Visit the Hagia Sophia Church and Ortahisar Mosque during the course of today’s introductory drive through Trabzon.

Drive from the pier directly to Hagia Sophia Church, about 15 minutes away. This landmark Byzantine structure (now a museum) was built during the reign of Manuel I (1238-1263) and served as a monastery church until the conquest of 1461, when it was converted to a mosque. Its bold and original design displays both Georgian and Armenian traits, and eventually influenced all late Byzantine (and Russian) ecclesiastical monuments. Spend about half an hour exploring the interior, which features a number of restored frescoes.

Continue your drive, crossing the double-arched Zagnos Bridge en route to Ortahisar (aka Fatih) Mosque. The surrounding neighbourhood features numerous houses built in a style unique to the Black Sea. As is the case with many early religious sites, the mosque was initially a Christian cathedral, dedicated to “Virgin Mary of the Golden Head,” a reference to a gold icon of Mary.

Drive into the foothills above Trabzon to Boztepe Park, which offers a view of the city and the Black Sea. Wend your way back to the pier, a drive of about 25 minutes.

NOTE: Modest clothing is required—no shorts or bare shoulders, please. Shoes must be removed at religious sites; socks are advised.

PRICE:

$ 80 15-19 participants

$ 110 10-14 participants

W2: Moderate activity. Requires intermittent effort throughout, including walking medium distances over uneven surfaces and/or on steps.