Multi Cultural Istanbul: Galata Tower - Fener and Balat - Golden Horn by Ferry
4.8 / 5 · 18 traveler reviews
We have a passion for uncovering this unique city’s lesser known historical treasures on foot. Our tour starts with imposing Galata Tower which is overlooking to beauties of Bosphorus and the Old-City. We take you off the major tourist trail to multi-cultural Fener, Balat and Ayvansaray. These are the old Istanbul neighborhoods where Constantinople officially ends which means we admire surviving city walls of Byzantines and discover historic churches, mosques, synagogues, traditional houses and even the remnants of a palace. Finish off our tour with a relaxing ferry journey along the Golden Horn.
Your experience
Stop 1
We will see great Istanbul panorama from top of this tower. One of the city’s most distinctive sights, this great fortification dating back to 1348 was erected by Genoese Italians.
Stop 2
Museum of Turkish Jews, where artifacts chronicling the history of Jewish people in Turkey, plus an art gallery & synagogue. Great to understand the history of Jewish people in Turkey
Stop 3
Elegant set of 19th-century art nouveau stairs en route to the Galata Tower, popular for photos.
Stop 4
In the Ottoman era, Beyoğlu (then known as Pera) was the European Quarter of Istanbul. Home to embassies and trading centers, as well as fine 19th-century, Parisian-style apartment houses.
Stop 5
Bascule bridge that spans the Golden Horn provides both a real and symbolic link between two important parts of Istanbul.
Stop 6
Halic (Golden Horn) means inlet in English separates the old and new sections of Istanbul. The views of this water body is magnificent, especially at dawn or dusk
Stop 7
Ecumenical Patriarchate is recognized as the spiritual center (basically the “Vatican”) of the Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Stop 8
Colorful streets of Fener and Balat await you. One could describe the combined neighborhoods of Ayvansaray, Balat, and Fener as a miniature chronicle of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern times. These streets have hosted the most influential of empires along with their monuments; housed a mosaic of communities.
Stop 9
This is a curious, neo-Gothic white-painted church and interestingly made up from cast iron sections. Built or should say “cast” in Vienna in 1896 and carted all the way to Istanbul.
Stop 10
Very emotional and spiritual place.
Stop 11
The walls of Constantinople were the greatest fortifications of the medieval age. With various towers and gates, large sections still stand more or less intact today.
Stop 12
The historical city of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents, was the capital of three great empires; Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire.
What’s included
- Donations
- Galata Tower entry ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected)
- Small Group
- Transport by Ferry, Tram, Bus
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Meet your guide in front of (outside) ANEMON KOLEKSİYON GALATA HOTEL, located right next to Galata Tower. Your guide will be wearing a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- IF ALL INCLUSIVE OPTION IS NOT SELECTED: Galata Tower entry fee (30 EUR pp) is not included in the tour price.
- Not stroller accessible
- There is a moderate amount of walking involved
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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