Tours/Istanbul/Istanbul Chora Mosque and Balat Experience with Bosphorus Cruise
Viator · group up to 12 pax

Istanbul Chora Mosque and Balat Experience with Bosphorus Cruise

5.0(44)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(43)

Description

This guided tour starts with a 1-hour visit to Kariye (Chora) Church, a remarkable Byzantine church celebrated for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes. After exploring Kariye, you will head to Balat, a vibrant neighborhood full of colorful historic houses, churches, synagogues, and lively streets reflecting local culture. Following the Balat visit, enjoy a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise, taking in breathtaking views of both Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Along the way, you will pass by famous landmarks including Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress, Kuleli Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridges. This tour perfectly combines history, culture, architecture, and scenic beauty, offering a thorough introduction to Istanbul’s rich heritage and the stunning Bosphorus coastline. A professional guide provides detailed explanations in English at all sites.

Tour Options

Chora & Balat W/Sunset Cruise
With Violin or Guitar Player
  • Violin or Guitar player

Itinerary

Admission not included60 min

Meeting point in front of Kariye Mosque with your guide.

Pass by

The Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century by Jews from Ohrid, is one of the oldest and largest synagogues in Istanbul.

Pass by

The Yanbol Synagogue was built in the 18th century in Balat by Jews who came from Yambol, Bulgaria.

Pass by

Balat Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant areas, known for its colorful streets, historic charm, and cozy cafés.

Pass by

The colorful stairs in Balat are a popular photo spot that reflect the lively spirit of the neighborhood.

Pass by

The Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Balat is a significant place of worship with deep roots dating back to the Byzantine era.

Pass by

The Fener Greek Girls’ High School, built in the 19th century, is a historic school known for its striking red-brick architecture.

Pass by

The St. George Cathedral in Balat is the center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and one of the most important places of worship in the Orthodox world.

Pass by

The Sveti Stefan Church, also known as the “Iron Church,” is a unique Bulgarian Orthodox church built entirely of cast iron.

Pass by

It is the meeting and starting point for our guests for the Sunset Cruise.

Pass by

The Bosphorus Strait is a historic and strategic waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, separating the continents of Asia and Europe.

Pass by

Dolmabahçe Palace, built in the 19th century, is a magnificent palace overlooking the Bosphorus, reflecting the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

Pass by

Çırağan Palace is a historic Ottoman-era palace now operating as a luxury hotel, renowned for its stunning Bosphorus views.

Pass by

Ortaköy Mosque, located on the Bosphorus shore, is one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks with its stunning Baroque architecture.

Pass by

The Bosphorus Bridge is an iconic structure connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.

Pass by

Kuruçeşme Park is a popular waterfront park along the Bosphorus, ideal for walking and relaxation.

Pass by

Bebek Park is one of Istanbul’s popular green spaces, offering scenic Bosphorus views and a relaxing spot for walking.

Pass by

Rumeli Fortress, built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, is a historic castle of strategic importance for controlling the Bosphorus.

Pass by

The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is an important suspension bridge connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.

Pass by

Anadolu Fortress, built in the 14th century by the Ottomans, is a historic castle on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus.

Pass by

Küçüksu Palace and Pavilion, built in the 19th century along the Bosphorus, are elegant and ornate structures created for Ottoman sultans.

Pass by

Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the 19th century along the Bosphorus, is a magnificent palace that served as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.

Pass by

Üsküdar Square is one of Istanbul’s historic and lively areas, surrounded by cafés, markets, and historic buildings along the waterfront.

Pass by

The Maiden’s Tower is a historic structure built on a small islet in the Bosphorus and is one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

Pass by

The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn, connecting Istanbul’s European side to the Karaköy district, and is a famous landmark.

Pass by

Galataport, located on Istanbul’s Karaköy waterfront, is a modern development featuring shopping, dining, and a cruise port.

Highlights

Some snacks during the sunset cruise such as baklava cookies and fruits
two hours bosphorus sunset cruise
Englısh professional tour guide

What's included

Included
Some snacks during the sunset cruise such as baklava cookies and fruits
two hours bosphorus sunset cruise
Englısh professional tour guide
Not included
Admission and entry tickets (chora mosque)
Public transportation tickets and expenses

Traveller Ratings

5.0
44 reviews
5
44
4
0
3
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2
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1
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Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for people who are prone to seasickness
  • Not recommended for people with vertigo

Reviews(44)

1
140azhars
July 26, 2026
Balat

And balata Nice tour with family’s

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

A
alanbJ2492MO
July 16, 2026
A great sunset Bosphorus tour

Kaan & “J-Lo” were helpful & informative. A great couple of hours on board…and bonus dolphins too!

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

H
HJow19
July 16, 2026
Great experience

Excellent cruise, very informative and we were lucky to see dolphins which the captain followed. A very special experience. Thank you to Celil and Kaan for looking after us.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

A
A4965FTmarym
July 16, 2026
Nice evening

Crew went above and beyond to provide a nice experience .

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

K
K7562QC_
July 16, 2026
Top

I liked it all. Saw the dolphins. We were given delicious snacks, a pleasant atmosphere

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

G
gouigak
July 16, 2026
Perfect

Anas kan is adorable and good person ,its not the first time I will do this again

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

7
757stephanif
July 16, 2026
I loved

I really liked the experience I would definitely do it again

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

N
Natalia_E
July 11, 2026
Chora church and Bosporus boat trip

Reliable, very good and quick communication before and during the tour, flexible, professional. A good boat and snacks

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

L
leandrorL5519NI
July 11, 2026
A lovely sunset in the Bosphorus

Everything was amazing :) I spent a lovely sunset in the Bosphorus sea, and I loved every second of it. Our guide Nur and the crew were fantastic, and always answered my needs with a smile and good motivation <3 I recommend it 1000%

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

I
ilyal922
July 11, 2026
Nice experience

Good program. Nur was excellent guide. Nice food.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.

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