Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Eminönü District Tour
On this tour, you will spend your time sightseeing around the Golden Horn, the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour in the historical peninsula separating the old and new sides of İstanbul where the first Byzantine colonies settled. This area was the residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-Muslim minorities. Listen to the account of how the Golden Horn was conquered by the Ottomans. Drive along the traces of history in Balat viewing the Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, the Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate. See the Byzantine city walls, which span 22 km are were the strongest fortification in the middle age. Immerse your senses in the sights, sounds and smells of the mystical Spice Bazaar (also called the Egyptian Bazaar). Take in the different aromas of various spices, take a taste of delicious fruits, observe the fishmongers and sellers of fresh produce and flowers as they go about their business. Oh, what a joy!
Options
Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Eminönü District Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Eminönü District Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
This horn-shaped estuary divides European Istanbul. One of the best natural harbours in the world, the Byzantine and Ottoman navies and commercial shipping interests were centered here. Today, lovely parks and promenades line the shores where the setting sun dyes the water a golden colour. At Fener and Balat, neighbourhoods midway up the Golden Horn, whole streets of old wooden houses, churches, and synagogues date from Byzantine and Ottoman times. The Orthodox Patriarchy besides here at Fener. Eyup, a little further up, reflects the Ottoman style of architecture. Cemeteries sprinkled with dark cypress trees cover the hillsides. Many pilgrims come to the tomb of Eyup in the hope that their prayers will be granted. The Pierre Loti Cafe, atop the hill overlooking the shrine is a wonderful place to enjoy the tranquillity of the view. Istanbul is an international art and cultural centre. The International Arts and Cultural Festival is held each year in June.
Balat
Balat is one of the oldest and most spectacular districts of Istanbul. The second you step foot along its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings, you sense an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Istanbul, and indeed the world. The district is genuinely hidden away a little bit, set past the shores of Eminönü along the Golden Horn. It’s quite close to the metro stop along the Golden Horn (called Haliç in Turkish), within comfortable walking distance. The coastal road all along the Golden Horn is extremely pleasant, with massive parks all along and families walking along the promenade all the way up to Pierre Loti at the end of the Golden Horn. But once you step inside Balat, all that drifts away as you’ve stepped into an Istanbul of yesteryear. So let’s go exploring!
The Egyptian Bazaar, known as the Spice Bazaar, is an authentic and colourful bazaar where different kinds of authentic drinks, dried fruit and basketry are marketed. Turkey's smells and tastes await trials in this covered bazaar. The Misir Carsisi or Spice Bazaar, next to the Yeni Mosque at Eminonu, transports you to fantasies of the mystical East. The enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice fill the air. Sultanahmet district has become another shopping mecca in the old city.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel surcharge
- Parking Fees
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
- Hand sanitizers and masks will be available for the best hygiene practice. - Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time and let the lobby staff know that you are expecting a tour guide. - Comfortable shoes are advised - Wheelchair users must inform our agent whether guest(s) is/are fully dependent on the chair or partly able to walk or move. - Cruise port pickups from Yenikapi Port and Topkapi International Cruise Port are included in the tour price. - Airport picks up and transfers are also available at extra charge. Please contact us for further information.
