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Diversity of Istanbul Along the Golden Horn: Fener, Balat, Eyup
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Joined 2024
The Golden Horn, an inlet dividing two main parts of the European side of Istanbul, has so many historical neighborhoods on each side of itself. Fener, Balat and Eyup are probably the most beautiful and diverse ones!
In this tour you'll be able to witness different colours and religions of Istanbul and get a flavour of local life.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel, cruise ship port or Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque
Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque and Complex
It's one of the imperial mosque complexes of Istanbul and was built in 1522 by Sultan Selim I. It's definitely off the beaten path!
Patriarchal Church of St. George
It's the holiest and highest Orthodox church in the world. Its stunning architecture and holy relics are a great example to get an idea about Orthodox Christianity and art.
Fener Streets and Houses
Narrow streets and colorful houses. Time to take capture some cool moments!
Balat (Jewish neighborhood)
It's one of the most important areas for the Jews of Istanbul. Today it's also where you can see local life of Istanbul.
Bulgarian Church of Sveti Stefan (aka Iron Church)
It's one of the most unique buildings in Istanbul because this church was made of prefabricated cast iron elements in Vienna and transported to Istanbul all the way through Danube and the Black Sea in the late 1890's.
Tram ride from Balat to Eyup
It's only 3 stops and takes about 5-6 minutes.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Complex
It's an imperial mosque and the most important Islamic site of Istanbul. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad, is buried in this complex.
Historical Monuments and Cemeteries in Eyüp
It's where you can see one of the largest historical cemeteries of Istanbul. There are so many great examples of Ottoman tombstones and tombs.
End of the tour
We'll end our tour in Eyüp. If you want, you can spend more time in this area or I can help you return to your hotel or cruise ship port.
Ending Point
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, hotel meet-up
Transportation Fees
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Souvenirs
Tour Important Information
Mosques are closed 1 hour before Friday prayer on every Friday. There is also a dress code for religious buildings. I'll send you instructions about it before our tour.
Since mosques are cloed earlier than usual on Friday, we can only start from 09:00 on Friday but there is no such limitation for other days.
Important message from the supplier
I can work everyday
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Yasin K.
Merhaba (Hello) from a friendly Istanbulite! My name is Yasin, a licenced tour guide who is in love with his city.
Istanbul is more than a regular city. It has been a melting pot of different empires, religions, languages and cultures for centuries! I've been living in this amazing city for 36 years and have about 8 years of experience as a guide. My purpose is not only to show you some historical buildings but also give you a chance to learn more about our unique history, culture-traditions, cuisine, daily life etc.
I am very interested in both Roman/Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul, so I can offer you very specific tours that you'll always remember. I have basic information on the old/medieval Greek and can read the Ottoman Turkish. I can also understand caligraphic inscriptions easily. I believe that if you really want to feel the soul of historical buildings, you should know what those inscriptions explain to us. That's why I spent so much time to improve myself in this field.
I also love photography and trying different types of healthy and traditional food. Fortunately, Istanbul gives us a great chance for them. I'll be so happy to help you with them, too!
Feel free to contact me for either a full-day or a half-day tour. I can provide you a complete program or customizable itinerary. Let's explore this amazing city and unique culture together!
Reviews
Shelly Z.
“Yasin made Istanbul the Highlight of Our Travels”
If you are looking for a guide who is personable, knowledgable and fun to be with, look no further than Yasin. Eight of us toured with him for two days and everyone had a fabulous experience! He managed to keep track of us, even in the Grand Bazaar and made sure we saw everything we were interested in as well as some extras. He curated our tour beautifully and we learned so much about Istanbul and the amazing architecture, ate sumptuous Turkish food and bought high quality cashmere and silk scarves in the Grand Bazaar and spices and teas in the spice market. Yasin always has a smile on his face and he introduced us to an Istanbul that we will cherish. If you are looking for an amazing guide,Yasin is definitely the one to choose.
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Yasin K.
Thank you so much, Shelly! It was my pleasure and I hope to see you all again in Istanbul :)
Kesh H.
