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Golden HornGood for groups

Our most recommended Golden Horn Good for groups

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket

1. Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket

Discover the Topkapi Palace on a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets. Learn about Ottoman history in the Palace and the life of Sultan's family in the harem. Explore the splendor of Topkapi Palace, the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Discover how the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards was a self-contained city, which most inhabitants rarely left. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn. Immerse yourself in the heart of the great Ottoman Empire. Stroll through the palace, and imagine the ruling Sultans who lived in its hundreds of rooms with their vast families and countless servants. Visit the harem, ruled by the Queen Mother who wielded domestic and political power. The harem housed hundreds of women and family members as well as hundreds of eunuchs, who performed a wide range of duties. Take a moment to spot the cupboard doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. Walk through the Harem is also the only way to see the very early, exceptionally-crafted Iznik tiles decorated with floral designs and verses from the Quran. The tour ends with a visit to the holy relics and the imperial kitchens.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht

2. Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht

Take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait to see the European as well as Asian half of Istanbul. Jump aboard a luxury yacht from Kabatas and keep your cameras ready as you cross mosques, palaces, and seafront villas. Learn about the city’s centuries-long history through your guide. Start the tour at Kabatas Pier aboard an elegant yacht, drinking traditional Turkish drinks, and nibbling on canapés and fruit from tastefully arranged platters. Glide by palaces and minarets as you sail along the Bosphorus.  When dusk sets in, feel the soothing breeze from the Sea of Marmara on your skin as the sky puts on a colorful show, tinted with shades of orange and rose. Few places in the world are as mesmerizing as Istanbul in the setting sun. Hear the muezzin's call from a towering minaret. Cruise past majestic palaces and villas along the strait’s banks. Breathe in the legacy of ancient Byzantium, Constantinople, and the mighty Ottoman Empire with each breath of fresh salty air. Kick back and ride gentle waves in the comfort of a yacht. Watch the city and its iconic landmarks pass by, which is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. End the experience at Karakoy Pier.

Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Tour with Live Guide

3. Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Tour with Live Guide

After finishing your busy day of sightseeing around Istanbul, you can relax on this 2-hour Golden Horn and Bosphoros cruise. You will meet your guide across from the Hagia Sophia, from where you will go together down to the pier behind the building. From there you will discover the Golden Horn, including the 32-kilometer-long Bosphorus which separates Europe and Asia. You will be able to see Istanbul’s main attractions, including magnificent palaces, ancient castles, and famous hills and parks, as well as spectacular seaside residences from different centuries. All of this sightseeing will of course include your passing under Istanbul's many famous bridges. You will pass by Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace. You will also get to see some historical landmarks from a distance, such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower, and Galata Tower. 

Istanbul: Fener and Balat Guided Walking Tour

4. Istanbul: Fener and Balat Guided Walking Tour

Discover the hidden treasures of Istanbul as you embark on a small group tour through the historically rich neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Located along the scenic Golden Horn, these areas offer a glimpse into the authentic essence of the city, away from the usual tourist paths. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert, immerse yourself in the captivating stories and cultural significance of these enchanting districts. Leave behind the bustling Sultanahmet area and begin your adventure with a picturesque ferry ride. Traverse the sparkling waters of the Golden Horn, witnessing the iconic Istanbul skyline and gaining a deeper appreciation for the city's growth since the 1453 conquest. Your first stop is Ayvansaray, the official endpoint of Constantinople. Here, you'll stroll along the mighty Byzantine walls dating back to the fifth century. Listen attentively as your guide regales you with tales of the legendary siege between the Ottoman and Byzantine armies. Next, prepare to be amazed by an extraordinary sight—the Greek Orthodox Church of Mary Blachernae. This unique structure is the only church in the world where a service is held every Friday morning. Built atop a sacred water source, it holds deep significance for Greek pilgrims. Your expert guide will share captivating stories and shed light on the church's historical importance in Istanbul. As you venture into Balat, be enchanted by the vibrant colors, bustling street life, and charming cobblestone streets adorned with crisscrossing washing lines. The neighborhood has a rich cultural tapestry, shaped by the presence of Sephardic Jews from Spain, Greek and Armenian Christians, and Muslims since 1492. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, observing the daily activities of the locals. Your journey culminates in Fener, where you'll discover the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Marvel at the column housed within the Patriarchate, believed to have been used in the binding and flogging of Jesus in Jerusalem. This sacred site holds immense significance for the 300 million Orthodox people worldwide. Delve into discussions about Mehmet II's decision to preserve the site in Istanbul after conquering Constantinople, its importance in the Christian world, and its parallels with the Catholic Church. End your tour with enough knowledge to be independent in the area so you can stay longer and enjoy it more.

Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Dolmabahce & Bosphorus Cruise

5. Istanbul: Full-Day Tour with Dolmabahce & Bosphorus Cruise

Get a comprehensive overview of Istanbul on this full-day tour of the city by coach, boat, and Çamlıca Hill. Perfect for those who aim to get a sense of what makes Istanbul unique, this full-day exploration gives a varied tour of the city. It will reveal a mixture of Eastern and European influences that makes the city so unique. First, get picked up from your hotel by bus and driven along the length of the Golden Horn, the historic water that divides Istanbul. Take in the sites of the historic city center and the main port, dating back to the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. Then, travel to the top of Çamlıca Hill , and admire panoramic views of the city as you drink coffee at the highest point of İstanbul. Next, experience the splendor of Istanbul from the water. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus and take in the grand spectacle of the city’s houses and palaces from the river. Finally, enjoy a tour of Dolmabahce Palace, home to the last of the Ottoman Sultans. Admire one of the most glamorous palaces in the world, once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire.

Istanbul: Golden Horn, Pier Loti Hill, and Bosphorus Cruise

6. Istanbul: Golden Horn, Pier Loti Hill, and Bosphorus Cruise

Your tour begins with a pick-up at your hotel and the drive to Pierre Loti Hill, where you’ll take a cable car to the top. Next you’ll see the highlights of Istanbul on a panoramic Golden Horn bus tour. Follow this with a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, following along the shores and taking in many of Istanbul’s iconic sights. A guide on board will provide full commentary. Admire the views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Leanders Tower, the city’s 2 suspension bridges, Rumeli Hisarı Fortress, and the stunning mansions on the Bosphorus shores. Disembark near Istanbul’s famous Spice Bazaar for the transfer back to your hotel.

Sightseeing Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul

7. Sightseeing Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul

Your tour begins at your hotel, where your friendly guide will pick you up and transfer you to the boat in an air-conditioned coach. Then take a trip up the Golden Horn, the horn-shaped estuary that divides the European side Istanbul. One of the best natural harbors in the world, this area was once the commercial and shipping center of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Today, you can still see entire streets lined with old wooden houses, churches and synagogues dating back to this time. You will then have a chance to give your sea legs a break at the world famous Spice Market, a gigantic indoor hall selling a a wide variety of goods, including locally manufactured sweets, herbs, and spices. After the Spice Market, you will have the chance to truly discover the unique wonders of the Bosphorus. This wonderful stretch of water, which sweeps down from the Black sea to the sea of Marmara, passes straight through Istanbul and marks the border between Asia and Europe. From your boat, take in magnificent views of the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, and more. On the Asian side, you will be able to spot the twin towers of the Kuleli Military school. Your last stop will be the City Walls, one of Istanbul’s most impressive sights. These land walls, built during the reign of the emperor Theodosius, still stand to a considerable height despite the battering they have received over the years. 

