authentic sights most travelers miss.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a relaxed, well-organized day with plenty of chances to shop, learn, and absorb the natural beauty of Uzungol without the stress of driving. Ideal for those who prefer a small-group setting and local experiences.
2. Full-Day Private Tour to Uzungöl from Trabzon
At number two, the full-day private tour to Uzungöl offers a fully customizable experience. This is perfect for travelers who want the flexibility to set their own pace and explore specific parts of Uzungöl or nearby spots like Yasay Falls. Starting with a private driver, you’ll stop at Surmene for a knife shopping session and visit a tea factory—both included in the itinerary.
Once at Uzungöl, you’ll have around five hours to wander, take photos, or have a picnic amid the stunning mountain scenery. This tour is all about comfort and personalization, with air-conditioned transfers and the ability to tailor the day to your interests. The reviews are glowing, with travelers mentioning the professionalism of the guide and the opportunity to explore independently. One note: since it’s private, the cost is higher—around $350—and best suited for small groups or families who value exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want control over their itinerary, enjoy privacy, and value flexible timing. It’s a pricier option but offers a highly personalized day.
3. Private Trabzon Full Day Tour With A Licensed Guide
For those keen on exploring Trabzon itself, this private city tour hits all the major highlights in one day. Led by a licensed guide, you’ll visit the Sumela Monastery, perched on a steep cliff in a national park, and learn about its history and architecture. The tour also includes the Ataturk Pavilion, where Turkey’s founder stayed, and the Hagia Sophia Museum, a striking example of Ottoman architecture.
In addition, you’ll enjoy viewpoints from Boztepe Hill for panoramic city vistas. The itinerary is flexible, so you can spend more time at sites that interest you most. The reviews praise the guide’s depth of knowledge and friendly attitude, making this a top pick for travelers interested in culture and history. With a price of around $327 for up to 7 people, it offers good value for a private, fully guided experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and culture lovers who want a comprehensive, guided day without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets. Suitable for families or small groups.
4. Full-Day Trabzon City Tour with Licensed Guide
At number four, this city tour provides a personalized look at Trabzon’s urban side, with visits to the Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Trabzon Hagia Sophia, and the city walls. Led by a licensed guide, the tour is customizable, allowing you to focus on the sights that interest you most.
The highlight is the visit to Boztepe, where the view over Trabzon and the Black Sea is stunning, especially at sunset. The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off along with private transportation, making it convenient and relaxed. While it’s just one review currently, it’s clear that this tour appeals to travelers wanting a comprehensive, flexible city experience with a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom Line: The best choice for city explorers who want a tailored, private day in Trabzon with great views and key landmarks, perfect for history and culture enthusiasts.
$376.55 per group (up to 9)
5. Full Day Tour In Uzungol Lake with Turkish Tea Tasting
Finally, the Uzungol Lake with Turkish tea tasting is the most budget-friendly option, costing around $38 per person. This tour combines shopping, tea tasting, and sightseeing in Uzungol and Sorment. After visiting a traditional tea factory, you’ll explore Uzungol’s lake, surrounded by lush forests, and see the Ottoman bridge.
The tour is straightforward and suited for travelers who want to see the highlights without breaking the bank. It’s less personalized but offers a good introduction to the area’s scenery and local crafts. Some reviews mention the tour’s simplicity, but many appreciate the value for money and the chance to taste authentic Turkish tea.
Bottom Line: Best for budget travelers or those wanting a quick, easy overview of Uzungol’s scenery and culture without much fuss.
How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour in Trabzon
When selecting a tour, think about your priorities: Are you after a personalized private experience (private Uzungöl) or a small group with a mix of sightseeing and shopping (Uzungol Nature Adventure)? Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the budget-friendly Uzungol Lake tour, while history buffs will appreciate the detailed city tour.
For those limited on time, the city-focused trip offers a rich taste of Trabzon’s inland sites. If an all-round scenic experience is your goal, the small-group Uzungol tour balances comfort, culture, and nature beautifully.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot on these popular excursions. Consider your interests—nature, history, culture—and choose a tour that matches your energy and curiosity levels. For more active travelers, the private options allow setting your own pace, while those seeking a social vibe might prefer the group tours.
From scenic lakes to city landmarks, Trabzon’s full-day tours offer a great way to see the best of this region in one go. Whether you’re after immersive cultural insights, spectacular mountain views, or simply a hassle-free day with everything taken care of, these options give you a variety of ways to enjoy your time on Turkey’s Black Sea coast. Choose early, plan according to your interests, and prepare for a memorable day.