Highlights
Istiklal Caddesi, Galata District, Galatasaray Square, St. Anthony Church, Pera Palace Hotel, Galata Mevlevihane, Galata Tower

Meet your guide in front of the Istanbul Port Passenger Terminal as you disembark your cruise ship. From there, it is only a short walk to Kabatas, where you will board the funicular for a 3 minutes ride to Taksim Square, the hub of modern Istanbul.
Well begin this fascinating tour at Taksim Square, where well make our way through Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), the “19th century face of Istanbul” and the citys most popular strolling, shopping, and snacking street, which is now reserved for pedestrians. Walking through the historic Beyoglu district, youll enjoy observing contemporary Turkish society at neighborhood cafes, boutiques, and cultural activities.

Afterwards, well stroll to the streets of Galata District, which was composed of a Jewish majority from the 1500s and onward. Throughout the 19th century, most of Istanbuls Jewish residents lived in this neighborhood and attended the synagogues that are still in use today, including the Chief Rabbinate, the Neve Shalom and Italian synagogues, the Schneider Synagogue (Terziler Havrasi, now used as an art gallery), and the Zulfaris Synagogue Museum.

Well also visit Galatasaray Square-easily recognized by the grand gates to Galatasaray Lisesi, the first European-style lycee (high school) erected by the Ottoman government–and St. Anthony Church, established in 1725. Youll be amazed at the beauty of the Pera Palace Hotel, built to accommodate pampered travelers aboard the Orient Express beginning in the 1890s. Its neo-classical, art nouveau, and Oriental styles give Pera Palace its timeless, refined look.

Next on the itinerary is Galata Mevlevihane, the headquarters of Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul, founded in the 1490’s. You’ll conclude your tour today by visiting the Galata Tower(Entrance Fee is not included), with its spectacular views of the city.

INCLUDING

Proffesional Lisenced Guide
Tram tickets

EXCLUDING

Tip for the guide
Personal expenses
Taxes