Discover Istanbul: Balat, Bosphorus Cruise, Churches & Sultanahmet
- Admire St. Stephen Church, the only iron church in Turkey
- Learn the history of St. George Church and see a revered sacred relic
- Explore the colorful houses and staircases of Balat at your own pace
- Enjoy a delicious lunch on a Bosphorus cruise and visit the Asian side
- Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, both marvels of architecture
What to expect
Discover the many layers of Istanbul through a curated full-day experience combining guided highlights with free exploration time. Begin in the colorful Balat neighborhood, known for narrow streets, vibrant houses, and historic atmosphere. Enjoy free time to explore Balat at your own pace. Visit St. Stephen Church (the Iron Church) and St. George Church.
Continue with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise operated by a licensed local partner, sailing from the European side to the Asian side. Lunch is served on board with views of both continents. After arrival, enjoy about one hour of free time on the Asian side.
Return to the European side and visit Sultanahmet, including the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque . The experience ends near Hagia Sophia with guided commentary.
Reviews
The tour was certainly enjoyable! The explanations on the different monuments were clear and interesting. It wasn't too long or boring, but just the right amount to keep people engaged. I also appreciated the free time in between to walk around by yourself. However, there wasn't much to do on the Asian side so I would suggest boarding unto another dock with more activity if possible, e.g. close to Kadikoy markets or Bagdat street etc. The lunch was tasty and guides were nice. Overall, the tour was up to my expectations so I would definitely recommend it to others. Thank you for the experience!
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