Istanbul city tourDay trip

3 Faiths, 3 Landmarks Tour

A cultural tour that tells the story of the faiths that have lived side by side in Istanbul for centuries through three important buildings.

Duration
Full day
Tour type
Istanbul city tour · Day trip
Departure
Istanbul
Catalogue
Page 6

The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences.

Bird's-eye view of the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Golden Horn

About the tour

The tour begins at the Ashkenazi Synagogue near Galata Tower. According to the catalogue, the synagogue was built in 1900 and is one of the Ashkenazi synagogues in Istanbul still open for worship.

Next comes a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener. The day ends at the Süleymaniye Mosque and Complex, built by Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent between 1551 and 1557.

For lunch, the programme includes Süleymaniye's well-known dish: a menu of dried bean stew, rice, salad, pickles and a soft drink.

Send us your dates and group size for 3 Faiths, 3 Landmarks, and we will prepare the programme for your group.

Tour programme

Times follow the programme in the catalogue; there may be small changes depending on traffic, weather and the group's pace.

Programme for the day

  1. Departure

  2. Ashkenazi Synagogue (near Galata Tower)

  3. Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener

  4. Süleymaniye Mosque and Complex

  5. Lunch: dried bean stew, rice, salad, pickles and a soft drink at Süleymaniye

Places to see

  • Ashkenazi Synagogue

    Located on Yüksek Kaldırım Street in Karaköy, near Galata Tower, the synagogue was founded by Jews of Austrian origin and completed in 1900. It is still open for worship with its congregation and is known as the only Ashkenazi synagogue in Istanbul open to visitors and for worship.

  • Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener

    The Ecumenical (Greek Orthodox) Patriarchate in the Fener district is one of the spiritual centres of the Orthodox world. Since 1601, the Patriarchate has been located at the Church of St George; the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy Synod are based here.

  • Süleymaniye Mosque and Complex

    Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent from Mimar Sinan, the mosque's foundations were laid in 1550 and it opened for worship in 1557. The complex includes madrasas, a hospital (darüşşifa), a soup kitchen, a caravanserai and a hamam; the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan stand behind the mosque. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Historic Areas of Istanbul".

  • The Galata area

    Galata is a historic district on the northern shore of the Golden Horn, stretching between Karaköy and Galata Tower. With its narrow slopes, historic buildings and places of worship of different faiths, it is an area you can explore on foot.

Photos

What's covered and notes

Included in the programme

  • The dried bean stew menu at Süleymaniye (dried bean stew, rice, salad, pickles, soft drink) is included in the programme

Good to know

  • The price is prepared according to your dates, group size and preferences, and is sent to you in writing together with the included services.

Who is it for?

  • School and student groupsA pace suited to the age group, planned together with the teacher and group leader.
  • History and culture enthusiastsDiscover historic and cultural heritage on site, with a guide's commentary.
  • Corporate groupsSuitable for team trips, incentive programmes and company events.

Practical information

Best time to go

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are mild in Istanbul and suit city tours with plenty of walking; summer is hot and humid, while winter is cool and wet.

What to bring and know

  • Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees in places of worship; women need to wear a headscarf in the mosque.
  • For security reasons, ID (passport/identity card) may be requested when visiting the synagogue.
  • The programme involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • Visitor access may be restricted during prayer and service times; please keep quiet.

3 Faiths, 3 Landmarks as a school trip

A trip for high school groups that can be linked to values education, history and religious culture lessons. The visiting rules for places of worship are explained to students in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dress code in places of worship?

Modest, covered clothing is recommended in places of worship. As visiting rules and security checks may vary by building, they are shared with the group before the tour.

Can visiting hours change?

Visiting hours at places of worship and closures on special days may change. Once the date is confirmed, the programme is checked against these hours.

When is the best time for 3 Faiths, 3 Landmarks?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are mild in Istanbul and suit city tours with plenty of walking; summer is hot and humid, while winter is cool and wet.

What is included in the price?

What is covered for transport, guiding, admission fees and meals is stated in writing in the quote, according to your dates, group size and preferences. Services marked as extras in the catalogue are charged separately.

Can you pick us up from our school or organisation?

The departure point is planned according to the group's location. Whether pick-up from your school, workplace or another point you choose is possible is confirmed at the quote stage.

How can I get a quote for the 3 Faiths, 3 Landmarks tour?

You can fill in the form on this page, message us on WhatsApp or call 0212 232 09 80. Sharing your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details will speed up the quote.

Sources for the information on this page (4)
  1. en.wikipedia.org
  2. en.wikipedia.org
  3. en.wikipedia.org
  4. en.wikipedia.org

Get a quote

Request a quote for 3 Faiths, 3 Landmarks

Tell us your dates, group size and, if applicable, your school or organisation details, and we will prepare the programme and price for your group and get back to you.

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0543 809 65 88

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Travel agency with licence number A-12881, since 2012

Istanbul City Tours

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