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Canoeing Experience in the Historic Golden Horn

New
Red and yellow sea kayaks on the shore at sunset before a Bosphorus kayaking trip in Istanbul.
Red and yellow sea kayaks on the shore at sunset before a Bosphorus kayaking trip in Istanbul.
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Embark on a unique discovery away from the crowds and right at water level in the Golden Horn, the historic heart of Istanbul! Don't miss the opportunity to experience the city's landmarks from a brand-new perspective on this 1-hour canoe tour. Accompanied by expert guides and requiring no prior experience, you will paddle along either a nature or history route depending on the wind conditions.

Once in a lifetime

Guests say it's special and unique.

Up to 1 hour

This activity lasts about 1 hour

Languages

English, Turkish

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Secure your spot and pay at the venue

Cancellation flexibility

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance

Away from the city's noise

Guests say it's a peaceful, calming escape.

Experience

Canoeing Experience in the Historic Golden Horn: Nature and Historical Peninsula Routes

Embark on an unforgettable journey in the Golden Horn (Haliç), the historic heart of Istanbul, and discover the city from a completely different perspective at water level, far from the crowds. This exclusive canoe tour is a safe and enchanting activity designed both for travelers wanting to explore the city and locals wishing to experience Istanbul anew. No prior rowing or canoeing experience is required.

We meet with you alongside our certified guides to provide the safest and most enjoyable experience based on the day's weather and wind conditions. Before getting on the water, you will feel completely confident thanks to a short and comprehensive basic paddling and safety briefing provided by our expert team.

Depending on the suitability of the wind and water conditions of the day, we operate one of the following two unique routes that will offer you the most beautiful views of Istanbul:

1. Eyüp & Nature Route: A peaceful course in the calmest waters of the Golden Horn, intertwined with nature and history.

Historic Feshane & Eyüpsultan Mosque: The historical and spiritual atmosphere rising along the shore.

Pierre Loti Hill: A unique view from the water of the iconic hill overlooking the Golden Horn.

Rabbit Island (Tavşan Adası): A serene paddle around the natural islet, home to creatures like rabbits, geese, and ducks.

2. Galata & Historical Peninsula Route: A panoramic and iconic route where you will view Istanbul's landmarks from water level.

Golden Horn Shipyard (Haliç Tersanesi): The historical texture of one of the world's oldest living, active shipyards.

Bulgarian Iron Church (St. Stephen): The magnificent architecture of the only church in the world made entirely of cast iron.

Phanar Greek Orthodox College (Fener Rum Lisesi): The majestic red-brick building rising on the ridges of the Golden Horn.

Historic Balat Houses: The colorful and nostalgic streets of Istanbul lined up along the coast.

Galata Tower & Galata Bridge: The privilege of watching one of the city's most famous skylines from the water.

Throughout the journey, your professional guide will share the fascinating history and stories behind each structure you pass, while guiding you to capture the best photography angles.

The sheltered and waveless nature of the Golden Horn, combined with our routes cruising close to the shore, offers a highly comfortable and enjoyable paddling opportunity for every participant over the age of 10, including first-timers.

At the end of our tour, we will return to our starting point, relax on the shore, and share the photos of this unique experience.

Book your spot now to experience the most serene and impressive way to discover Istanbul!

Highlights

  • A safe, beginner-friendly canoe session requiring no prior experience
  • A small and intimate group of up to 14 people
  • The opportunity to explore the city away from the crowds, from the waters of the historic Golden Horn, and entirely at water level.
  • The opportunity to hear the historical stories of the landmarks you pass by, accompanied by certified guides, and to capture the best photography angles.

What's Included

Equipment

  • 50-minute 9 supervisé Bosphorus canoe session
  • Safety briefing and basic paddling instruction
  • Canoe (single/double), paddles and life jacket
  • One small dry bag per canoe
  • Turkish tea after the session

Where we will meet

Heyamola Rowing Club

Open in Maps

Nişancı, Yavedut Cd., 34060 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul

$30person

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Secure your spot

Reserve now and pay at the venue

Planning a corporate event?

Planning a corporate event?

Let's plan a great day for your company together

Canoeing Experience in the Historic Golden Horn

Liked what you read? Book your spot today.

$30person
Planning a corporate event?

