Description
A day tour that uncovers the less touristy side of Istanbul: the Golden Horn and its historic neighbourhoods. We start with a ferry trip from Karaköy up the Golden Horn, taking in unique views of the districts and bridges that link the two shores.
We ride the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill — a legendary viewpoint named after the French writer. There we enjoy a complimentary Turkish tea or coffee with the best panorama of the Golden Horn. We then descend on foot through the historic Ottoman cemetery to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb, one of the holiest places in the Islamic world.
After free time in Eyüp, we take the tram to Balat. We walk through its cobbled streets, colourful houses and churches — including St. George Church, seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Optional visit to the Iron Church of St. Stephen. A cultural, religious and photographic tour all at once, in a small bilingual group.
Tour Highlights
- Ferry trip up the Golden Horn (included)
- Cable car and panoramic views from Pierre Loti
- Complimentary tea / coffee on the hill
- Historic Eyüp Sultan Cemetery walk
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Tomb visit
- Photogenic Fener and Balat streets
- St. George Church — Greek Patriarchate
- Iron Church of St. Stephen (optional)
- Small group in Spanish and English
Tour Information
- Cultural
- History
- Religious
- Half day, approximately 5 hours
- Starting Time: 10:00 AM
- Languages: Spanish, English
- Difficulty: Easy
- Meeting Point: Karaköy Pier (Karaköy İskelesi), Istanbul Open in Maps
- Ending Point: St. George Church, Fener district Open in Maps
- Instant Confirmation
Itinerary
Karaköy Pier — meeting point
We start at Karaköy Pier on the Golden Horn waterfront, next to the modern Galataport.
Ferry up the Golden Horn (30 min)
Ferry trip up the Golden Horn with unique views of Galata, Süleymaniye, the historic neighbourhoods and the bridges. Ticket included.
Cable car to Pierre Loti Hill
We ride the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill, named after the French writer who used to gaze at Istanbul from here.
Tea / Coffee break (on the house)
A classic Turkish tea or coffee with the best panoramic view of the Golden Horn. Courtesy of ViaTurquia.
Eyüp Sultan Cemetery
Walking descent through the historic Ottoman Eyüp Cemetery, with its centuries-old tombstones beneath the cypress trees.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Tomb
Visit to one of Islam's holiest mosques: the resting place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, companion of the Prophet and standard-bearer during the first Arab siege of Constantinople.
Free time (1 hour)
Free time in Eyüp for lunch on your own, traditional milk-based sweets (the area is famous for them), or a stroll around the square.
Tram to Balat
We take the modern tram back along the Golden Horn shore to the Balat neighbourhood. Ticket included.
Iron Church of St. Stephen (optional)
Optional visit to the Bulgarian St. Stephen Church — one of the very few churches in the world built entirely from cast iron.
Fener & Balat streets
A walk through the picturesque cobbled streets of Fener and Balat: colourful houses, old Greek and Armenian mansions, and the bohemian atmosphere of one of Istanbul's most photogenic districts.
St. George Church — Greek Patriarchate
Visit to the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the spiritual centre of Orthodox Christianity since the 19th century.
End of tour
Tour ends in Fener. We'll show you how to get back to your hotel.
Route map
What's Included
- Golden Horn ferry
- Pierre Loti cable car
- Tea / coffee on the hill
- Tram tickets
- Professional guide in Spanish/English
What's Not Included
- Lunch and drinks
- Iron Church entry (optional)
- Tips
Important Information
Comfortable shoes recommended. For the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered). Women must cover their head with a scarf (also available at the entrance).
Cancellation policy
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