Turkey Thab Travel Embark on a delightful 1-day private tour of Taksim Istiklal Street, where you'll uncover the charm of Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, and the historic Galata neighborhood. Your journey begins in the comfort of your hotel lobby, followed by a leisurely stroll through the captivating side streets of Istiklal. Engage in fascinating conversations with your guide at unique coffee shops, marvel at embassy buildings, explore Armenian and Romaic churches, discover ancient districts, traverse impressive walkways, and immerse yourself in a host of other memorable experiences.

Tour Itenerary

Embark on a fascinating journey by meeting your tour guide at the hotel, as you head towards the historic Pera district. Pera, the former name of Beyoğlu district, held significance until the mid-20th century, meaning "across" or "other side" in Greek, portraying the Golden Horn's opposite during the Byzantine Period.

Commencing our exploration with a stroll down the bustling Istiklal Street, a 1.6 km-long pedestrian haven adorned with cafes, patisseries, theaters, shopping centers, and diverse restaurants.

Our initial destination is the French Cultural Institute, enriching Istiklal Street, once known as "Grande Rue de Pera." Our journey unfolds with visits to noteworthy sites, including the Hagia Triada Eastern Orthodox Church, the Ağa Camii Mosque, and the historic Galatasaray High School, dating back to 1481. We'll traverse Çiçek Pasajı, a passage that was once an Ottoman Empire theatre.

Descending from the charming French Street, characterized by its French-style architecture and vibrant brasseries, we arrive at the Church of Saint Antoine, the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul. Our exploration continues with a visit to the Crimea Memorial Church, constructed between 1858-68 to honor British soldiers involved in the Crimean War. The iconic Pera Palace Hotel awaits, serving as a museum hotel, and notably, the oldest European hotel in Istanbul, accommodating travelers from the renowned Orient Express.

Concluding our journey, we'll experience "The Tunnel," the world's second-oldest subterranean urban rail line. As we wrap up the tour, a panoramic view of the majestic Galata Tower awaits, or, at your request, we can delve deeper into its history with an optional visit.