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If you want to have a real Istanbul experience but at the same time like to discover the diverse culture of the city with its origins dating back to Byzantine period , Golden Horn Tour is certainly a tour for you to consider. You will see the historical living neighborhoods of Balat & Fener which are slowly turning into an arty locations with galleries and trendy shops ,small local restaurants and cafes shops all blended with the still living hub.
Those are the sites you will be seeing in full day city tour.
Boat Ride from Karakoy to Fener Port – We will take a small private fishing boat and sail to Fener Port which takes about 20 minutes and this will give you the experience of Golden Horn with its amazing view of Istanbul’s best mosques, churches, old city walls and shipyards.
Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchy -The spiritual heart of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The Church of St. George in Fener is the home of the Ecumenical Patriarchate since 15th century.
Phanar Greek Orthodox College – Also known as Red Castle for its impressive building which was established in Constantinople in 1454 and up today still trying to stay open with its very limited enrollments.
Bulgarian St Stephen Church -This richly ornamented and beautiful church also known as the Iron Church which combines Neo-Gothic and Neo-Baroque influences is notably made mainly out of steel and it has a very interesting history.
Discover Balat and lunch break– walk through the streets of Balat and discover the colorful houses , neighborhood and people. Lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Chora Church - Once a monastic complex set in the Byzantine’s countryside Chora Church has the world’s finest example of Byzantine art – the 14th century frescoes and mosaics.
Tekfur Palace & Theodosian Walls – Although its precise erection date is unknown Tekfur Palace believed to have been built between 13th – 14th centuries for the living quarters for workers of the Blakhernai Palace.
