The Byzantine Empire had its naval headquarters in the Golden Horn and walls were built along the shoreline to protect the city of Constantinople from naval attacks. At the entrance to the Horn on the northern side, a large chain was pulled across from Constantinople to the old Tower of Galata to prevent unwanted ships from entering.

Known among the Byzantines as the Megàlos Pyrgos (meaning "Great Tower" in Greek), this tower was largely destroyed by the Latin Crusaders during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. In 1348, the Genoese built a new tower nearby which they called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ), now called Galata Tower where we will start our journey and catch the Golden Horn boat to learn more about its history by sailing on it.


Main attractions that we will see and I will explain on the boat;

• Phanar Greek High School
• Greek Patriarchate (The Vatican of Greek Orthodoxy) 
• Bulgarian Church (St. Stephen) 
• Balat (Old Jewish Quarter and Colorful Houses) 
• R. Koc Museum (The first industrial heritage museum in Turkey) 
• Miniaturk (all the touristic places in Turkey in miniatures) 
• And much more... 

After 7 stops by the boat, we will disembark on the Eyup pier and take a cable car to reach the famous Pierre Loti Hill where you can have breakfast or lunch, drink Turkish tea or coffee in a spectacular Golden Horn view.
And then we will walk on a historical road (accession road where ceremony to recognize new Ottoman Sultan was held) which the Sultans had to for the enthronement to reach the most holy shrine in Istanbul, Eyup Sultan Mosque. (Eyup Sultan was the standard bearer to the Prophet Mohammed). After that holy visit, we will get on the tramway for Fener and Balat where colorful houses, churches, synagogues and historical places are.

We will end our tour in Spice Bazaar which is located in the hub of old Istanbul. You will have a chance to get information about all local spices, teas, saffron etc.


I offer you a unique tour to learn from a licensed tour guide about the history and importance of the Golden Horn, the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmed the Conqueror, and historical buildings during the 45-minute journey on the boat, to have an experience of a cable car and tramway with Golden Horn scenery; local tastes in an uphill place to admire the Golden Horn, to know the history of Islam and its place in old and new Turkish life, to get information about all local teas, snacks, Turkish delights, saffron, mentahol, spices etc.

Notes;

a) This is an exclusive tour which has an itinerary you cannot find anywhere else. It is not for group tour and is limited up to 5 people or less so it can be considered as a boutique or private tour. Price per person is 55 Euro and it can only be done if there are two people at least and if I am available on the requested day as I am a licensed tourguide and many different tour requests. Please check availability before sending a request. 

b) The public ferryboat, cable car and tramway fees are included in the tour. 

c) Meals, drinks and museum entrances (if any) are not included in the tour. Places where we will be visiting are not touristic so prices will be comparably more affordable than major touristic spots of Istanbul. 

d) Please wear appropriately and bring a headscarf or something to cover your head if you are a lady and want to enter into the tomb and mosque. No shorts over your knees allowed for the mosque if you are a gentleman. 

e) As I am a licensed tour guide affiliated to the Turkish Cultural Ministry, I can only conduct tours with my official badge on me and a piece of official paper which shows all details about the tour. I have to show them to tourism officials in case of any inspection. Price policy is regulated by Cultural Ministry. Please check the official license of the guide before any tour you might participate in.

Free tour: Book for free and pay what you want at the end

🙋🏻‍♂️ Hi and Welcome Dear Walkers!

   We design this tour for those who is visiting first time in Istanbul or have a short time in Istanbul and would like to cover many things as much as possible.
   
   The tour is conducted with short stops in different locations of the old city.

    So in that point our tour will be like an 'Istanbul - 101' tour by discovering history, culture, spirituality and local food&drink points.
 

➡️  This tour covers 3 Unesco World Heritage Sites. We start the tour with number 1 Unesco Area where we find Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet), Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace Garden.
  

➡️  From the beginning of the Ottoman Era, this old quarter area has been a religious education center. On our way, we pay visits to some of these madrassas.
  

➡️  In a second part, we walk through the Royal Way of Oldcity to the Suleymaniye Mosque as a number 2 Unesco List Area.  

 

➡️  As a last stop, we finish the tour by discovering the 3rd Unesco Site of Istanbul 'The Monastery of Pantokrator'


We never forget to give some pit stops

>> to taste the beautiful hidden tastes and gems
>> to take a photo on Instagram Spots 


The visiting points that we have in our heart,

📍   Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) & Hagia Sophia -  from outside

📍   German Fountain

📍   Topkapı Palace (from the garden or before its main gate)

📍   Roman Hippodrome with Obelisks

📍   Some of the Tombs of Ottoman Sultan's  -  from outside

📍   Ottoman Historical Training School (Madrassa)

📍   Grand Bazaar through the backstreets - except Sundays

📍   Historical Book Market  - except Sundays
 
📍  Suleymaniye Mosque and its Panoramic Terrace

📍  The Church of the Monastery of Christ Pantokrator

👔 Dress modestly so that you will be able to enter some certain locations

👣 Approximetly we will have more than 5.000 steps that's why this tour is not friendly with under age 14.

⏳ The tour duration, tour route and stops may vary depending on the guide and the number of participants.
   
🏁 Tour ends near tram station and we will help you how to go back the main central points of the city!

Free tour: Book for free and pay what you want at the end