Fener & Balat: Istanbul’s Living History — Private Walking Tour

1. Tekfur Sarayi
   Pass by
   The Byzantine Tekfur Palace is the only surviving structure of Blakernia Palace, that was used mostly between the 11th and 15th century. This three-story Byzantine palace is situated just within Istanbul's city walls near Edirnekapı gate. This is a unique structure as it is the only Byzantine Palace left standing in the world.
2. Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church
   45m
   You will see a very beautiful historic church which is located near the northern tip of the walls of Theodosius. The church was built by the Empress Pulcheria (ca. 450-453), and her husband, Emperor Marcian. This little shrine has the Hagiasma which is the fountain of holy water where water flowed out of the hands of the marble statue of the Virgin Mary.
3. Ahrida Synagogue
   Pass by
   Istanbul hides many amazing religious places that create rich religious and cultural life. Ahrida synagogue which dates back to early 15th century is a beautiful example of this mosaic.
4. Bulgarian Orthodox Church
   45m
   St Stephen of the Bulgarians Church (Sveti Stefan) is a cast Iron Church on the Golden Horn. The church consists of poured iron slabs that were floated on cargo ships from Vienna, down the Danube River, across the Black Sea, through the Bosphorus, only to then be mounted on-site.
5. Pass by
   This beautiful Red School structure is one of the city’s few remaining Greek orthodox schools. Since its establishment, the school educated the children of prominent Greek and Bulgarian families of the Ottoman Empire.
6. Fener & Balat
   1h
   These picturesque neighborhoods were once Istanbul’s Greek Orthodox and Jewish neighborhoods. Today Fener & Balat are famous for its vintage stores, designer cafés, colorful old wooden houses and amazing churches.
7. Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
   45m
   The Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Istanbul has been the spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox world since around 1600.This compound of buildings located behind the sea walls fronting the Golden Horn includes the beautiful 19th-century Patriarchal Church of St George.
8. The Walls of Istanbul
   Pass by
   You will see one of the most impressive monuments of late antiquity. The Theodosius Land Walls were built in the 5th century during the early reign of Emperor Theodosius II (ruled 408–450)and withheld all attacks until 1453.

Pickup details

We can pick up from centrally located Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Karakoy and Taksim hotels, for non-central hotels MEETING POINT can be set by guest affter booking.

This tour can be operated as Shore Excursion Tour for cruise passengers from GalataPort.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels