Nat Geo Day Tour: Artists and Artisans in Istanbul with Hands-on Art Class
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: Artists and Artisans in Istanbul with Hands-on Art Class

from
$154.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 4 hours

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Why you’ll love this…
  • Explore the artistic and architectural wonders of Fener-Balat, a historic district transformed into Istanbul’s creative and culinary hub.
  • Discover the city’s remarkable heritage with a guide specially trained in history and culture, who will show you the famously colorful houses, design boutiques, and contemporary art spaces.
  • See distinctive architectural landmarks including the Greek School, Ozel Fener Rum Lisesi, with its blend of influences, and the Neo-Gothic St. Stephen's Church, the world’s largest cast iron structure.
  • Get creative with a hands-on painting workshop at Balart Art House, crafting your own miniature model of Balat’s famous houses.
  • Experience Turkish coffee culture with a stop at a renowned neighborhood café, enjoying a perfectly brewed cup alongside a traditional sweet, and then try a local favorite - Mantı - Turkish dumplings
What to expect



Uncover the vibrant appeal of Istanbul’s Fener-Balat district, where history and elegance meet a thriving artistic and culinary scene. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore the neighborhood’s unique architecture, creative hotspots, and coffeehouse culture.

First you’ll stop outside the distinctive Greek School, Ozel Fener Rum Lisesi, an architectural masterpiece blending Byzantine and Ottoman influences on its red-brick façade. Follow this with a wander through Balat’s streets, lined with vintage boutiques, art galleries and the multicolored buildings that define the area's charm. Step into the Balart Art House, where you’ll join a hands-on workshop to paint miniature models of Balat’s famous colorful houses.

For lunch, you’ll get to try Mantı, Balat’s local specialty. These delicate Turkish dumplings, filled with savory ingredients and drizzled with yogurt and spices, offer a true flavor of Istanbul’s diverse culinary heritage.

Stop off at the famous color-splashed steps, where you will have the chance to strike a pose for the camera with the rainbow stairs as a backdrop. Finally, visit St. Stephen's Church, a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture and the world’s largest prefabricated cast iron structure. Step inside to admire its gilded interiors complete with columns and delicate ironwork - a reflection of the city’s fusion of styles and cultures.

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What's included
  • check Guided tour
  • check Food tasting
  • check Coffee or tea
  • check Bottled water
Where

Eminönü, Rüstem Paşa, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Meeting point:
Eminönü at T5 tram station.
What to remember

Not suitable:

  • This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users

Know in advance:

  • Toilets are present in the café
  • Terrain type is fairly even
  • Distance is approx 1.5 km with a total walking time of 1.5 hrs
  • Activity level is light
  • Meal included will be a typical Turkish snack such as gözleme or börek and will be served at the last stop of the tour (Naftalin café)
  • This tour can host min. 8 and max. 25 people

Remember to bring:

  • Comfortable clothes, hat, and sunglasses. Walking shoes are recommended

Read more
Provider
Ertur Tourism Transportation
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 48 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

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