Chora Mosque & Balat Walking Tour with Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
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Chora Mosque & Balat Walking Tour with Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

Active
(11 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Chora & Balat W/Sunset Cruise

With Violin or Guitar Player

Violin or Guitar player

What's included

Some snacks during the sunset cruise such as baklava cookies and fruits
two hours bosphorus sunset cruise
Englısh professional tour guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Meeting point in front of Kariye Mosque with your guide.

2
Stop 2 Pass by

The Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century by Jews from Ohrid, is one of the oldest and largest synagogues in Istanbul.

3

The Yanbol Synagogue was built in the 18th century in Balat by Jews who came from Yambol, Bulgaria.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Balat Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant areas, known for its colorful streets, historic charm, and cozy cafés.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

The colorful stairs in Balat are a popular photo spot that reflect the lively spirit of the neighborhood.

6

The Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Balat is a significant place of worship with deep roots dating back to the Byzantine era.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

The Fener Greek Girls’ High School, built in the 19th century, is a historic school known for its striking red-brick architecture.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

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.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

The Sveti Stefan Church, also known as the “Iron Church,” is a unique Bulgarian Orthodox church built entirely of cast iron.

10
Stop 10 Pass by

It is the meeting and starting point for our guests for the Sunset Cruise.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

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.

12
Stop 12 Pass by

Dolmabahçe Palace, built in the 19th century, is a magnificent palace overlooking the Bosphorus, reflecting the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

Çırağan Palace is a historic Ottoman-era palace now operating as a luxury hotel, renowned for its stunning Bosphorus views.

14
Stop 14 Pass by

Ortaköy Mosque, located on the Bosphorus shore, is one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks with its stunning Baroque architecture.

15
Stop 15 Pass by

The Bosphorus Bridge is an iconic structure connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.

16
Stop 16 Pass by

Kuruçeşme Park is a popular waterfront park along the Bosphorus, ideal for walking and relaxation.

17

Bebek Park is one of Istanbul’s popular green spaces, offering scenic Bosphorus views and a relaxing spot for walking.

18
Stop 18 Pass by

Rumeli Fortress, built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, is a historic castle of strategic importance for controlling the Bosphorus.

19
Stop 19 Pass by

The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is an important suspension bridge connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.

20

Anadolu Fortress, built in the 14th century by the Ottomans, is a historic castle on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus.

21
Stop 21 Pass by

Küçüksu Palace and Pavilion, built in the 19th century along the Bosphorus, are elegant and ornate structures created for Ottoman sultans.

22
Stop 22 Pass by

Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the 19th century along the Bosphorus, is a magnificent palace that served as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.

23

Üsküdar Square is one of Istanbul’s historic and lively areas, surrounded by cafés, markets, and historic buildings along the waterfront.

24
Stop 24 Pass by

The Maiden’s Tower is a historic structure built on a small islet in the Bosphorus and is one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

25
Stop 25 Pass by

The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn, connecting Istanbul’s European side to the Karaköy district, and is a famous landmark.

26
Stop 26 Pass by

Galataport, located on Istanbul’s Karaköy waterfront, is a modern development featuring shopping, dining, and a cruise port.

What's not included

Admission and entry tickets (chora mosque)
Public transportation tickets and expenses

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
11 reviews
5★
11
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

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

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.

From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-65
1
Childs
Age 4-10
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 12
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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