Rows of traditional wooden houses painted in a dizzying array of bright colors, life continuing in a way that hasn’t changed for hundreds of years, little known churches, Byzantine architecture, and some of the best Istanbul views. Every local knows how charming and unique the historically cosmopolitan neighborhoods of Balat and Fener are. 

This tour offers visitors a chance to find out too. Located by the shores of the Golden Horn (Haliç) waterway, these areas have been home to some of the oldest settlements of Istanbul. It is still possible to see the Byzantine and Ottoman  traces around one of the most ethnically diverse populations of the city, while enjoying its hip cafés and local handicrafts shops. 

Visit Fener: We visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Church (the Church of St. George) that has been active and open for service since the 1600s. Here you will see a stunning iconostasis as well as holy relics of the Church of Constantinople, including the sacred relics of two renowned Archbishops of Constantinople.

Visit Balat: This neighborhood was historically home of the Jewish community of the city and now a multi-cultural community inhabits the area. In Balat, we will stroll through the narrow and colorful streets, which have a movie set feel. A traditional daily street life still exists in this part of town; women gathering for tea on their patios, kids kicking balls around the streets, men playing cards in coffee-houses. 

Theodosian Land Walls and Tekfur Palace in Ayvansaray:  The walls protected the city from invasion for a thousand years before being penetrated in the siege of 1453. We’ll also visit the ruins of the last standing Byzantine palace in the world; Tekfur Palace.

Visit Pierre Loti Hill: located close to Eyüp Sultan Mosque, is where the Golden Horn view can be watched the best. When you climb up this hill, Pierre Loti Coffee, where French writer Pierre Loti once sat and watched the Golden Horn with dreamy eyes for hours without getting tired and now named after him, welcomes you.

 General Information About Istanbul

1. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with Spice Market.
2. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with alternatives. 
3. Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia closed until 2pm on Fridays, will be visited in the afternoon.
4. Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. Due to museum regulations, live guide service is not available at Dolmabahce Palace. 
5. Galata Tower will be visited from outside unless you would like to pay entrance fee there. 
6. Annual Closing Dates of museums and bazaars in Istanbul are October 29 – Republic Day .
7. As Hagia Sophia is not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority there. You may need to wait in the security line, in order to avoid queues, we suggest departing at 8:30am or 9:00am. 

NOTE 1: Itineraries are flexible, they can be changed depending on the flight times. 

NOTE 2: The shopping opportunities of the regions will be offered upon request.

NOTE 3: This tour can be arranged minimum for 6 pax. If you want to have private tour under 6 people, please contact with us for price.

NOTE 4: Tour capacity is 25 people per tour.

NOTE 5: Full Day Tours Duration: 4 hours (09:00-17:00) Pick Up Point: Bomonti Hilton Reception Area

NOTE 6: 1 HOUR WALKING IN BALAT

NOTE 7: CABLE CAR TICKET INCLUDED

This Package Does not Include:Personal expenses such as mini bar at the hotels & soft and alcoholic drinks, any  international   flight   fare   and airport portage, tips to the local guide and driver (Suggested tipping: 8EURO/pp per day to guide, 4 EURO /pp per day to driver).