Travel into the Turkish countryside to explore the massive cliff-side religious complex known as Sumela Monastery.

Depart the pier and drive a little more than an hour to Altindere National Park, a region of evergreen forests cleaved by a rushing mountain stream. Two priests founded the gravity-defying monastery here in this tranquil setting in 386 AD. Over the centuries, the complex fell into disrepair and was restored several times; most of what you see before you today was built in the 13th century. How the complex was built against the sheer rock walls with construction methods in use at the time remains a mystery.

Follow your guide up a narrow staircase (230 steps) to the monastery entrance. Most of the exterior structure dates to 1860 and was used primarily as housing for monks and visitors. The interior portion consists of the famous Rock Church, several chapels, a library, kitchens, and more housing. Many of the walls are decorated with colourful frescoes, still beautiful in their un-restored state. At the heart of the complex is a fresh water spring, deemed sacred by Orthodox Greeks.

Make your way back down to the parking lot and return to the pier in Trabzon.

NOTE:Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat are suggested. Sumela Monastery is a popular pilgrimage site and guests should be prepared for crowds.

PRICE:

$ 80 10-24 participants

$ 90 06-09 participants

W3: Strenuous activity. Tour requires physical effort, walking long distances over uneven or steep terrain or on steps. There are 230 steps to reach the monastery entrance.