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!

1. 1

   Stop 1

   45 min

   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.

2. 2

   Balat

   30 min

   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!

3. 3

   Stop 3

   30 min

   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.

4. 4

   Bosphorus Strait

   1 hour

   Now you will hop on a Bosphorus Cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents – Europe and Asia – giving you a perfect chance to take amazing photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential areas and luxurious apartments. The Rumeli Fortress (seen from the boat – no interior visit), is the historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus and is a unique example of military architecture. As you travel along the cruise route, you will be able to see the Imperial Gardens of the Royal Yildiz Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge that connects the continents of Europe and Asia, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Maiden's Tower (also known as Leander's Tower), and Üsküdar District. Private boat service is only offered for Private Tours.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.