From city walls to a monastery valley and lakeshore
Hagia Sophia, pavilion and Ortahisar · 09:00–13:20 · Includes uphill stops
Begin with the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Use a vehicle up to the pavilion and back to the centre; walk between the final two stops.
Sümela and the waterfront · 10:00–16:00 · Includes uphill stops
Take prearranged transport to Altındere in the morning. The 180-minute gap after Sümela allows for the return, shuttle and lunch. Do not add Uzungöl to this day.
Ortahisar to Ganita · 17:00–18:45 · Includes uphill stops
Ortahisar at 17:00, then Ganita’s lit coastal park at 18:15. Sunset in Trabzon is 17:27 on 24 October 2026 and 17:02 on 15 November, so the second stop is after dark. Skip Ganita in rough seas.
Use a vehicle from Hagia Sophia to Atatürk’s Pavilion in Soğuksu and back to Ortahisar. Walk between Ortahisar and Zağnos; arrange separate return journeys for Sümela and Uzungöl.
Around Meydan is convenient for waterfront walks and transport pickups. If staying at a hillside hotel, arrange the evening journey back in advance.
Kuymak and kaygana · Lunch break
Even light coastal rain can mean mist and wet steps in Altındere. Visit Boztepe and Uzungöl when visibility is good, and skip Ganita in rough seas.
Descending from Ortahisar’s wall-lined streets into Zağnos makes the city’s changes of level clear. Nearby-looking hills do not always have a direct walking route between them.
Watch for wet steps on the descent from Ortahisar to Zağnos.
Allow separately for the approach and steps after leaving your vehicle in Altındere; the two-hour visit does not include the journey from Trabzon.
Choose separate driving days for Sümela and Uzungöl.
Begin with the south portico and bell tower; ask at the entrance about viewing interior frescoes without delaying the drive to the pavilion.
Avoid sightseeing at Hagia Sophia during prayers; follow the open route at Sümela.
Allow 45 minutes to reach the shore from Ortahisar; skip Ganita and stay in the centre when the sea is rough.
Check the sea before Ganita and visibility before climbing to Boztepe.
Morning outside prayer times, with daylight for the exterior details.
A morning visit within winter hours of 09:00–17:00, allowing time for the garden.
A short midday break after exploring Ortahisar.
Daytime or early evening, while the walls and valley crossings are visible.