Reborn By Golden Horn

The Byzantine Empire had its naval headquarters in the Golden Horn and walls were built along the shoreline to protect the city of Constantinople from naval attacks. At the entrance to the Horn on the northern side, a large chain was pulled across from Constantinople to the old Tower of Galata to prevent unwanted ships from entering.

Known among the Byzantines as the Megàlos Pyrgos (meaning "Great Tower" in Greek), this tower was largely destroyed by the Latin Crusaders during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. In 1348, the Genoese built a new tower nearby which they called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ), now called Galata Tower where we will start our journey and catch the Golden Horn boat to learn more about its history by sailing on it.


Main attractions that we will see and I will explain during the tour;

• Phanar Greek High School
• Greek Patriarchate (The Vatican of Greek Orthodoxy) 
• Bulgarian Church (St. Stephen) 
• Balat (Old Jewish Quarter and Colorful Houses) 
• And much more... 

Fener and Balat where colorful houses, churches, synagogues, mosques and historical places are.

We will end our tour in Spice Bazaar which is located in the hub of old Istanbul. You will have a chance to get information about all local spices, teas, saffron etc.


I offer you a unique tour to learn from a licensed tour guide about the history and importance of the Golden Horn, the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmed the Conqueror and to get information about all local teas, snacks, Turkish delights, saffron, mentahol, spices etc.

Notes;

a) This is an exclusive tour which has an itinerary you cannot find anywhere else. It is not for group tour and is limited up to 5 people or less so it can be considered as a boutique or private tour. Price per person is 55 Euro (tram fees are included) and it can only be done if there are two people at least and if I am available on the requested day as I am a licensed tourguide and many different tour requests. Please check availability before sending a request. 


b) Meals, drinks and museum entrances (if any) are not included in the tour. Places where we will be visiting are not touristic so prices will be comparably more affordable than major touristic spots of Istanbul. 


c) As I am a licensed tour guide affiliated to the Turkish Cultural Ministry, I can only conduct tours with my official badge on me and a piece of official paper which shows all details about the tour. I have to show them to tourism officials in case of any inspection. Price policy is regulated by Cultural Ministry. Please check the official license of the guide before any tour you might participate in.