• Kariye Mosque - Gather with your guide in front of Kariye Mosque.
• Ahrida Synagogue - Established in the 15th century by Jews from Ohrid, the Ahrida Synagogue is among the oldest and largest synagogues in Istanbul.
• Yanbol Synagogue - Constructed in the 18th century in Balat by Jews from Yambol, Bulgaria, the Yanbol Synagogue is a historic site.
• Balat - Known for its vibrant streets, historic allure, and cozy cafés, Balat Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most lively areas.
• Renkli Merdivenler - The colorful stairs in Balat are a popular photo spot, capturing the neighborhood’s lively spirit.
• Meryem Ana Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi - The Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Balat is a significant place of worship with roots tracing back to the Byzantine era.
• Özel Fener Rum Ortaokulu ve Lisesi - Built in the 19th century, the Fener Greek Girls’ High School is renowned for its striking red-brick architecture.
• Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George - The St. George Cathedral in Balat is the heart of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a key site in the Orthodox world.
• Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church - Known as the “Iron Church,” the Sveti Stefan Church is a unique Bulgarian Orthodox church made entirely of cast iron.
• Kabataş Meydanı - This is the meeting and starting point for guests embarking on the Sunset Cruise.
• Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, historically known as Bosporus, is a strait and international waterway that separates Asia and Europe, linking the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. It generally runs in a northeast-southwest direction, dividing Istanbul into the European and Anatolian sides.

The Bosphorus serves as a gateway connecting Asia and Europe, stretching 30 kilometers long. It links the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus has an average depth of 60 meters, with the deepest point reaching 120 meters. Its width varies significantly due to its proximity to the shore, with the widest point being 3500 meters.

In the Bosphorus, surface currents flow from the Black Sea to the Marmara, while underwater currents move from the Marmara to the Black Sea. Occasionally, counter currents appear on the surface.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace, an Ottoman palace, is situated on a 250,000 m² area in Istanbul, Beşiktaş, between Dolmabahçe Street extending from Kabataş to Beşiktaş and the Bosphorus. It is located on the left bank at the Bosphorus entrance from the Sea of Marmara, opposite Uskudar and Kuzguncuk.

Once a cove where ships anchored, Dolmabahçe became the favored residence of the sultanate, embodying centuries of history and the clear splendor of the Bosphorus waters.

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski - Commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, the Cıragan Palace stands where a former wooden summer palace built by Selim III in 1800 once was. During its construction, the wooden structure and nearby Besiktas Mevlevihane were demolished. Completed in 1871, the marble palace spans 80,000 square meters. After Abdulaziz was deposed, he and his family were imprisoned here. Similarly, after Murat V was deposed, he and his family were held here for 29 years. Following the Second Constitutional Monarchy’s declaration in 1908, the palace served as the House of Parliament but was damaged by fire in 1910. The grounds were later transferred to the Besiktas Sports Club and used as the Seref Stadium. In the early 1990s, the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel.
• Ortakoy - Ortakoy is a neighborhood in the Beşiktas district on the European side of the Bosphorus. Comprising Ortakoy and Mecidiye districts, it is a settlement on the slopes along the valley leading to the coast. The district is bordered by Kurucesme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu, and Yildiz, with Defterdarburnu as its northern boundary.

Ortakoy Bazaar is lively throughout the day with its “intellectual market,” souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. However, in the early morning, the market is quieter, with activity picking up after 10:00 am.

• Bosphorus Bridge - The Bosphorus Bridge, one of two suspension bridges over the Bosphorus, has its feet in Ortaköy on the European side and in Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side. As the first bridge built over the Bosphorus, it connects the city’s two sides, along with the later Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Bosphorus ferries.

The idea of constructing a bridge over the Bosphorus is quite old. After numerous attempts, construction began in 1970, and the bridge opened on October 29, 1973, marking the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s proclamation. This suspension bridge is a vital link in Turkey’s transportation network and is active around the clock. It is also a key crossing point in the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Besides transportation, the bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul, offering a unique Bosphorus view.

• Bebek Park - Bebek is a historic Istanbul neighborhood on the European shores of the Bosporus, surrounded by Arnavutkoy, Etiler, and Rumeli Hisari. The name Bebek, meaning baby, refers to the neighborhood’s attractive position on the Bosphorus. A popular residential area since Ottoman times, Bebek’s population reflects the diverse society of the era. Today, it boasts historical buildings like Bogazici University and waterside mansions, along with a beautiful Bosphorus view and upscale restaurants.
• Rumeli Fortress - Situated in Sariyer, Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) was built directly across from Anadolu Hisari (the Anatolian Fortress). Construction began in 1453 under Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s orders, placing the fortress at the Bosphorus’s narrowest point. The construction was completed in just three months. Before Istanbul’s conquest, it protected against naval attacks. After the conquest, it served as a maritime traffic inspection point on the Bosphorus.

