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Discover the Balat neighborhood and the old city in Istanbul on a guided tour. See the St. Stephen Church, St. George Church, Hagiasophia and the Sultan Ahmet Mosque.

Highlights

• Admire the only iron fabric church of Turkey, the St. Stephen Church
• Discover the history of the St. George Church and its piece of the cross
• See the colorful houses and stairs of the Balat neighborhood on your own
• Enjoy a delicious lunch on a boat as you explore the Asian side of Istanbul
• Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with a guide and skip-the-line entry

Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey that reveals the diverse soul of Istanbul! This immersive tour combines the charming, lesser-known streets of Balat with a scenic Bosphorus cruise and the iconic majesty of Sultanahmet's historical treasures. Discover Balat's Hidden Gems Your adventure begins in the captivating Balat neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with character. Wander through its vibrant, winding streets adorned with colorful houses and picturesque staircases. Here, you'll visit the remarkable St. Stephen Church, famously known as the only iron fabric church in Turkey, a unique architectural marvel dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Continue your stroll to the historic St. George Church, where you'll have the profound opportunity to see a venerated piece of the cross that Jesus was crucified with. Enjoy some delightful free time in the heart of Balat, soaking in its bohemian atmosphere before your next grand experience. Bosphorus Cruise & Asian Side Exploration Next, you'll board a comfortable boat for a captivating journey across the Bosphorus Strait to the Asian side of Istanbul. Onboard, savor a delicious lunch as you glide past breathtaking views. Upon arrival on the Asian side, you'll enjoy 1 hour of free time to explore at your leisure. As you cruise, your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating information about the significant monuments and landmarks lining both the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus, offering insights into this legendary waterway. Sultanahmet's Iconic Landmarks Returning to the European side, a comfortable bus will be waiting at the port to whisk you away to the historic Hippodrome and the magnificent Sultanahmet Mosque, famously known as the Blue Mosque. Prepare to be mesmerized by its intricate blue tiles and six elegant minarets that majestically pierce the Istanbul skyline. Your tour culminates at the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a monument that has stood as a testament to centuries of history. Enjoy fast-track entry and delve deep into the building's rich past with illuminating commentary from your expert guide. Take ample time to capture stunning photographs of this architectural wonder.

Includes

Professional English Guide Lunch on a boat Free time to explore Balat and the Asian side Fast track entry to Hagia Sophia Transportation by bus and ferry

Important Information

• Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking. Be prepared for any weather conditions. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund