Traditional Boat Trip and Fener-Balat Areas Walking Tour
Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Type: Private Sightseeing Tours
Duration: 6 hours
Following a thirty minute boat trip with a traditional boat, discover the two unique historic neighborhoods of Istanbul: Fener and Balat. These two sister areas are located by the shores of Golden Horn (Haliç in Turkish): the natural port of antique Istanbul and the waterway that separates the old fortress city (Constantinople) from Galata/Pera
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Following a thirty minute boat trip with a traditional boat, discover the two unique historic neighborhoods of Istanbul: Fener and Balat. These two sister areas are located by the shores of Golden Horn (Haliç in Turkish): the natural port of antique Istanbul and the waterway that separates the old fortress city (Constantinople) from Galata/PeraIn this tour, we will discover the two unique historic neighborhoods of Istanbul: Fener and Balat. These two sister areas are located by the shores of Golden Horn (Haliç in Turkish), the natural port of antique Istanbul and the waterway that separates the old fortress city (Constantinople) from Galata/Pera. Haliç shores were home to some of the oldest settlements of Istanbul and it is still possible to see the remnants of antiquity living side by side with one of the most ethnically mixed populations of the city.
We will take a private fishing boat from Karaköy to Fener just like how they did it in the old days. The ride takes about 30 minutes and it is a joy in itself as you will be looking at one of the most stunning sceneries of Istanbul. Mosques, churches and the old city walls on one side; the Galata tower and abandoned military shipyards on the other.
Fener will surprise you in many ways. First, you will be visiting the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchy, which has been actively open for service since the 1600s. Here you will see a one of a kind iconostasis (icon wall) as well as holy relics of the Church of Constantinople, including the sacred relics of two renowned Archbishops of Constantinople: St. Gregory the Theologian (329–390) and St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407). Another special example of the Greek heritage is the Phanar Greek Orthodox College locally known as the red school. This extraordinary eagle (cross) shaped brick building is surely a hidden gem. We will visit and see the school from outside.
Our tour will continue with the colorful traditional houses of Balat. In Balat, we will stroll through the narrow and colorful streets, which will make you will feel like you are in a movie set. A traditional daily street life still exists in this part of town; women gathering for tea in their patios, kids playing soccer on the streets; men playing cards in coffee-houses… Here will also be our break for some tasty bites and coffee (own expense).
Next, we will pay visit to the world-famous Chora Museum, where you will see the enchanting examples of Byzantine mosaic art; from the journey to Bethelem, to the miracles of Jesus Christ; from the dream of Joseph to the Dormition of the Virgin is waiting for you in this fascinating temple museum.
We will take a private fishing boat from Karaköy to Fener just like how they did it in the old days. The ride takes about 30 minutes and it is a joy in itself as you will be looking at one of the most stunning sceneries of Istanbul. Mosques, churches and the old city walls on one side; the Galata tower and abandoned military shipyards on the other.
Fener will surprise you in many ways. First, you will be visiting the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchy, which has been actively open for service since the 1600s. Here you will see a one of a kind iconostasis (icon wall) as well as holy relics of the Church of Constantinople, including the sacred relics of two renowned Archbishops of Constantinople: St. Gregory the Theologian (329–390) and St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407). Another special example of the Greek heritage is the Phanar Greek Orthodox College locally known as the red school. This extraordinary eagle (cross) shaped brick building is surely a hidden gem. We will visit and see the school from outside.
Our tour will continue with the colorful traditional houses of Balat. In Balat, we will stroll through the narrow and colorful streets, which will make you will feel like you are in a movie set. A traditional daily street life still exists in this part of town; women gathering for tea in their patios, kids playing soccer on the streets; men playing cards in coffee-houses… Here will also be our break for some tasty bites and coffee (own expense).
Next, we will pay visit to the world-famous Chora Museum, where you will see the enchanting examples of Byzantine mosaic art; from the journey to Bethelem, to the miracles of Jesus Christ; from the dream of Joseph to the Dormition of the Virgin is waiting for you in this fascinating temple museum.
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