Over the centuries, the fortress’s interior filled with small wooden houses, but these were removed during restoration work in 1953. After restoration, the fortress became known for summer concerts and now serves as an open-air theater and museum.

• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - Istanbul’s second bridge over the Bosphorus, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Koprusu), was constructed between Kavacik and Hisarustu. Construction began in 1986, and the bridge opened on July 3, 1988. It ranks as the 14th largest steel suspension bridge globally.

Along with the Bosphorus Bridge and city ferries, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge carries a significant portion of Istanbul’s trans-Bosphorus traffic. It has also become an iconic part of the Istanbul skyline.

• Anadolu Hisari Fort - The Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisari) is located in Beykoz (on the Asian Side), at the Bosphorus’s narrowest point. Built in 1395 by Beyazit I, it consists of a citadel and exterior castle walls. After Istanbul’s conquest, it lost much of its strategic importance and was converted into a military hospital. Over time, the area around the castle became settled. Today, waterfront houses and old mansions are scattered among the castle’s ruins. During restoration work from 1991-1993, it was converted into a museum, but it is not open to the public. Currently, Anadolu Hisari is an open-air museum, but only the outer walls can be visited, and the road passes through it.
• Kucuksu Pavilion - The Kucuk Su Palace, located on the Bosphorus coast road between Uskudar and Beykoz, is a small Ottoman summer palace commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit. Designed by the renowned architect Nikogos Balyan, the palace offers an excellent Bosphorus view and attracted many Sultans during the Ottoman period for relaxation. Due to its high-quality furniture, paintings, carpets, and intricate details, the small palace was opened as a museum during the Republican period.
• Beylerbeyi Palace - The Beylerbeyi Palace (meaning “Lord of Lords”) is an Ottoman summer palace complex built in the 1860s on the Bosphorus shores. Today, it lies beneath the Bosphorus bridge. Designed by the esteemed architect Sarkis Balyan, it combines elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and other styles from both the East and West. The main building is a two-story stone structure on a high basement, covering about 2,500 square meters on a rectangular floor area. The South side of the Palace was organized as Imperial Mabeyn, and the North side as Valide Sultan’s Apartment. There are a total of 6 halls, 24 rooms, 1 hamam, and 1 bathroom across two stories.

In addition to the stunning Bosphorus view and historical architecture, visitors should explore its lily pond and expansive garden.

• KIz Kulesi - The Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) is a distinctive feature of the Bosporus skyline. Built on a tiny island about 200m from Uskudar’s shore, the tower is central to many legends.

The most famous legend involves a sultan and his daughter. An oracle predicted that the sultan’s daughter would die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. To protect her, the sultan built the tower in the Bosphorus, where she lived in secrecy and safety. On her 18th birthday, the sultan brought her a basket of fruits as a gift, unaware of the hidden snake inside. When she reached into the basket, the princess was bitten by the snake and died in her father’s arms, as the oracle had foretold. This legend gave the tower its name: Maiden’s Tower.

• Galata Koprusu - The history of the Galata Bridge (Galata Koprusu), one of Istanbul’s most exciting spots, dates back to 1845. The bridge, spanning the Golden Horn’s two sides, has undergone many changes over the years. Most recently, it was damaged by fire in 1992, and a new bridge was built in its place. The beloved old bridge was relocated to Halic. The Galata Bridge is a significant symbol of Istanbul, playing an important role in the city’s daily life, literature, and popular culture. With its restaurants, cafes, and hookah lounges below, and tramway and pedestrian traffic above, it offers a splendid city view, especially in the evening.

Together with street vendors, people fishing from the bridge, and ferries docking nearby, it is one of the most magnificent places to capture daily life in Istanbul.

• Galataport Istanbul - Galataport, situated on Istanbul’s Karaköy waterfront, is a modern and vibrant development featuring shopping, dining, and a cruise port.

• Professional English tour guide
• 2-hour luxury sunset cruise
• Snacks during the cruise: cookies, baklava, and fruit plates

• admission and entry tickets (chora museum)
• Public transportation tickets and expenses

The guided tour kicks off with a 1-hour visit to Kariye (Chora) Church, a historic Byzantine church renowned for its breathtaking mosaics and frescoes. Following the exploration of Kariye, the tour proceeds to Balat, a vibrant neighborhood celebrated for its historic homes, churches, synagogues, and lively streets brimming with local culture.

Subsequently, enjoy a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise offering views of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. During the cruise, participants will witness iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress, Kuleli Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridges.

This tour provides a blend of history, culture, architecture, and scenic views, delivering a comprehensive introduction to Istanbul’s rich heritage and stunning Bosphorus coastline. All sites are explained in English by a professional guide.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.