Istanbul Pierre Loti, Eyüp and Balat Tour: Cable Car and Bosphorus Boat Cruise
This Pierre Loti, Eyüp and Balat tour packs Istanbul's seven most-loved experiences into a single afternoon: you take in the Golden Horn from above, glide down by cable car, and cruise by boat between two continents on the Bosphorus. The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, starting from Sultanahmet at 13:00 and ending back in Sultanahmet around 17:30.
The day opens with a panoramic drive along the Golden Horn in an air-conditioned vehicle. At every stop your professional guide shares the stories, legends and little-known details of each neighborhood, leaving you free to simply enjoy the views and take photos. If you choose the option with hotel pickup, you'll be collected from your centrally located hotel and dropped back there at the end of the tour.
Along the route you'll visit the famous Pierre Loti Hill viewing terrace overlooking the Golden Horn, the scenic cable car descending from the hill to Eyüp, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque that houses the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, Balat with its colorful houses and steep slopes, a Bosphorus boat cruise between Europe and Asia, and a traditional Turkish delight shop. From the boat, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Bosphorus bridges and the waterfront mansions pass before you like a postcard.
The cable car ticket, Bosphorus boat cruise, guiding and air-conditioned transport are included in the tour price. At the Turkish delight shop you can taste Turkish delight, baklava and traditional sweets, and buy souvenirs if you wish; shopping is entirely optional. Lunch and drinks are not included in the price, so it's recommended to eat lunch before joining the tour.
The tour is ideal for couples, families, groups of friends and first-time visitors who want to discover Istanbul deeply in a short time. Guiding is provided in English. You can cancel free of charge up to 1 day before the tour. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, those who experience motion sickness, or guests over 95 years of age.
Tour Information
- Duration: 5 Hour
- Languages: en
- Age Groups: Baby: 0 - 2 · Child: 3 - 11 · Adult: 12 - 99
Included Services
- Professional guide
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Boat / ferry ticket
- Cable car or funicular ticket
- Photo stops
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Meeting & End Points
- Starting Point: Buhara 93 Restaurant
- Ending Point: Sultanahmet Meydanı
Meeting Points
- Buhara 93 Restaurant — Sultan Ahmet, Nakilbent Sk. No:13 A 15, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Sultanahmet — Sultanahmet
- Laleli — Laleli
- Taksim Square — Taksim Meydanı
- Karaköy — Karaköy
Tour Route
13:00 · Buhara 93 Restaurant — Meet Your Guide in Sultanahmet
Your guide greets you at the meeting point in Sultanahmet and you board the air-conditioned vehicle. With the hotel pickup option, you are collected from your hotel between 12:00 and 12:50 and join the tour directly. It is recommended that you be ready 10 minutes before the meeting time.13:15 · Panoramic Drive Along the Golden Horn
As you travel along the Golden Horn in an air-conditioned vehicle, the historic skyline of Fener, Balat and Ayvansaray glides past your window. Your guide shares the story of the Golden Horn as a port stretching from Byzantine to Ottoman times, and the secrets of the buildings along the shore.13:45 · Golden Horn Views from Pierre Loti Hill
Named after the French writer Pierre Loti, this hill is the Golden Horn's most famous viewing terrace. In the historic tea garden you can sip a Turkish tea while taking in the view and photograph the Golden Horn's curves from the most beautiful angle. You will have free time here.14:30 · Scenic Cable Car Descent to Eyüp
You glide down by cable car from Pierre Loti Hill to Eyüp. On this short but unforgettable ride, green slopes and the blue of the Golden Horn flow beneath your feet. The cable car ticket is included in the tour.14:45 · Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb
You visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of Istanbul's holiest sites, and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. Your guide tells you about the spiritual atmosphere of the mosque, where Ottoman sultans held their sword-girding ceremonies. Clothing covering the shoulders and knees is required; female guests are advised to bring a headscarf.15:30 · A Walk Through Balat's Colorful Streets
Take a guided walking tour of Balat with its colorful bay-windowed houses, steep slopes and charming cafés. The streets bearing traces of Greek, Armenian and Jewish heritage are among the most photogenic corners of Istanbul. Since the roads are sloped and paved with cobblestones, comfortable shoes are recommended.16:15 · Bosphorus Boat Cruise Between Two Continents
Board a tour boat and set out onto the Bosphorus, gliding between Europe and Asia. Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus bridges and waterfront mansions pass before you one by one. Feel the wind on your face on deck as you capture the city's most beautiful postcard-perfect frames.17:05 · Traditional Turkish Delight Shop
At a traditional Turkish delight shop, listen to the centuries-old story of Turkish delight and baklava, and taste the different varieties. You can buy rose, pistachio or pomegranate Turkish delights as gifts for your loved ones; shopping is entirely optional.17:30 · Sultanahmet Meydanı — End of the Tour in Sultanahmet
The tour ends in Sultanahmet at around 17:30; with the hotel pickup option, you will be dropped off at your hotel. If you wish to spend your evening in the historic streets of Sultanahmet, you can ask your guide for dining and sightseeing recommendations.
Popular Points
- Fener
- Pierre Loti Hill
- Eyüp Cable Car
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque
- Balat
- The Bosphorus
- Sultanahmet
Tour Rules
What to Bring and Dress Code
- Allowed: Comfortable shoes
- Allowed: Clothing covering shoulders and knees
Not Suitable For
- Not Allowed: Wheelchair users
Good to Know
- Allowed: The program may change depending on traffic conditions
Booking Conditions
- Confirmation is required after reservation.
- Visa Status: Not Required
- (Taxes Included)
Upcoming Departures
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Are taxes included in the tour price?
- Yes, taxes are included in the prices shown on this page.