Your first stop in the morning is St. Sophia Museum, a former church that is also a good example of late Byzantine architecture with its history dating back to the 13th century. Built as a smaller copy of the Basilica of St. Sophia in Istanbul, St. Sophia was converted into a mosque in the 16th century.

Next, you will explore the oldest building in Trabzon to have been built originally to serve as a mosque, Gulbahar Hatun Mosque. Built by the orders of Selim Yavuz as dedicated to his mother whose tomb also lies here, the mosque is considered to be holy and the most exquisite mosque in the town.

After enjoying your lunch break at a local restaurant, you will continue with the country residence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the great leader of the Turkish Nation during World War I and the founder of Turkish Republic. The mansion maintains its original decor and truly reflects the atmosphere of how an early 20th century Turkish mansion would look.

Before returning to your cruise ship, you will visit Ortahisar Buyuk Fatih Mosque, also known as The Golden Headed Mary Church, which was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans upon conquering the city in 1461. Interestingly, the church is identified more dominantly with the Ottomans, although it possesses a strong profile of Byzantine through its architecture and past which must have been witness to several crown ceremonies of Byzantine Emperors before the city was lost to the Ottomans.

At the end of your shore excursion, your guide will escort you back to your cruise ship.