Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Discover the multi-religious aspects of Istanbul with a personalized Private Istanbul Active Churches Tour. This is perfect for visitors who have an interest in the Christian religion, religious architecture, and a diverse history. Join a guide for an insider’s tour of various landmarks, including the Greek, Bulgarian, Russian, and Armenian Orthodox Churches, the Roman Catholic Church, and some of the main active churches in the city.
Highlights of the tour include the Aya Yorgi Greek Orthodox Church at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener, the Bulgarian St. Stephen Iron Church, Aya Panteleymon Russian Orthodox Church, St. Esprit Cathedral, Uc Horan Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Anthony of Padua Basilica, and the Santa Maria Draperis Church.
With a private Istanbul church tour you have a unique opportunity to learn about the religious architecture and the long religious history of the city and the most important active faith communities.
What's included
Donations in Churches
Private Transportation with AC Van
Private Tour with a Licensed Professional Tour Guide
Lunch and Drinks
Personal Expenses
Gratuities (Suggested)
What to expect
Venerable Patriarchal Church of St. George
1h · Admission ticket included
Aya Yorgi Greek Orthodox Church in Fener is also known as the Patriarchal Church of St. George, the main church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Its modest exterior contrasts with its richly decorated interior, holy relics, icons, and deep importance for the Greek Orthodox world.
Bulgarian Orthodox Church
1h · Admission ticket included
Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, located in Balat, is famous as the “Iron Church” because it was built largely from prefabricated iron elements. Completed in 1898, it stands as an important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox community and its struggle for religious independence in Istanbul.
Aya Panteleymon Rus Ortodoks Kilisesi
1h · Admission ticket included
Aya Panteleymon Russian Orthodox Church is one of Karaköy’s historic Russian rooftop churches, connected to the Russian Orthodox community in Istanbul. Before World War I, Russian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem often stopped here, and the church still preserves icons and frescoes dedicated to St. Panteleymon.
Cathedrale Du St-Esprit Istanbul/Holy Spirit Cathedral/Kutsal Ruh Katedrali
1h · Admission ticket included
St. Esprit Cathedral, located in Harbiye, is one of the most important Roman Catholic churches in Istanbul. Consecrated in 1846, it serves as the seat of the Latin Catholic leadership in the city and has been visited by several popes.
Beyoglu Uc Horan Armenian Church
1h · Admission ticket included
Uc Horan Armenian Church is a major Armenian landmark in Beyoğlu. Designed by Garabet Balyan, Hamamcıbaşı Minas Agha, and Hovhannes Serveryan, it reflects the multicultural Christian heritage of 19th-century Istanbul.
St Antoine Catholic Church
1h · Admission ticket included
St. Anthony of Padua Basilica on İstiklal Avenue is one of the largest and best-known Roman Catholic churches in Istanbul. The current church was opened in 1912 and is noted for its impressive Neo-Gothic style and strong connection to Istanbul’s historic Italian Catholic community.
Church of St. Mary Draperis
1h · Admission ticket included
Santa Maria Draperis Church is one of Istanbul’s oldest Roman Catholic parishes, founded in 1584. Located on İstiklal Avenue below street level, it is known for its neoclassical entrance, marble altar, and long Franciscan history.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
We pick up from all central hotels, please note that there may be a surcharge if your hotel is outside the city center or on the Asian Side.
Additional information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
