Explore the 'hip' districts: Fener & Balat

5.0 (one review) 4–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

one review

5.0

Colorful Streets of Balat — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Authentic Backstreets of the District — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

If you want a richer, deeper, and more unique experience of the character, authenticity and traditions of this multi-civilizational city, then a guided walking tour of the Fener and Balat areas in the old city is for you. You will see churches, synagogues and mosques side by side and see impressive sights of religious co-existence dating back centuries ago. Our qualified and licenced tour guides can guide you, as part of a customised tour suited to your wants and needs, through the subtle magic of the narrow, steep and winding streets, detailing their history and present day significance whilst sharing their personal insight.

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At a glance

Duration: 4–8 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, Russian, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by: Tourever Travel

What is included

Included

Included: Tour guide
Included: Pickup transportation

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Tips

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

This Greek Orthodox church is hugely important to the followers of this denomination of Christianity. Its current form was constructed in 1867 but the site has housed previous buildings of Christian worship. It holds significance for being the only church in the world to celebrate Mass on Fridays. This building, protected by an outer wall, is discreet and easily missed by unguided tourists and even locals.
Surp Hresdagabet Kilisesi

20 min

Gregorian Armenian Church.
Ferruh Kethuda Camii

15 min

The mosque of Mimar Sinan who is the most famous architect of the Ottoman period...The mosque is under construction, so we will be seeing it from the outside.
Ahrida Synagogue

15 min

One of the oldest synagogue in Istanbul which is built by the Macedonian Jews who came from Ohri. For security reasons, the synagogue can only be visited with a special permission.
Fener & Balat

45 min

The authentic backstreets of the neighborhood... We will be observing Fener & Balat districts' vintage soul by heart.
Bulgarian Orthodox Church

30 min

a.k.a. Bulgarian Iron Church. Richly ornamented neo-gothic style church is famous for being made of prefabricated cast iron elements.
Stop 7

20 min

Moldavian Prince Dimitrie Cantemir who made great contributions to classical Turkish music in the Ottoman period was living in this house and now it's open again as a museum.
Patriarchate Of Constantinople

30 min

The Principal Eastern Orthodox Cathedral still in use. Fener Greek Orthodox College will be seen during the tour.
The Walls of Istanbul

Passing by

Byzantine City Walls

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Harbour Suites Old City
Atlantis Royal Hotel
Vardar Palace Hotel
Gulseda Otel Apart
Safir Gold Hotel
Hotel Inter Istanbul
AHC Ayasofya Hotel - Special Class
Meddusa Hotel
Gulhane Corner Hotel
Chambers of the Boheme
Skalion Hotel
Arts Hotel Taksim

and 984 more pickup points

This tour starts when we pick you up from your hotel or the port. We can also arrange airport pickups, please contact us if you want to consider this option.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Via Public Transport

Via Public Transport

Pickup included
Via Public Transport (5-6)

Via Public Transport: 5-6 people

Pickup included
Mini Van (up to 4 people)

Minivan (up to 4 people): Private Transportation and Parking Fees are included.

Pickup included
Via Public Transport (7-10)

Via Public Transportation: 7 to 10 people

Pickup included
Via Public Transport (3-4)

Via Public Transport: 3-4 people

Pickup included
MINIBUS (Up to 12 people)

Minibus (up to 12 people): Private Transportation and Parking Fees are included.

Pickup included