Istanbul Chora Mosque and Balat Experience with Bosphorus Cruise
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
This guided tour starts with a 1-hour visit to Kariye (Chora) Church, a remarkable Byzantine church celebrated for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes. After exploring Kariye, you will head to Balat, a vibrant neighborhood full of colorful historic houses, churches, synagogues, and lively streets reflecting local culture. Following the Balat visit, enjoy a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise, taking in breathtaking views of both Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Along the way, you will pass by famous landmarks including Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress, Kuleli Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridges. This tour perfectly combines history, culture, architecture, and scenic beauty, offering a thorough introduction to Istanbul’s rich heritage and the stunning Bosphorus coastline. A professional guide provides detailed explanations in English at all sites.
Inclusions
What's included
- Some snacks during the sunset cruise such as baklava cookies and fruits
- two hours bosphorus sunset cruise
- Englısh professional tour guide
What's not
- Admission and entry tickets (chora mosque)
- Public transportation tickets and expenses
Itinerary
Meeting point in front of Kariye Mosque with your guide.
The Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century by Jews from Ohrid, is one of the oldest and largest synagogues in Istanbul.
The Yanbol Synagogue was built in the 18th century in Balat by Jews who came from Yambol, Bulgaria.
Balat Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant areas, known for its colorful streets, historic charm, and cozy cafés.
The colorful stairs in Balat are a popular photo spot that reflect the lively spirit of the neighborhood.
The Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Balat is a significant place of worship with deep roots dating back to the Byzantine era.
The Fener Greek Girls’ High School, built in the 19th century, is a historic school known for its striking red-brick architecture.
The St. George Cathedral in Balat is the center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and one of the most important places of worship in the Orthodox world.
The Sveti Stefan Church, also known as the “Iron Church,” is a unique Bulgarian Orthodox church built entirely of cast iron.
It is the meeting and starting point for our guests for the Sunset Cruise.
The Bosphorus Strait is a historic and strategic waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, separating the continents of Asia and Europe.
Dolmabahçe Palace, built in the 19th century, is a magnificent palace overlooking the Bosphorus, reflecting the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 545
- 40
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- 10
Ratings come from 45 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Our guide will meet all travelers at the entrance of the Chora Mosque. Please be ready in the meeting point before 30 min from starting time of the tour.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 12 travellers
- Operated by
- Golden City Tours
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for people who are prone to seasickness
- Not recommended for people with vertigo
How it compares in Istanbul
- Its from-price is 24% below the median of the 3649 experiences we list in Istanbul.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 444 of 3649.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Istanbul
Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, busy bazaars and ferries crossing between continents.
The historic peninsula holds the greatest landmarks. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome face each other in Sultanahmet, the Basilica Cistern lies beneath the streets, and Topkapı Palace spreads across the hill above the Golden Horn. A short walk away, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar have traded for centuries, and Süleymaniye Mosque, built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, crowns one of the city's seven hills.
Top-ranked sights in Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).
Special offers in Istanbul
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
