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
$143.00
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 multicoloured houses, vintage boutiques and art galleries. Step into the Balart Art House, where you’ll join a hands-on workshop to paint miniature models of Balat’s famous colorful houses.

Next, soak in the district’s café culture at a local coffeehouse. Here, you’ll enjoy traditional Turkish coffee or tea, paired with a sweet treat. Your guide will share insights into Turkey’s deep-rooted coffee traditions and the societal significance of these social hubs.

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.

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.

Read more
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

At the moment there are no reviews for this experience.

You might also like

Bosphorus boat tour and audio guide app
Activities

Bosphorus boat tour and audio guide app

Bosphorus boat tour in Istanbul. Discover with family and friends the Hagia Sophia, the Galata Tower and Ciragan Palace from a different perspective

free cancellation
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, ar, +4  de, ru, pl, zh

Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square tour
Activities

Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square tour

Book this tour now to visit the UNESCO heritage Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square Tour in Istanbul. Enjoy fantastic Byzantine history and culture.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Istanbul silver combo day tour with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Dolmabahçe Palace
Activities

Istanbul silver combo day tour with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Dolmabahçe Palace

Book now to enjoy the heart of Istanbul's Old City and see the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace and panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr, es, de 

Private Nat Geo Day Tour: Istanbul's Coffee & Treats with Fortune Teller
Excursions & day trips

Private Nat Geo Day Tour: Istanbul's Coffee & Treats with Fortune Teller

Explore Istanbul's rich heritage on a guided walking tour, where you'll visit esteemed gourmet institutions to savor their delicacies and uncover the fascinating history of Turkish coffee and culture.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

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

Immerse yourself in Istanbul's vibrant heritage in the hip Fener-Balat district. Discover the roots of the community and join in a painting workshop before trying mantı, a local delicacy.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Istanbul gold combo day tour with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and private boat cruise
Activities

Istanbul gold combo day tour with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and private boat cruise

Experience the heart of the Old City visiting the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Covered Bazaar with a private boat tour on the Bosphorus.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, es, de 

Küçüksu Pavilion Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide
Attractions & guided tours

Küçüksu Pavilion Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

Explore the history of Istanbul at the Küçüksu Pavilion with a skip-the-line ticket and immerse yourself in Ottoman Empire.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Istanbul Classics - Half Day Morning Tour
Attractions & guided tours

Istanbul Classics - Half Day Morning Tour

Get all the best information for the Istanbul Classic half day morning tour in Turkey and book your tickets, at official rates. Get informed, plan and book your Istanbul tours.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr, es, de 

Istanbul Ottoman Relics afternoon tour
Attractions & guided tours

Istanbul Ottoman Relics afternoon tour

Discover the best of Istanbul's Ottoman relics with this half day tour. Book your spot on Musement today to visit Tokapi Palace and see what it has to offer.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr, es, de 

Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Relics - Day Tour
Likely to sell out
Attractions & guided tours

Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Relics - Day Tour

Get all the best information for the Byzantine & Ottoman Relics day tour in Turkey and book your tickets, at official rates. Get informed, plan and book your Istanbul tours.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr, es, ar, de