Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Overview
Step beyond Istanbul’s famous landmarks and discover the colorful, multicultural neighborhoods of Fener and Balat on this small-group walking tour. Explore atmospheric backstreets, historic houses and hidden corners while learning about the Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Byzantine and Ottoman communities that shaped the city. Visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate, see the impressive Greek Orthodox College, discover the story of St. Mary of the Mongols and wander through the colorful streets of Balat. Continue toward the Byzantine heritage around Tekfur Palace and Chora, one of Istanbul’s most remarkable historic monuments. Traveling on foot and by public transportation allows you to experience the city more like a local, away from the typical tourist routes. Ideal for history, culture, architecture and photography lovers looking to discover the Istanbul most visitors miss.
What's included
Tekfur Palace entrance fee
Professional licensed English-speaking tour guide
Public transportation used during the tour
Chora Mosque entrance fee
Lunch
Gratuities
Private vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to expect
Golden Horn
Pass by
Meet your guide at the designated central meeting point and begin your journey toward the historic neighborhoods along Istanbul's Golden Horn.
Instead of traveling around the city inside a private vehicle, we will use Istanbul's public transportation system where appropriate, giving you a glimpse of everyday local life.
Public transportation during the tour is included.
Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
45m · Admission ticket included
Explore Fener, historically one of the most important Greek neighborhoods of Constantinople.
Visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Church of St. George, spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox world.
Your guide will explain the history of the Patriarchate, Istanbul's Greek community and the extraordinary religious importance of this relatively modest-looking complex.
Fener & Balat
30m
Continue through Fener's steep and atmospheric streets.
See the impressive Phanar Greek Orthodox College (from outside), one of the neighborhood's most recognizable landmarks, and discover historic houses and hidden corners that many visitors to Istanbul never see.
This part of the tour offers excellent opportunities for photography.
Church of St. Mary of the Mongols
30m · Admission ticket included
Discover one of Istanbul's most fascinating Byzantine-era religious sites.
Learn the remarkable story of St. Mary of the Mongols, its connection with Byzantine imperial history and why it occupies such a special place in the history of Constantinople.
Interior access depends on opening conditions on the day.
Balat
30m
Walk into neighboring Balat, famous today for its colorful houses, cafés and photogenic streets but historically home to Istanbul's important Jewish and other minority communities.
Rather than simply stopping for photographs, your guide will explain the layers of history behind the neighborhood and how Balat has changed over the centuries.
There will also be time for photographs and a short break if desired.
Tekfur Sarayi
30m · Admission ticket included
Continue toward the historic land walls and discover another layer of Istanbul's Byzantine past.
See the surroundings of Tekfur Palace, associated with the later centuries of the Byzantine Empire, and learn about the transformation of Constantinople before and after the Ottoman conquest.
Depending on the final route and opening conditions, the visit can include the palace itself or an exterior historical explanation.
Chora Museum
1h · Admission ticket included
Finish the historical journey around Chora, one of Istanbul's most important surviving Byzantine monuments.
Learn why Chora became famous throughout the world for its extraordinary Byzantine artistic heritage and discover the fascinating history of the building from the Byzantine period through the Ottoman era and into modern Istanbul.
Your guide will provide historical context and practical information for the visit.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
In front of the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) – Gate 1 Entrance
Your guide will be holding a yellow umbrella
End point
In front of the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) – Gate 1 Entrance
Your guide will be holding a yellow umbrella
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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.
