About this experience
The Golden Horn is a natural harbor extending into the Bosphorus, where Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman, and other ships have sought refuge for millennia. Travelling along the bay, you will see the significant heritage it holds. Exploring the 17th-century palace pavilion, the first Ottoman mosque in the city, the walls of Constantinople, the vibrant Balat quarter, and much more awaits you on the tour.
What to Expect
Elegant Ayvansaray Pavilion
The tour begins at the Karakoy port. From there, we will take a ferry to explore a classic example of Ottoman architecture - the only remaining building from a huge palace complex.
Rahmi Koc Museum of Technology (optional)
Along the way, you can visit an industrial museum founded by a Turkish millionaire and collector. The buildings and outdoor exhibits showcase thousands of interesting items: technological samples from different eras - from bicycles to cars, from steam turbines to ships, complete railway carriages and airplanes, a huge collection of maritime models and instruments, and much more.
Eyup Sultan Mosque
Board the ferry again. Ahead of us is the historic Eyup quarter, where you will visit one of Turkey's main Muslim shrines and the first Ottoman mosque in Istanbul. Here lies the standard bearer of the Prophet Muhammad - Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, who died during the Arab siege of Constantinople.
Pierre Loti Hill
After a short walk through the quarter's streets, we will take a cable car to a viewing platform. From the height, you will enjoy the panorama of the Golden Horn bay. There, you will visit the famous Ottoman coffeehouse named after a French writer, located on the hill. Taste Turkish tea or coffee brewed on embers and then move on.
Walls of Constantinople, Orthodox Churches, and Colorful Balat
We will ride along the bay on a tram towards the Balat quarter. Explore the ruins of the Constantinople fortress walls. Visit the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen - the only Orthodox church entirely made of metal structures. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Balat, famous for its charming colorful houses and unique atmosphere. At the end, we will visit the Church of St. George, where valuable relics of the Orthodox world are kept.
Our tour will conclude with a return ferry trip to the Karakoy port, enjoying the picturesque views of the Golden Horn.
Organizational Details
- Additional Expenses: public transport (ferry and tram) - 45 lira (~$2); entrance ticket to Ayvansaray Pavilion - 70 lira (~$2.5); optional Technology Museum - 450 lira (~$15.5); coffee
- I will meet you at your hotel - and we will go together to the Karakoy port. Or we can meet directly there if it's more convenient for you.
