Galata Hillside: Byzantine Era Themed Afternoon Walking Tour

Step back in time to the Byzantine era on this captivating walking tour of Galata Hillside. Explore historic churches, synagogues, and the iconic Galata Tower while learning fascinating stories from your guide.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Karakoy - Meeting your guide
  • Galata Tower - Galata Tower
  • Istiklal Caddesi - Istiklal Caddesi: We’ll wander through the busy streets and soak up the sights, sounds, smells, and more.
  • Galata Koprusu - Galata Bridge
  • Bosphorus Strait - Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey
What's Included
  • Entrance fees included
  • Professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Embark on a half-day stroll through the Galata hillside and surrounding regions, revisiting the time of the Byzantine Empire. Start your journey with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned car in Istanbul, before heading out to the Galata district situated on the north bank of the stunning Golden Horn. Traverse the peaceful hillside, once home to bountiful gardens during the Byzantine period, and gaze at the spectacular view of the Golden Horn, a water inlet framed by towering structures and verdant woodlands. Take a look at the façade of the Galata Tower, an ancient stone tower, while your guide recounts tales of when the district was a Genoese colony from the 6th to the 15th century. Navigate through Istanbul’s slender lanes to see renowned churches and synagogues, then pause at the Camondo Steps, a notable footpath on Banks Street constructed by the Camondo family around 1870-1880. Listen to more fascinating anecdotes from your guide as you visit local hospitals and schools.

Location
Caribou Coffee
Rıhtım Caddesi
Caribou Coffee Karaköy
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(25 Ratings)
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1 star
Nellie
Jul 13, 2024
Unforgettable walk through Istanbul! - It was an excellent activity! Barack was very punctual when it came to our meeting. A very nice and friendly young man. Amazing how much information you shared with us! We are amazed at all the information and history that dominates the points we visit and the current situation in Turkey in terms of culture, economy, education, etc! Simply spectacular! We have to recognize that he was very patient considering the time it took us to walk great distances! You have been a spectacular Guide! Immensely grateful for your company!! The visit to the Galata Tower was very interesting!
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Peterpo6454lx
Jun 26, 2024
Great tour guide amd would highly recommend! - I think burak did an amazing job with giving us a tour. He was on time, made it easy to meet, assisted with transport information and was very friendly. He had a wealth of knowledge when it came to the history of Istanbul, Turkey and neighbouring countries amd knew how to explain past events well enough for us to understand. Great sense of humour which made it all more fun. He took great photos of me and my wife at some great view points and burak also has a passion for his job and history which you can see thriving in his words and actions. I would highly recommend, great job burak!
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Mariaas7190gd
Jun 17, 2024
sunset view from Galata Tower - We planned our Galata tour with our guide Burak, and it was the best decision we made. Burak enriched our experience with his extensive knowledge of Istanbul's history and culture. His exceptional skills ensured our tour was truly memorable
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37chhayab
Jun 16, 2024
Galata Tower Visit - We are Thankful for information and kindness. Ots effective with lots of information. Thanks a lot Socially Good Great View we saw with all historical informations.
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125simonz
Jun 6, 2024
A brilliant tour - Overall I would give the tour 5 stars. Burak was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating by tailoring the tour to our interests. He took us to historically important locations as well as scenic locations and even offered to take our photos for us at each of these locations. I strongly recommend Burak and this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
945stephanf
Jun 2, 2024
Special Experience - Burak is probably the best and best educated guide I have met so far. Apart from his profound and deep knowledge of Istanbuls past and present, he’s also aware of the geopolitical connections throughout the centuries and connects all the dots from east to west and throughout the centuries to finally meet in Istanbul. All started off very well with Burak being at the agreed meeting point well ahead of time and giving us a very amicable and warm welcome along with a very open introduction of himself, his story and a hint on his values and views. When the group was complete, Burak took us around on the tour on paths not hilariously overloaded with tourists, but a little aside. During the tour Burak answered patiently all questions that arose and flexibly adapted the tour to the specific feedback and dynamics of the group. When we finally reached the Galata Tower it was also Burak who queued for the group, while the rest of us was given the chance to have a break. On top of the tower Burak provided even more details and information on what could be seen from this exposed point of the city. At the same time he friendly took care of all photograph requests. The originally scheduled three hours were exceeded, but still we were never asked for any more money. Bottom line is, it was an awesome tour, with a one of a kind guide, a really special experience, which never became boring and can only be recommended to take this tour and ask for Burak himself.
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I8005dmpaulaf
Apr 23, 2024
A walk through history - Bucak was wonderful and very attentive to our needs. He is not only extremely knowledgeable about Turkish history and the Genoese area, he knows the streets and shorts cuts like the back on his hand. We highly recommend this tour for its history and of course Bucak.
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Nirukts
Apr 13, 2024
Informative and fun experience - Burak did an excellent job at narrating the history of the city. He is quite knowledgeable and great at story telling. Highly recommended!
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Alexma719gg
Apr 11, 2024
Multiple discoveries and rich information - Our tour with Burak was very nice, he introduced us to several unexpected and very original places. In addition, Burak always has plenty of historical anecdotes to illustrate the walk. A success !
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Goplaces575305
Mar 26, 2024
Tour for Galata and Genova - Burack was en excellent tour guide, he knows many details historical, architectural and cultural of the area , he explained with detail and passion. He is very professional and kind, we really enjoyed his company and we highly recommend him the tour is very valuable.
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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