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A row of colorful buildings with a no right turn sign. 1
A crowded market with colorful umbrellas and a sign that reads "CAFE". 2
A shop with jars of candies and Turkish flags. 3
A narrow street lined with colorful buildings, people walking, and hanging plants. 4
A street market with flags, a stage, and people. 5
By Lütfullah Fındıkoğlu by Botanas Travel
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$480 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 6h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

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.

Activity location

  • Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
    • Dr. SadIk Ahmet Cd. No:44, Yavuz Sultan Selim Mahallesi
    • 34083, Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Egyptian Bazaar
    • 34116, Rüstem Paşa, İstanbul, Türkiye

Check availability

Istanbul Beyond the Crowds Fener Balat Chora Small-Group Tour

  • Activity duration is 6 hours6h
    6h
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 9:00 AM
Price details
AU$480.36 x 1 AdultAU$480.36
Total
Price is AU$480.36
Until Tue, 11 Aug

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Tekfur Palace entrance fee
  • Inclusions
    Professional licensed English-speaking tour guide
  • Inclusions
    Public transportation used during the tour
  • Inclusions
    Chora Mosque entrance fee
  • Exclusions
    Lunch
  • Exclusions
    Gratuities
  • Exclusions
    Private vehicle
  • Exclusions
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Know before you book

    • 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

Activity itinerary

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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Fener Rum Patrikhanesi
    • Dr. SadIk Ahmet Cd. No:44, Yavuz Sultan Selim Mahallesi
    • 34083, Istanbul, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Egyptian Bazaar
    • 34116, Rüstem Paşa, İstanbul, Turkiye

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