“Istanbul - 2 days”
We were a group of 6 traveling from the United States to Turkey April 2025. We were very fortunate to get Yasin K for the Istanbul part of the tour. He is a resident of istanbul for more than 30 years. Yasin was easy to communicate with prior to the trip and was very prompt in giving suggestions which made our planning easy. The 2 days with him was a history lesson. All of us in the group have traveled widely over the last 30 years and have had guides in Asia and Europe. Yasin is in the top tier and one of the best I have had. He is very well educated in multiple areas and his English was excellent. His knowledge of regional history and time lines was easy to understand. He would get into more details if asked and his answers were always to the point. He was willing to give opinions on sensitive issues and it was very balanced. We did the all the usual attractions by walk and also used local taxis to go to other neighborhoods. It was an incredible experience. I recommend him highly and wish him all the best Kesh Hebbar ( USA )
Yasin K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! It was my pleasure and hope to see you all again in Istanbul :)
Robin F.
“Fantastic guide”
Yasin's great, excellent english and communications skills, very knowledgeable with good planning. Highly recommend for Istanbul tour. 10/10
Yasin K.
Thank you so much, Robin! It was my pleasure :)
$250/ per group
More tours by Yasin K.
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2-Day Private Tour in Istanbul
Is 1 day not enough for you to explore Istanbul? First day will be for the classics such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. On our second day let's go to some beautiful local markets and historical neighborhoods where you can get a local flavour. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to spend more than 2 days with me or customize this tour.
2-Day Private Tour in Istanbul
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Would you like to explore some of the wonders of Istanbul in a day? If yes, you are at the right place! This tour includes the highlights of this amazing city, so it's a great start especially for the first time visitors. Everything in the itinerary below is within walking distance and guided tours skip the ticket line at Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour!
The Marvels of Istanbul (Full Day)
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Half Day Customized Tour in Istanbul
If you have a limited time and still want to see some highlights of Istanbul, this is the perfect option for you! It's possible to customize your tour and we can make your itinerary together! Here are a few options below Option 1 Topkapi Palace (+Harem) Hagia Sophia Option 2 Topkapı Palace The Basilica Cistern The Grand Bazaar Option 3 Topkapı Palace The Basilica Cistern Blue Mosque
Half Day Customized Tour in Istanbul
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Imperial Mosques and Bazaars of Istanbul (half-day tour)
The Ottoman royal family ruled the empire from 1453 to 1922 in Istanbul. They built so many breathtaking buildings in this city during that time period and this tour gives you a chance to explore some of them such as the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazar etc. Everything we'll see is within walking distance.
Imperial Mosques and Bazaars of Istanbul (half-day tour)
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Istanbul
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Landmarks of İstanbul
İstanbul is an amazing city with 2700 years of history as the capital of two empires. With this tour we are starting the day with the oldest structure of Constantinople, the Hippodrome and the Egytian Obelisk. Then we are visiting two more landmarks from the Roman era, 1500 years old Hagia Sophia and Basilica cistern. After our inside visits to the Roman landmarks, we'll see Blue Mosque from outside and walk to the Grand Bazaar to enjoy this 600 years old Ottoman bazaar with 4000 shops.
Landmarks of İstanbul
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Taksim - Istiklal Street - Galata Tower
Taksim and Istiklal Street are Istanbul's most visited and famous pedestrian streets. In this tour, starting from Taksim Square, you will see historical passages, churches and beautiful artistic buildings on Istiklal Street. Additionally, Galata Tower, one of the most beautiful towers of Istanbul, will be seen.
Taksim - Istiklal Street - Galata Tower
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Istanbul Daily (Old City) Walking Tour
Meeting at your hotel/location Tour Itinerary ~ Topkapi Palace (Harem included) - Enterance fee : 2400 Turkish Lira per person ~ Hagia Sophia (Upper Gallery for non muslims Enterance fee (25 Euro) per person. ~ Basilica Cistern - Enterance fee : 1500 Turkish Lira per person ~ Blue Mosque - Free ~ Hippodrome - Free ~ Grand Bazaar - Free
Istanbul Daily (Old City) Walking Tour
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Historical Constantinople
Welcome to the city where was the heart of the three Empires. We will witness the greatness of the Istanbul and become a part of the history within. Get ready to time travel!
Historical Constantinople
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