• Tekfur Sarayi - Situated near Istanbul’s ancient land walls, Tekfur Palace is a rare example of Byzantine imperial architecture still standing. Constructed in the 13th–14th centuries as part of the Blachernae Palace complex, it likely served as a residence for Byzantine princes.

Following the Ottoman conquest, the building was repurposed for various uses, including a glass workshop and later a ceramic production site in the 18th century. Today, it has been meticulously restored and transformed into a museum, providing visitors with insights into Byzantine palace life and offering splendid views of the historic city walls.

• Chora Museum - The Chora Museum, originally the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, is one of Istanbul’s most breathtaking examples of Byzantine art and architecture. Located outside the old city walls, “Chora” means “countryside” in Greek, referring to its position beyond the ancient city limits.

The building dates back to the 4th century, but its renowned mosaics and frescoes were added in the 14th century, during the final years of the Byzantine Empire. These artworks depict the lives of Jesus and the Virgin Mary with remarkable realism and emotional depth.

After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted into a mosque, later became a museum in the 20th century, and today stands as a UNESCO-recognized monument, celebrated for its stunning mosaics, frescoes, and spiritual ambiance.

• Fethiye Muzesi (Pammakaristos Church) - The Fethiye Museum, originally the Church of Theotokos Pammakaristos, is one of Istanbul’s most exquisite surviving Byzantine churches. Built in the 11th–12th centuries, it served as the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate after the Ottoman conquest, until the early 17th century.

In 1591, it was converted into a mosque and renamed Fethiye (meaning “of the Conquest”) Mosque to commemorate Ottoman victories in the Caucasus. Part of the complex was later turned into a museum, showcasing exquisite Byzantine mosaics similar in style to those of the Chora Church.

Today, Fethiye Museum stands as a tranquil and historically rich site, reflecting Istanbul’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.

• Church of St. Mary of the Mongols - The Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, also known as Kanlı Kilise, is one of Istanbul’s most remarkable and historically significant Greek Orthodox churches. Located in the Fener district, it was built in the 13th century by Maria Palaiologina, daughter of Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII, who was once married to the Mongol ruler Abaqa Khan — hence the name “of the Mongols.”

This church is unique as it is the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has never been converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. It remains an active Greek Orthodox place of worship, representing the continuity of Byzantine religious life in modern-day Istanbul.

Its red-brick façade and serene courtyard make it a hidden gem for visitors exploring the historic Fener neighborhood.

• Fatih Mosque and Complex - The Fatih Mosque, located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, is a prime example of early Ottoman architecture. Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) in the 15th century, soon after his conquest of Constantinople, it was built on the site of the former Church of the Holy Apostles, one of Byzantium’s most sacred churches.

The complex originally included madrasas, a library, a hospital, and a caravanserai — symbolizing the power and cultural vision of the newly established Ottoman capital. Although damaged by earthquakes and rebuilt in the 18th century, it still stands as a monumental symbol of Ottoman faith, scholarship, and imperial legacy.

• Zeyrek Mosque - The Zeyrek Mosque, originally the Monastery of the Pantokrator, is one of Istanbul’s most significant surviving Byzantine religious complexes. Constructed in the 12th century by Empress Irene of Hungary, wife of Emperor John II Komnenos, it originally consisted of three connected churches — dedicated to Christ Pantokrator, the Virgin Mary, and the Archangel Michael.

After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted into a mosque and became known as Molla Zeyrek Camii, named after the scholar Molla Zeyrek Mehmed Efendi, who taught in the nearby madrasah.

Today, the Zeyrek Mosque stands as a powerful symbol of Byzantine architecture meeting Ottoman faith, and it offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views over the Golden Horn.

• Ahrida Synagogue - The Ahrida Synagogue, located in Istanbul’s historic Balat district, is the oldest and largest functioning synagogue in the city. Built in the 15th century by Sephardic Jews who settled in the Ottoman Empire after being expelled from Ohrid (present-day North Macedonia) — the origin of its name, Ahrida.

The synagogue is renowned for its unique bimah (reading platform) shaped like the prow of a ship, symbolizing either Noah’s Ark or the ships that brought the Sephardic Jews safely to Ottoman lands.

Still active today, the Ahrida Synagogue remains a spiritual and cultural center for Istanbul’s Jewish community and a remarkable reminder of the city’s multicultural and religious harmony throughout history.

• Patriarchate Of Constantinople - The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, located in Istanbul’s Fener district, is the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the residence of the Ecumenical Patriarch, considered the spiritual leader of over 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Patriarchate was moved from the Church of the Holy Apostles to its current location in Fener, where it has remained ever since.

The complex includes the Church of St. George (Aya Yorgi), which serves as the main patriarchal cathedral. Inside, visitors can see beautiful icons, relics of saints, and the Patriarchal Throne — symbols of centuries-old Orthodox tradition.

Today, the Patriarchate continues to play an important role as a bridge between faiths and cultures, preserving the spiritual and historical legacy of Byzantine Christianity in modern Istanbul.

• Entrance fees
• Professional guidance service in English
• Donation to the churches & mosques
• Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)

• Lunch
• Gratuities
• Hotel pickup/drop-off

Embark on an enchanting journey through the vibrant and historic core of Istanbul’s Golden Horn with this engaging Small Group Walking Tour.

Uncover the city’s hidden treasures as you stroll through Fener, Balat, and Ayvansaray — neighborhoods rich in character, history, and local culture.

Trace the paths of ancient empires along the Byzantine city walls, visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and marvel at the impressive red-brick Fener Greek High School.

Continue your exploration to the stunning Chora (Kariye) Mosque, renowned for its magnificent Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, and discover the restored Tekfur Palace, the last remaining Byzantine palace in Istanbul.

Ideal for history enthusiasts, photographers, and inquisitive travelers — this tour seamlessly combines art, faith, and daily life, providing an authentic experience of Istanbul beyond the typical tourist spots.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.