Planning a corporate event?

Let's plan a great day for your company together

What our guests said about Istanbul Workshops

Real reviews from guests who joined us in Istanbul.

M

Molly

United Kingdom·June 9, 2026
5.0
It was so so fun! Loved the communication beforehand and Bahar came to pick us up and guide us to the workshop from a meeting point which was very easy to find (and paid for our travel!). We were greeted very warmly by everyone once we arrived and served snacks and drinks. Zanib who ran our workshop was a delight. So knowledgeable and fun to interact with. Getting to smell so many scents and really being able to choose something unique to you was amazing and if in any doubt Zanib was there to offer her excellent guidance. I would recommend this to anyone even remotely interested in making perfume or even just looking to fill a couple of hours.
L

Lidia

Zaragoza, Spain·June 6, 2026
5.0
I did this activity with my family and we loved it. They teach you and help you create the best possible combination, but what I want to emphasize the most is the great service they gave us. Both instructors were lovely. Without them, the experience would have been more boring. They pleasantly surprised us. We definitely recommend it!!
M

Matea

Croatia·June 6, 2026
5.0
Absolutely loved it! This was probably one of the best workshops I’ve ever attended. Since we were staying on the European side of Istanbul and the workshop is on the Asian side, Ebiha gave us very clear instructions and even met us at the meeting point. It took us around 20 minutes to get there. We were welcomed by a young man named Mustafa, who was incredibly kind, calm, and patient. He speaks excellent English and took the time to explain everything thoroughly, answering all of our questions. He taught us the basics of perfume making and shared many little tips and tricks to help us create the perfect fragrance. We created our own 50 ml EDP which is the perfect souvenir from Istanbul. The workshop takes place in a lovely little open-air café, comfortably shaded, which created the most pleasant and relaxing atmosphere possible. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Istanbul!
S

Sophia

·June 4, 2026
5.0
I loved this activity so much! 👍👍👍 Turkey is already a major transportation hub, and spices are also a part of the culture. It's really satisfying to be able to personally create a perfume and then take it away with you. There are many options. In the past, I couldn't tell what scent was what when I smelled perfumes, but now I finally understand. And the young man was very professional, his explanation was very clear and detailed, and his English was also very good. He could make people understand the formula for blending perfumes right away. The most amazing thing is that he knew how to blend it just by smelling it and suggested the right proportions. In the end, the product was amazing. It was really fun. (And it gave me a chance to go to the Asian part of Istanbul. You should definitely try it.)
R

Rebecca

United Kingdom·June 2, 2026
5.0
Nihal and Selin were so fantastic they were friendly chatty and knowledgeable. We had a good laugh with them while we made the lamps and they helped us to realise our ideas we had seen online. We ended up free handing our designs thanks to their help This workshop was so fun to do but the ladies running it made it special You can upgrade your lamp to the hanging design for an extra fee which I chose to do but my partner kept hers as the standard one so we have a nice mix
G

Gabriel Fernando Martinez

Colombia·June 2, 2026
5.0
Place was lovely. The guys there make you feel appreciated and like at home. Definitely I highly recommend the experience. About the workshop, it teaches you a lot about perfume basic essences, composition, and also principles for formulation. Once there, you discover a lot of interesting people from different nationalities and cultures. Don’t waste the opportunity of having an unforgettable experience.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got a question? We're here to answer! If you don't see your question here, contact with us directly on our Contact Page →

What language is the workshop in?

Open sessions run in English and Turkish. The guide moves with each guest as needed. A private session can be set fully in English or fully in Turkish. Other tongues are open on request with a guide who covers them on some dates.

What should I wear to a workshop?

Wear something casual you do not mind a small mark on. Aprons are provided for crafts that can stain. Closed shoes are best for sessions with sharp tools or glass. No formal dress code beyond that simple guidance.

How long does a workshop typically last?

Most workshops run two to three hours from start to finish. A short demo and a wrap-up sit on either side of the build phase. You leave with the piece you made. Add buffer for travel to the meeting point.

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Popular Workshops

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  • ISTANBUL PERFUME MAKING WORKSHOP
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+90 533 167 62 71

Say hello via

info@istanbulworkshops.com

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Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi, Gülfem Sk. No:15, 34672
Üsküdar/İstanbul
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