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.
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
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee, hotel meet-up
Transportation Fees
Food, Drinks, Snacks
Souvenirs
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.
I can work everyday
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!
$250/ per group