Available as a half-day or full-day experience with combination of public ferry and private vessel.
The Golden Horn was Constantinople. The Golden Horn is Istanbul.
Often overlooked under the glory of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn is the real reason the city was founded. The four-mile-long, horn-shaped inlet glitters like gold under sunset, but it is the strategic value which weighs heavier than gold itself. It was the natural harbor that protected ships from strong winds, provided secure space for shipyards, served as the base for Byzantine and Ottoman fleets, and functioned as the main commercial port of the city. You will discover this integral part of Istanbul on a public ferry, by hopping on and off at small neighborhood docks. The tour begins at Karakoy seafood market, continues to the former shipyards, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the artsy Vodina Street in Balat, and Eyup Mosque where Ottoman Sultans were girded with the imperial sword and sworn in as the shadow of Allah on earth. The experience concludes with a private boat ride allowing you to witness the low-key waterfront parks and promenades, the locals’ beloved hidden “resort” at the heart of the bustling metropolitan city.
Walking: easy to moderate
- You will meet your guide at your hotel or at a location you prefer.
- Tour can be customized based on your specifications, travel plans and expectations.
What’s included
- A certified SRM guide
- Public transportation
- Admissions
- Fast track
Contact us for questions, prices, booking and customization.
