Pierre Loti and Balat Greek Heritage Tour

starting from$190
  • Sightseeing
  • COVID-19 Measures
  • Duration: 7 Hours
  • Pick-up Available
  • Skip the Line
  • Wheelchair-Friendly

The cultural richness of Istanbul is the heritage of minorities who lived in this city for ages. This heritage is still standing as great monuments of architecture such as apartments, palaces, pavilions, etc. This heritage was not only reflected in the architecture but also in the food culture. In this unique tour, we want you to feel and live this richness.


Overview

  • Have a cup of Turkish coffee at Pierre Loti view point by enjoying the breath-taking view of Golden Horn and ancient Istanbul
  • Take a ride with the cable car over one of the largest cemeteries
  • See the Eyup Mosque - an important mosque after Mecca among the entire Islam world as well as the oldest mosque in Istanbul
  • Listen to the prayers and watch local rituals
  • Walk around ancient city walls and try pomegranate juice
  • Wander around the Balat and Fener, old Greek neighborhoods

Full Description

After meeting at your hotel, we're going to take you to the Pierre Loti viewpoint. Here, we're going to have a coffee and talk about the old stories that no mortal dares to talk about.

Then we're going to take the cable car down the hill, and visit Eyup Mosque by exploring the oldest Ottoman conservative neighborhood.

Now, we are heading towards the ancient city walls and exploring the Greek Town - Balat and Fener. Greeks used to live here for ages but unfortunately, after the Greco-Turkish War in 1924, Greeks living here were expulsed and Turks were settled in return. This Greek expulsion is known as "Population Exchange". This was a neglected neighborhood for decades but now it is a very colorful hipster area. This is almost like San Francisco. If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair. But if you are going to Balat and Fener, take some tulips with you.

After exploring Balat and Fener neighborhoods, we are going to leave by taking a ferry to reach the Karaköy town to try the best Turkish Baklava.

There is time to say goodbye in the end. We are going to take you back to your hotel.


Tour Plan

  • Meeting point

    Your hotel lobby

  • Pierre Loti Hill

    We're driving to Pierre Loti Hill where we are going to enjoy the enchanting view and have a coffee at the famous Pierre Loti Cafe.

  • Eyup Sultan Mosque & Eyup Town

    Eyüp was a companion of Prophet Muhammed, even during one of his travels prophet Muhammad stayed at Eyüp's home. That's why he is quite special for many believers. After visiting Eyüp Mosque, we will be exploring this conservative town called Eyüp.

  • Old City Walls of Constantinople

    We will be exploring the old city walls next to the Golden Horn and learn about how the Ottomans conquered Constantinople with gun powder and great cannons. City Walls of Constantinople have been surviving over centuries and waiting to be discovered. Here, we're going to explain how massive byzantine structures affected the longevity of the empire.

  • Lunch

    We're going to try a very special Turkish cuisine.

  • Balat and Fener

    Balat and Fener districts are parts of the Greek Heritage of Istanbul. They have been very hipster-like areas for the last ten years with the investments of young, smart Turkish business people. You're going to be fascinated with colorful cafes, boutique stores, and street art.

  • Karakoy Jewish Town / End of the tour

    We are taking the ferry from Fener to Karaköy. We are going to taste the best baklava with the view of the Bosphorus Strait. We are finishing the tour here, and taking you back to your hotel.


Inclusions

  • Private guide
  • Transportation
  • Drinks at Pierre Loti Hill
  • Food tasting

Notes


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