Historic Balat & Chora Tour with Sunset Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours

Mobile ticket

This guided tour begins with a 1-hour visit to Kariye (Chora) Church, a historic Byzantine church famous for its stunning mosaics and frescoes. After exploring Kariye, the tour continues to Balat, a colorful neighborhood known for its historic houses, churches, synagogues, and vibrant streets full of local culture.

Next, enjoy a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise with views of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. During the cruise, you will see iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Anadolu Fortress, Kuleli Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridges.

This tour offers a combination of history, culture, architecture, and scenic views, providing a comprehensive introduction to Istanbul’s rich heritage and stunning Bosphorus coastline. All sites are explained in English by a professional guide.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Meeting point in front of Kariye Mosque with your guide.

1 hour • Admission Not Included

Ahrida Synagogue

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

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Professional english tour guide

2 Hours luxury sunset cruise

Some snacks during the sunset cruise such as cookies, baklavaa and fruit plates

admission and entry tickets (chora museum)

Public transportation tickets and expenses

Options

Balat-Chora and Sunset Tour

Reviews

5.00

21 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Nice trip
nourb729,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I love turkey so much the sea the wether the culture and the people. And batool she was very nice with as and 😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Recommend
57nazdarh,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I really like it . It was wonderful cruise with golden city tours. Betul and her team were friendly and kind to us. Really recommended
Sunset
Erkan K,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sehr freundliche Mitarbeitern und empfohlen für alle. Bezug, Erden Were really good Guides ever. Recommend it to everyone
Nice
907ghulamb,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice cruise the tea was amazing and very nice guide they explain everything thats in view i would definitely recommend
Good
aliaW9934HT,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It is really good experinence with our guide. It is really enjoying and wonderful cruise. Golden city tours is the best onez
Sunset crouz
C2100AZimana,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Perfect staff that help us in this tour and had excellent hospitality. I really recommend people to come by them ❤️❤️😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Boat trip
ylli n,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience with golden city tours. I can recommend it everyone. Yacht was good and they have professional team.👌👌
Amazing
kfclw,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Worth the price! The crew was professional, everything went so smooth. Good weather conditions needed… the boat is really nice
First trip in Istambul
E4013NOalexandram,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was so cool. My experience was perfect. It was my first boat trip in Istanbul, and it was very good. I will come back again someday.
Great experience in between Continents
liviafcs,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We have been a very nice journey on Bosphorus with a super cool yaht and very nice crew and guide. Everything was spectacular and I truly recommend the experience!