Why choose this Istanbul tour ?
If you are looking for something off the beaten path, consider our walking tour from Galata Tower, through backstreets of Galata and Karaköy, then across the Golden Horn to Balat and Fener neighborhoods, two of the most interesting on the old city side of the Golden Horn, followed by a ferry boat ride back to Karaköy. Home to Greek and Jewish communities for centuries, Fener and Balat are fascination places, an area that is largely still “undiscovered” by tourists.
Starts by exploring the Galata tower, learning it’s history and that of the area surrounding it , seeing the beautiful views from the top of the tower; then take a ferry across to explore the charming neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, a very architecturally colorful area. Enjoy delicious Turkish desserts and tea at a local cafe; relaxing on the final leg on the ferry ride home.
Make the most of your Istanbul adventure
What makes Galata Tower – Fener-Balat Neighborhoods & Golden Horn by Ferry a unique experience ?
We will see great Istanbul panorama from top of this tower. One of the city’s most distinctive sights, this great fortification dating back to 1348 was erected by Genoese Italians. (Your guide helps you get the ticket for Galata Tower. 350TL per person admission is not included in the tour price.)
Elegant set of 19th-century art nouveau stairs en route to the Galata Tower, popular for photos.
In the Ottoman era, Beyoğlu (then known as Pera) was the European Quarter of Istanbul. Home to embassies and trading centers, as well as fine 19th-century, Parisian-style apartment houses.
Colorful streets of Fener and Balat await you. One could describe the combined neighborhoods of Ayvansaray, Balat, and Fener as a miniature chronicle of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern times. These streets have hosted the most influential of empires along with their monuments; housed a mosaic of communities.
Ecumenical Patriarchate is recognized as the spiritual center (basically the “Vatican”) of the Eastern Orthodox Christians.
This is a curious, neo-Gothic white-painted church and interestingly made up from cast iron sections. Built or should say “cast” in Vienna in 1896 and carted all the way to Istanbul.
The walls of Constantinople were the greatest fortifications of the medieval age. With various towers and gates, large sections still stand more or less intact today.
Bascule bridge that spans the Golden Horn provides both a real and symbolic link between two important parts of Istanbul.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- IF ALL INCLUSIVE OPTION IS NOT SELECTED: Galata Tower entry fee (30 EUR pp) is not included in the tour price.
- Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the activity starts as finding a taxi and traffic congestion are always a problem.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
Galata Tower – Fener-Balat Neighborhoods & Golden Horn by Ferry Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Donations
- Galata Tower entry ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected)
- Professional English Speaking Guide
- Transport by Ferry, Tram, Bus
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Trending Istanbul Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Local Tour Guide Istanbul.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Istanbul.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 6 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.
⚠️ Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the activity starts as finding a taxi and traffic congestion are always a problem. The tour starts on time as it is a shared tour with other participants.