Istanbul: Full Day Licenced Guide Rental

8. Istanbul: Full Day Licenced Guide Rental

No need to obey timings and exact programmes Make your own programme with your guide at hotel lobby Enjoy all day with your professional guide Lots of Free time for Photo Break The heart of Istanbul remains its fascinating Old City, home to some of the most historical sites of this vibrant megapolis. Dramatically located on a peninsula pointing across the Bosphorus Strait to Asia, Sultanahmet was formerly the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. See the sights of Istanbul on an 8-hour tour with inclusive lunch. Admire the former church and mosque of the Hagia Sophia, see the site of Byzantine sports at the Roman Hippodrome, explore the alleys of the Grand Bazaar, and much more. On this tour, you should expect to see 2000 years of the mysterious history of the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. You will be learning about the lives of Roman Emperors and Ottoman Sultans in the haves and the have-nots or things that shouldn't be talked about and the implicit stories. This tour will give you information as clear as daylight from the dusty books and will provide it in interaction and sometimes with humor. We are here to give you wonderful days with the accompany of our passionate tour guides who have dedicated their lives to both learning and share Why you'll love this trip To feel the touch of history and discover the different places that you can see to capture the moment. On your side or the other may be a step, you will make a decision. Ou You're gonna love, going to be upset, angry, but in the end, you will be happy, maybe you'll beautiful memories to tell your family and friends, for everything beautiful.

Galata Tower - Fener and Balat - Golden Horn by Ferry

9. Galata Tower - Fener and Balat - Golden Horn by Ferry

If you are looking for something off the beaten path, consider our walking tour from Galata Tower, through backstreets of Galata and Karaköy, then across the Golden Horn to Balat and Fener neighborhoods, two of the most interesting on the old city side of the Golden Horn, followed by a ferry boat ride back to Karaköy. Home to Greek and Jewish communities for centuries, Fener and Balat are fascination places, an area that is largely still "undiscovered" by tourists. Starts by exploring the Galata tower, learning it's history and that of the area surrounding it , seeing the beautiful views from the top of the tower; then take a ferry across to explore the charming neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, a very architecturally colorful area. Enjoy delicious Turkish desserts and tea at a local cafe; relaxing on the final leg on the ferry ride home.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Spice Bazaar

10. Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Spice Bazaar

Explore Istanbul on this Coach & Cruise Tour. Stop at Dolmabahçe Palace with Skip the line ticket to see how Turkey westernized during the 19th century. Admire the space used by Sultan Abdulmecid as the headquarters of Ottoman Empire. Take in views of the Bosphorus at the Dolmabahçe Palace before getting back on the bus and making your way to the Bezmiâlem Vâlide Sultan Mosque. Take in the classy blend of Baroque and Empire architectural styles inside this unique mosque that was commissioned by an Ottoman sultan. Before the Lunch Breathe in the scents and feast your eyes on the colors of the Spice Bazaar.and ffter the Lunch, relax in an airconditioned bus on your way to the departure point for your cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Hop aboard a comfortable ship and admire the city from the water. Take in unobstructed views of the Golden horn, the Topkapı palace, the Dolma Bahçe palace, the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, the blue mosque, and the Ortakoy mosque. Gaze out at the two bridges that connect Europe and Asia. Taste Turkish delight, apple tea and Turkish sweets in the store we will visit. Get back on the spacious bus and drive to the 19th century Eyup Sultan Mosque where Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (a friend to the Islamic prophet Muhammad) is thought to have been laid to rest. Pass by historical wooden houses, churches, synagogues, mosques and the remains of the Roman Wall. Drive up the Pierre Loti Hill to capture pictures of views of the city and the Golden horn. Enjoy the views on the way down with a thrilling cable car ride.

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What people are saying about Golden Horn

Thank you for the amazing guide for Topkapi palace. I sure learn a lot of stuffs with our guide,Ahmet. He was very nice e and knowledgeable about the palace. The tour was long and it was a good things because we were presented many things from ottoman stories, the history of the palace. He also went to great lengths to explain the harem which I think most people want to see. He also gave us time to take pictures after the tour.

Very good service and Tannat was amazing as host. Taking time out to speal to each guest. The company provide a good selection of snacks and drinks to suit. I would definately recomend these guys. Thank you

One of the highlights of our trip. Put this with my husband, son and his girlfriend. Excellent explanation of the sites as you sail by.

This is the best cruise. Istanbul cruise is the best attraction to do. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Very recommended

Guide was knowledgeable and food was great. Overall service was amazing! Thank you!