Private & Guided Fener - Balat Walking Tour - Istanbul
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Istanbul, Turkey
- 4 to 5 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Istanbul was home to Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities, with traces still visible today. This private walking tour visits hard-to-reach monuments and buildings, including imperial mosques and the colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, with hotel pickup included. Some sites, like Fener Greek Orthodox College, are viewed from outside, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
- Private tour with hotel pickup for convenience
- Explore Istanbul’s Muslim, Christian, and Jewish heritage
- Visit notable neighborhoods including Fener and Balat
- Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day
What's Included
Meeting and Pickup
Itinerary
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos





Reviews
5.0
based on 15 reviews
Jumana_D, Aug 2024
My husband and I are from NYC and we had an incredible experience exploring Istanbul with Furkan. He took us to some iconic spots, like the stunning Suleymaniye Mosque, where we felt like we had the place all to ourselves. Furkan's humorous storytelling was full of fascinating facts that really brought the history to life. He patiently answered all our questions and even accommodated a last-minute request to add an extra stop to Pierre Loti.
What stood out the most was how he tailored the tour to our interests. We wanted to explore more of the Balat neighborhood, and Furkan knew exactly where to take us, including a few hidden gems including some beautiful Greek churches. His knowledge of the area was impressive, and he made sure to include a couple of extra spots that really made our day special.
As big foodies, Furkan pointed us to some “parts unknown” local spots to try out after the tour. Plus, he even helped us navigate our way to the Asia side of Istanbul, making the entire experience seamless. If you’re looking for a personalized, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable tour, book this.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Dear Jumana.
Thank you for taking the time to write such an excellent and detailed review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with us. Organizing activities for enthusiastic travelers like you is a pleasure for us, and your support through your kind words is vital to our continued reputation. We can't wait to welcome you back to Istanbul soon.
All the best,
Furkan G.
Linhard_H, Oct 2023
Excellent!! Derya was terrific!! Fantastic tour to see the real Istanbul away from the tourist traps. Saw a number of unique historical sites and traditional neighborhoods. Ate at a delicious family restaurant. Nice minibus between sites. Moderate walking involved. A must do!!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Dear Linhard.
Thank you so much. As a team at Private Istanbul Walking Tours, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your valuable feedback. We are thrilled to learn that your tour with Derya was memorable. It is our utmost pleasure to offer you an exemplary experience that showcases the beauty of Istanbul and provides you with a unique perspective of the city's rich history and culture. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another immersive and personalized tour in the future.
All the best,
Furkan G.
KathrynP_W, Dec 2022
I booked this tour to orient myself to Istanbul before my official tour started. I was picked up at my hotel in a nice van with the guide, Derya, and driven to the first site. This was great since I was totally jet lagged and didn't want to have to figure out how to get myself to a meeting point, which was the case with pretty much every other tour. The guide was very attentive, upbeat, and conversational, and she made sure we stopped at several neat cafes and restaurants to sample various foods. She took lots of great pictures of me, too!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Dear Kathryn.
Thank you so much for your kind words; we're delighted to hear you had such a lovely time in Istanbul with Derya. It was an absolute pleasure showing you around. We hope to see you back in Istanbul and on another Private Istanbul Walking Tours experience again soon.
All the best,
Furkan G.
Melinda_F, Oct 2022
Awesome day! Derya was fun and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed this tour. Lots of walking and so much to see.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Dear Melinda.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to write. We're so pleased to have been able to share with you some of our favorite spots in Istanbul. It was a pleasure to host you in the Private Istanbul Walking Tours experience, and we hope you will return to Istanbul.
All the best,
Furkan G.
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