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Offered languages
- English
This guided tour starts with a 1-hour visit to Kariye (Chora) Church, a remarkable Byzantine church celebrated for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes. After exploring Kariye, you will head to Balat, a vibrant neighborhood full of colorful historic houses, churches, synagogues, and lively streets reflecting local culture.
Following the Balat visit, enjoy a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise, taking in breathtaking views of both Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Along the way, you will pass by famous landmarks including Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress, Kuleli Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridges.
This tour perfectly combines history, culture, architecture, and scenic beauty, offering a thorough introduction to Istanbul’s rich heritage and the stunning Bosphorus coastline. A professional guide provides detailed explanations in English at all sites.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our guide will meet all travelers at the entrance of the Chora Mosque. Please be ready in the meeting point before 30 min from starting time of the tour.
After the sunset cruise our tour and at the Kabatas Square
Itinerary
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1Kariye Mosque
Meeting point in front of Kariye Mosque with your guide.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
Ahrida Synagogue (Pass by)
The Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century by Jews from Ohrid, is one of the oldest and largest synagogues in Istanbul.
Admission ticket free -
Yanbol Synagogue (Pass by)
The Yanbol Synagogue was built in the 18th century in Balat by Jews who came from Yambol, Bulgaria.
Admission ticket free -
Balat (Pass by)
Balat Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant areas, known for its colorful streets, historic charm, and cozy cafés.
Admission ticket free -
Colorful Stairs (Pass by)
The colorful stairs in Balat are a popular photo spot that reflect the lively spirit of the neighborhood.
Admission ticket free -
Meryem Ana Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi (Pass by)
The Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Balat is a significant place of worship with deep roots dating back to the Byzantine era.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The Fener Greek Girls’ High School, built in the 19th century, is a historic school known for its striking red-brick architecture.
Admission ticket free -
Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George (Pass by)
The St. George Cathedral in Balat is the center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and one of the most important places of worship in the Orthodox world.
Admission ticket free -
Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church (Pass by)
The Sveti Stefan Church, also known as the “Iron Church,” is a unique Bulgarian Orthodox church built entirely of cast iron.
Admission ticket free -
Kabatas Square (Pass by)
It is the meeting and starting point for our guests for the Sunset Cruise.
Admission ticket free -
Bosphorus Strait (Pass by)
The Bosphorus Strait is a historic and strategic waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, separating the continents of Asia and Europe.
Admission ticket free -
Dolmabahce Palace (Pass by)
Dolmabahçe Palace, built in the 19th century, is a magnificent palace overlooking the Bosphorus, reflecting the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Admission ticket free -
Ciragan Palace Kempinski (Pass by)
Çırağan Palace is a historic Ottoman-era palace now operating as a luxury hotel, renowned for its stunning Bosphorus views.
Admission ticket free -
Büyük Mecidiye Mosque (Pass by)
Ortaköy Mosque, located on the Bosphorus shore, is one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks with its stunning Baroque architecture.
Admission ticket free -
Bosphorus Strait (Pass by)
The Bosphorus Bridge is an iconic structure connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Kuruçeşme Park is a popular waterfront park along the Bosphorus, ideal for walking and relaxation.
Admission ticket free -
Bebek Park (Pass by)
Bebek Park is one of Istanbul’s popular green spaces, offering scenic Bosphorus views and a relaxing spot for walking.
Admission ticket free -
Rumeli Fortress (Pass by)
Rumeli Fortress, built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, is a historic castle of strategic importance for controlling the Bosphorus.
Admission ticket free -
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Pass by)
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is an important suspension bridge connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.
Admission ticket free -
Anadolu Hisari Fort (Pass by)
Anadolu Fortress, built in the 14th century by the Ottomans, is a historic castle on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Küçüksu Palace and Pavilion, built in the 19th century along the Bosphorus, are elegant and ornate structures created for Ottoman sultans.
Admission ticket free -
Beylerbeyi Palace (Pass by)
Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the 19th century along the Bosphorus, is a magnificent palace that served as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
Admission ticket free -
Uskudar (Pass by)
Üsküdar Square is one of Istanbul’s historic and lively areas, surrounded by cafés, markets, and historic buildings along the waterfront.
Admission ticket free -
KIz Kulesi (Pass by)
The Maiden’s Tower is a historic structure built on a small islet in the Bosphorus and is one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
Admission ticket free -
Galata Koprusu (Pass by)
The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn, connecting Istanbul’s European side to the Karaköy district, and is a famous landmark.
Admission ticket free -
Galataport Istanbul (Pass by)
Galataport, located on Istanbul’s Karaköy waterfront, is a modern development featuring shopping, dining, and a cruise port.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for people who are prone to seasickness
- Not recommended for people with vertigo
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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