Private Istanbul Shore Excursion Old City Highlights Tour

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7 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Make the most of your time in Istanbul with a private shore excursion from Galataport Cruise Port and Hotels. Explore the highlights of the Old City with a professional local guide and discover the history, culture, and beauty of Istanbul at your own pace.

This tour is designed for cruise passengers and hotel guests who want a smooth, flexible, and personalized experience without joining a large group. Your guide will help you navigate the city by tramway and share the stories behind Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.

Guiding service and tramway transportation are included. Entrance tickets, meals, and personal expenses are not included, allowing you to customize the day according to your interests.

What's Included

Public Transportation Expenses
Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Private Transfers
Tips to guide is not included

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Traveler pickup is offered. Guaranteed On-Time Return To Your Ship

*FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS AND LATE DEPARTURES, as museums and some sites will be closed around 17:00 pm, alternative tour sites will be advised by the tour guide during the tour.

*Tour guide meets you at central Istanbul hotels or Galata Port. If the hotel is not centrally located, the meeting point will be in front of the Binbirdirek, **GERMAN FOUNTAIN**, Fatih/İstanbul,
If van service is not chosen your guide will pick you up at centrally located hotels on foot.
We pick up all guests from CRUISE PORT

Ports:
Istanbul Cruise Port
Galataport Istanbul, Kılıçali Paşa Mah. Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, Kılıçali Paşa, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.

OR
Meeting point
German Fountain

German Fountain is located at Sultanahmet Square next to ''Sultanahmet'' Tram station and nearby Blue mosque

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    Step into the heart of imperial Istanbul at Hagia Sophia, a landmark where Byzantine grandeur and Ottoman elegance meet under one legendary dome. This stop reveals the city’s transformation through centuries of emperors, sultans, sacred art, and powerful architecture. A must-see highlight for any Istanbul Old City tour.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Blue Mosque

    Admire the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most photographed landmarks and a masterpiece of classical Ottoman design. Famous for its six minarets, graceful domes, and handmade İznik tiles, this active mosque offers a peaceful and unforgettable look into Istanbul’s spiritual heritage.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    TopkapI Palace

    Explore Topkapi Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman Empire and one of Istanbul’s most impressive historical sites. Walk through royal courtyards, palace gates, and scenic terraces overlooking the Bosphorus while discovering the world of Ottoman sultans, imperial traditions, and palace life.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included
  • 4
    Hippodrome

    Visit the ancient Hippodrome, once the arena of chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and political drama in Constantinople. See the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column, rare monuments that connect modern Istanbul with its Roman and Byzantine past.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Basilica Cistern

    Descend beneath the Old City to the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most mysterious underground monuments. With its marble columns, dim reflections, and famous Medusa heads, this hidden Byzantine structure adds a cinematic touch to your private Istanbul tour.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 6
    Grand Bazaar

    Experience the Grand Bazaar, a legendary covered market filled with centuries of trade, craftsmanship, and color. Wander through lanes of jewelry, carpets, ceramics, leather, spices, and Turkish souvenirs while feeling the energy of one of the world’s most historic shopping districts.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Divanyolu Street

    **Divan Yolu** Stroll along Divan Yolu, the historic road connecting Sultanahmet with the Grand Bazaar area. Once used for imperial processions during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, this lively street is surrounded by Ottoman tombs, fountains, old madrasas, traditional shops, and the daily rhythm of Istanbul’s Old City.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Sultanahmet District

    Unique time to Discover Turkish Handcrafts ( Turkish Carpets, Leathers, ceramics) shopping opportunities

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by The Turkiye Tours

Tags

Full-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Trolley Tours
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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