Reborn By Golden Horn

The Byzantine Empire had its naval headquarters in the Golden Horn and walls were built along the shoreline to protect the city of Constantinople from naval attacks. At the entrance to the Horn on the northern side, a large chain was pulled across from Constantinople to the old Tower of Galata to prevent unwanted ships from entering.

Known among the Byzantines as the Megàlos Pyrgos (meaning "Great Tower" in Greek), this tower was largely destroyed by the Latin Crusaders during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. In 1348, the Genoese built a new tower nearby which they called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ), now called Galata Tower where we will start our journey and catch the Golden Horn boat to learn more about its history by sailing on it.


Main attractions that we will see and I will explain on the boat;

• Phanar Greek High School
• Greek Patriarchate (The Vatican of Greek Orthodoxy) 
• Bulgarian Church (St. Stephen) 
• Balat (Old Jewish Quarter and Colorful Houses) 
• R. Koc Museum (The first industrial heritage museum in Turkey) 
• Miniaturk (all the touristic places in Turkey in miniatures) 
• And much more... 

After 7 stops by the boat, we will disembark on the Eyup pier and take a cable car to reach the famous Pierre Loti Hill where you can have breakfast or lunch, drink Turkish tea or coffee in a spectacular Golden Horn view.
And then we will walk on a historical road (accession road where ceremony to recognize new Ottoman Sultan was held) which the Sultans had to for the enthronement to reach the most holy shrine in Istanbul, Eyup Sultan Mosque. (Eyup Sultan was the standard bearer to the Prophet Mohammed). After that holy visit, we will get on the tramway for Fener and Balat where colorful houses, churches, synagogues and historical places are.

We will end our tour in Spice Bazaar which is located in the hub of old Istanbul. You will have a chance to get information about all local spices, teas, saffron etc.


I offer you a unique tour to learn from a licensed tour guide about the history and importance of the Golden Horn, the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmed the Conqueror, and historical buildings during the 45-minute journey on the boat, to have an experience of a cable car and tramway with Golden Horn scenery; local tastes in an uphill place to admire the Golden Horn, to know the history of Islam and its place in old and new Turkish life, to get information about all local teas, snacks, Turkish delights, saffron, mentahol, spices etc.

Notes;

a) This is an exclusive tour which has an itinerary you cannot find anywhere else. It is not for group tour and is limited up to 5 people or less so it can be considered as a boutique or private tour. Price per person is 55 Euro and it can only be done if there are two people at least and if I am available on the requested day as I am a licensed tourguide and many different tour requests. Please check availability before sending a request. 

b) The public ferryboat, cable car and tramway fees are included in the tour. 

c) Meals, drinks and museum entrances (if any) are not included in the tour. Places where we will be visiting are not touristic so prices will be comparably more affordable than major touristic spots of Istanbul. 

d) Please wear appropriately and bring a headscarf or something to cover your head if you are a lady and want to enter into the tomb and mosque. No shorts over your knees allowed for the mosque if you are a gentleman. 

e) As I am a licensed tour guide affiliated to the Turkish Cultural Ministry, I can only conduct tours with my official badge on me and a piece of official paper which shows all details about the tour. I have to show them to tourism officials in case of any inspection. Price policy is regulated by Cultural Ministry. Please check the official license of the guide before any tour you might participate in.