• Greek Orthodox Church of Ayios Yeorgios - Recognized as the heart of the 250 million Christian Orthodox community globally, it is often referred to as the Vatican of the Greek Orthodox. The Aya Yorgi Patriarchate Church (St. George), sharing its courtyard with the patriarchate, houses many precious artifacts, some dating back to the 5th century.
• Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Situated on the banks of the Golden Horn, the Bulgarian Church (Aya Stefanos/Sveti Stefan), also known as the Iron Church, is a unique and captivating historical structure that draws significant attention due to its architectural design. The 500 tons of iron components used in its construction were manufactured in Vienna between 1893 and 1896 and transported to Istanbul by ships via the Danube and the Black Sea.
• The Virgin Mary Syriac Church - Located in Balat, the Church of the Virgin Mary is also referred to as the Bloody Church. This church, built at the end of the 13th century, is also known as the Mongolian Saint Maria (Saint Mary).
• Balat - The bazaar is lined with various antique and vintage stores, along with shops selling mirrors. This area also features small cafes and restaurants for visitors to enjoy a break.
• Istanbul Toy Museum - The Balat Toy Museum showcases thousands of toys across 15 categories, appealing not only to children but also to visitors of all ages.
• Ahrida Synagogue - Located in the Balat district, Ahrida Synagogue is named after the Macedonian town of Ohrid. It is the most splendid of the Balat Synagogues. The synagogue’s Teva (Torah reading chair) resembles the bow of a ship. One belief suggests this design is reminiscent of Noah’s Ark, while another theory proposes it symbolizes the Ottoman galleys that transported the Sephardi from Spain to the Ottoman Empire.

• Professional tour guide

• Food & Drinks

Fener

Since the 16th century Ottoman era, Fener has been a significant neighborhood for the Greek community. Its streets, small stores, churches, the Greek Patriarchate (Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarchate), and the Rum Erkek Lisesi (High School) located in the Fener district make it a must-visit area of Istanbul, particularly the patriarchate and high school structures.

Balat

Adjacent to Fener, the Balat district originally hosts the Jewish community. Like Fener, Balat is popular among all tourists, with a special appeal to photography fanatics. It offers churches, synagogues, small stores, and narrow multi-colored streets.

You will discover an unseen side of Istanbul during this tour and will uncover remnants of Greek and Jewish cultures which have resided in these regions for hundreds of years.

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