Hidden Istanbul

"Fener, Balat, and the Princes' Islands — the Istanbul photographers dream about."

The Experience

Every city has a version of itself that exists below the tourist surface. Istanbul's version is called Fener and Balat.

These neighbourhoods along the Golden Horn were home to Istanbul's Greek Orthodox, Jewish, and Armenian communities for centuries. Today they are a patchwork of coloured houses on steep streets, ancient churches and synagogues, corner teahouses and second-hand bookshops — largely unchanged by the tourism wave that transformed Sultanahmet.

In the afternoon, we board a ferry to Büyükada — the largest of the Princes' Islands. No cars exist on the island. We explore by horse carriage or bicycle, past Belle Époque wooden mansions, pine forests, and monasteries perched above the Marmara Sea. It is, by most measures, the most peaceful place within an hour of a city of 15 million people.

Highlights & Route

Fener Neighbourhood

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Phanar Greek school with its distinctive red building, and the steep lanes that still carry the memory of Byzantium's last centuries.

Balat

Coloured houses on stepped streets, the Ahrida Synagogue (one of Istanbul's oldest), antique shops, and the café culture of a neighbourhood recently discovered by artists.

Church of St. George

The Ecumenical Patriarchate — the spiritual centre of Orthodox Christianity worldwide, housed in a modest church that belies its extraordinary significance.

Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)

Some of the finest surviving Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the world — a small church that contains more extraordinary art per square metre than almost anywhere on earth.

Ferry to Büyükada

The 1h 45min ferry journey across the Marmara is part of the experience — the city receding behind you, the islands emerging ahead.

Island by Horse Carriage

No cars on the island. Horse carriages, pine forests, Belle Époque wooden mansions, and the Aya Yorgi Monastery with panoramic sea views.

What's Included

Included

Private guide throughout

Luxury vehicle (Istanbul mainland)

Ferry tickets to and from Princes' Islands

Hotel pickup & drop-off

Bottled water

Not Included

Horse carriage or bicycle hire on island

Chora Church entrance fee

Meals & beverages

Gratuities

Practical Information

Ferry Duration Ferry to Büyükada takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes each way — scenic and relaxing. Bring a book or simply watch the sea.

Island Environment The island has no cars — extremely peaceful. The pace is deliberately slow. Suitable for all ages.

Walking Moderate walking in Fener and Balat (hilly terrain). Horse carriage available on the island for those preferring less walking.

Cancellation Policy Full refund if cancelled 48 hours or more before your tour. 50% refund within 24–48 hours.