TRABZON SHORE EXCURSION

At 9am, you will be met by UTS- Turkey’s dedicated Guide atthe exit gate of the Trabzon Pier for your private tour in Trabzon, the modernname for ancient and medieval Trebizond. The port city lies on the precipitoussouthern shores of the Black Sea, not far from the Georgian border. Between1204 and 1461 it was the capital city of a small but wealthy, Neo-ByzantineEmpire, which later became a byword, in the Western Europe remote and exotic.The ancient palace of the Trapezuntine emperors still dominates the town.

While some historical churches are no longerin service, the magnificent church of HagiaSophia, which is now artisans cherished as a museum. It has beenpossible for the state artisans to uncover its glorious, brilliantly colorfulfrescoes to enhance the church’s sculptural decoration that is today of thehighest interest to visitors, combining elements of The Georgian, Armenian,Byzantine and Seljuk styles, all having contributed to the rich cultural andhistorical mosaic of Turkey, continuing to coexist in harmony and peace forhundreds of years.

Trabzon’s mountainous, forested hinterlandconceals many treasures; chief among them is the spectacular Monasteryof Sumela, founded in 386 AD, which clings perilously to a sheercliff-face. It was here that the emperors of the Ancient Trebizond were crownedin a suitably lofty and imperial setting. It is also the place to enjoy some ofthe most stunning views in the Black Sea, standing as it does 1200 meters(almost 4,000 feet) above the alpine meadows of the Altindere Vadisi, “TheValley of the Golden River”.

At the end of the day’s Private tour Program,there will be time to visit the local market of Trabzon for shopping localsouvenirs, handmade jewelry and charming local products before your transfer back to your cruise ship by 4 pm.