Trabzon’s best lunch spots combine hearty Black Sea cuisine with unforgettable mountain views. Three standout day tours offer excellent meal experiences: The Sumela Monastery tour stops for a traditional lunch at Zigana Pass, where you’ll eat among centuries-old pines. In the Ayder Highlands, local dishes are served in the spectacular Firtina Valley, surrounded by misty peaks. At Uzungöl Lake, waterfront restaurants serve fresh trout while offering million-dollar views of the mirror-like waters and surrounding mountains.
I especially love these tours because they pair authentic regional cooking with Turkey’s most dramatic natural settings. Each stop feels carefully chosen to showcase both local flavors and breathtaking scenery.
Let’s explore the top lunch tours in Trabzon that combine great food with amazing views.
Key Points
- The Sumela Monastery Day Tour includes a scenic lunch at the Zigana Pass amidst pine trees, providing a memorable dining experience.
- The Ayder Highland Mountains Day Trip offers lunch in the beautiful Firtina Valley, known for its stunning natural surroundings.
- The Uzungöl Lake Day Tour includes a lunch during the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the local cuisine while exploring the lake and its attractions.
- Many of the tours emphasize local culinary experiences, such as the Sutlac pudding tasting on the Sumela tour, showcasing the region’s traditional delicacies.
- The tours provide opportunities to purchase local products like tea leaves and Surmene knives, allowing visitors to bring home a taste of Trabzon’s culinary heritage.
Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour With Lunch
Situated in the heart of Trabzon, this comprehensive day tour takes visitors on an immersive journey to the renowned Sumela Monastery. Priced at Kč 7,824 per person, the tour offers an 8-hour experience, with pickup and drop-off services from Trabzon Airport or central hotels.
Travelers can explore the tranquil Altindere National Park, marvel at the cliffside Sumela Monastery, and savor a delightful lunch surrounded by pine trees at the Zigana Pass.
The itinerary also includes a visit to the Tortul Castle, where guests can walk along a 240-meter-high glass observation platform, as well as the Karaca Caves, known for their well-lit and easy-to-navigate interiors.
Plus, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the traditional sutlac pudding in Hamsikoy. With English and Arabic-speaking guides, this tour caters to a diverse range of travelers.
Guests are advised to bring their passport, comfortable shoes, and rain gear, and should note that the tour may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions.
Read our full review: Trabzon: Sumela Monastery Day Tour With Lunch Review
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Trabzon: Ayder Highland Mountains Day Trip With Lunch
Setting out on a captivating day trip, travelers can explore the breathtaking Ayder Highland Mountains in Trabzon. Priced at $272.96 per person, this 8-hour excursion offers a comprehensive experience, including a visit to a clothing factory, a journey through the picturesque Firtina Valley, and an optional river rafting adventure.
The highlight of the trip is a delightful lunch surrounded by the majestic mountains in Ayder. Participants can also enjoy free time for hiking on local trails and witness natural waterfalls on the return journey.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and a professional guide fluent in English and Arabic.
With an overall rating of 4/5 based on 2 reviews, this day trip is praised for its exceptional guide, convenient transportation, and value for money. However, it’s not suitable for those with heart or respiratory issues.
Wheelchair accessibility is available, making it an inclusive experience.
Read our full review: Trabzon: Ayder Highland Mountains Day Trip With Lunch Review
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Trabzon: Uzungöl Lake Day Tour With Lunch
Travelers seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Trabzon can embark on the Uzungöl Lake Day Tour with Lunch. This 8-hour excursion offers a scenic experience, allowing visitors to explore the renowned Uzungöl Lake, considered Turkey’s most beautiful.
Along the way, they’ll visit a tea factory to learn about tea cultivation and purchase fresh leaves. The tour also includes a stop at a knife and gift shop to witness the craftsmanship of Surmene knives.
After a delightful lunch, guests are free to explore the picturesque Uzungöl, where they can rent pedal boats or hike the numerous trails, spotting local wildlife like roe deer, Eurasian lynx, and birds of prey.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and professional guidance, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to discover the region’s natural wonders.
With an overall rating of 4/5 from previous customers, this tour offers a well-rounded experience, though some may find the cost slightly higher compared to other private tours in the area.
Read our full review: Trabzon: Uzungöl Lake Day Tour With Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Cost of a Full-Course Lunch in Trabzon?
The average cost of a full-course lunch in Trabzon varies, but it’s typically between 40-60 Turkish Lira. This range provides a good balance between budget-friendly and higher-end dining options, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Lunch Options Available in Trabzon?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan lunch options available in Trabzon. Many local restaurants offer plant-based dishes, catering to the growing demand for meatless and dairy-free meals in the city.
How Early Should I Book a Lunch Reservation at Popular Restaurants?
Popular restaurants in Trabzon often fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to book lunch reservations at least a few days in advance. This ensures you’ll get a table at the time and place you prefer.
Are There Any Local Specialties or Traditional Dishes I Should Try for Lunch?
Trabzon’s local cuisine offers a variety of traditional dishes that are must-tries for lunch. Kara Köfte, a spicy meatball dish, and Akçaabat köfte, grilled meatballs, are local specialties that provide an authentic taste of the region’s flavors.
What Is the Dress Code for a Typical Lunch Experience in Trabzon?
For a typical lunch in Trabzon, the dress code is generally casual. Locals and visitors alike opt for comfortable, relaxed attire, as the focus is on enjoying the local cuisine and hospitality rather than formal dressing.
The Sum Up
Trabzon offers a variety of exceptional lunch experiences. Visitors can explore the historic Sumela Monastery, venture into the Ayder Highland Mountains, or discover the serene Uzungöl Lake, each complemented by a delightful local lunch. These tours provide a well-rounded introduction to Trabzon’s natural and cultural wonders, making them must-try activities for those seeking an immersive and flavorful experience in this Turkish city.