Private Tour: Hidden Istanbul

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Summary

Meet your guide at your hotel or port and embark in a climate-controlled minivan on an 8-hour tour of Istanbul’s most evocative neighborhoods. Take in the views of the many historical buildings that dot the route, including Kadir Has University, the Church of Aya Nikola, the majestic Greek Red School, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the cast iron Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church, the city walls of old Constantinople, and the dungeons of Anemas. Pop into the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan for his beloved. Explore the splendid Chora Museum, formerly a church and currently one of the most impressive museums in Istanbul. Inside, find stunning well-preserved Byzantine frescoes and gold-accented mosaics. Dig into Istanbul’s many layers, exploring the remains of a Byzantine palace and admiring the gate of Kasturya Synagogue, the crooked Egrikapi gate, the tomb-containing Cabir Mosque and the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, the only church where Christians do their prayers on Fridays instead of Sundays. Wander through a bazaar in Balat, where a tangle of streets contain small shops and a variety of products. At the conclusion of your tour, your vehicle will return you to your hotel or port.   

Tour info

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Discover a less-visited side of Istanbul on the Golden Horn, where the layers of coexisting cultures are still visible. This private 8-hour tour takes you on an alternative route through old Istanbul, where Muslim Turks, Greek and Armenian Christians, and Jews used to live together. Visit Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and the stunning Chora Church, among many other notable sites dotting the Fener and Balat neighborhoods. Wander past typical old Istanbul houses and streets that preserve the feeling of the old city and travel comfortably by climate-controlled minivan.

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What’s included?

  • Hotel pickup

  • Professional guide

  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan

  • Private tour

  • Food and drinks

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 8h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Operator Website

Operated by:

Estambul Excursion

About operator:

Our two daughters 8 and 9 yrs old my wife and myself, have visited Istambul twice and both times have had and excellent support from / to the airport visiting differents spectacular places out of the regular touristic tours Always on time and according to the agreed rates. So

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  • 227 reviews