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Istanbul's Golden Horn, Eyüp, Miniatürk & Pierre Loti Tour

4.3
(27 reviews)
Istanbul's Golden Horn, Eyüp, Miniatürk & Pierre Loti Tour Gallery Image 1
Istanbul's Golden Horn, Eyüp, Miniatürk & Pierre Loti Tour Gallery Image 2
Istanbul's Golden Horn, Eyüp, Miniatürk & Pierre Loti Tour Gallery Image 3

This half-day tour of Istanbul’s Golden Horn visits the city’s most sacred site and the 3rd most sacred site in the world after Mecca and Jerusalem. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is visited by thousands of faithful people every day and you will join in as you explore the Mosque of Eyüp-El-Ensari, flagbearer of the Prophet Mohammed.

Eyüp-El-Ensari died in Istanbul during the Arabic siege of the city in the 7th-Century. The old trees, pigeons, praying believers and the large crowd create a mystical and colorful atmosphere around the mosque.

Continue via the Teleferique to the Pierre Loti Coffee House, located on a hill with beautiful trees. Enjoy the wonderful panorama of the Golden Horn and the bird’s eye view of the Horn from the cable car as you ascend 1,800 feet (550 meters) in less than 2 minutes.

The coffee house takes its name from Pierre Loti, the French author and poet who was extremely fond of İstanbul and wrote as he sat in the coffee house while enjoying the views.

Next visit Miniatürk, an open field of miniature scaled models of the best known masterpieces of Turkey that create a fairy-tale environment of İstanbul, Anatolia and the former Ottoman territories.

It reflects the revival of Turkish culture and history in all its magnificence. Countless human models, situated throughout the park, such as a railroad worker, Muslims in a mosque courtyard, Jews praying in a synagogue, and flower sellers, portray the lifestyle of Turkish society through ages.

Spend some time exploring the colorful shopping center, where you can find some of the best souvenirs in İstanbul, before the tour concludes.

About this activity

  • Free cancellation

    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

  • Reserve now & pay later

    Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.

  • Duration 3.5 hours

    Check availability to see starting times

  • Skip the ticket line

  • Live tour guide

    English, Spanish

  • Small group

    Limited to 10 participants

Highlights

  • Visit the 3rd most sacred site in the world at the Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Tomb
  • Take in wonderful panoramas of the Golden Horn on the Teleferique (cable car)
  • Walk in the footsteps of the poet Pierre Loti and see the café
  • See Turkish life through the ages in miniature at Miniatürk
  • Shop for colorful souvenirs at a busy shopping center

Description

This half-day tour of Istanbul’s Golden Horn visits the city’s most sacred site and the 3rd most sacred site in the world after Mecca and Jerusalem. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is visited by thousands of faithful people every day and you will join in as you explore the Mosque of Eyüp-El-Ensari, flagbearer of the Prophet Mohammed. Eyüp-El-Ensari died in Istanbul during the Arabic siege of the city in the 7th-Century. The old trees, pigeons, praying believers and the large crowd create a mystical and colorful atmosphere around the mosque. Continue via the Teleferique to the Pierre Loti Coffee House, located on a hill with beautiful trees. Enjoy the wonderful panorama of the Golden Horn and the bird’s eye view of the Horn from the cable car as you ascend 1,800 feet (550 meters) in less than 2 minutes. The coffee house takes its name from Pierre Loti, the French author and poet who was extremely fond of İstanbul and wrote as he sat in the coffee house while enjoying the views. Next visit Miniatürk, an open field of miniature scaled models of the best known masterpieces of Turkey that create a fairy-tale environment of İstanbul, Anatolia and the former Ottoman territories. It reflects the revival of Turkish culture and history in all its magnificence. Countless human models, situated throughout the park, such as a railroad worker, Muslims in a mosque courtyard, Jews praying in a synagogue, and flower sellers, portray the lifestyle of Turkish society through ages. Spend some time exploring the colorful shopping center, where you can find some of the best souvenirs in İstanbul, before the tour concludes.

Inclusions

  • Air-conditioned transport
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Free pick-up and drop off service for centrally located Istanbul hotels

Traveler Ratings

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4.3 / 5

4.3333335 out of 5 stars

Based on 27 reviews

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