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Offered languages
- English
Discover Istanbul’s iconic landmarks on a private Istanbul shore excursion for cruise passengers and hotel guests. Meet your licensed local guide at Galataport Cruise Port or a central hotel and explore the historic Old City comfortably.
This private Istanbul sightseeing tour includes famous highlights such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
Unlike crowded Istanbul historical tours, this private and personalized experience allows you to adjust the route according to your interests, walking pace, and available time. Your guide will carefully manage the schedule for cruise guests and assist with the return to Galataport before the ship’s departure. Guiding service and public tram transportation are included, while entrance tickets, meals, and personal expenses are excluded. Guide will allow you to skip-the-ticket line support at the entrances of Museum and it will be helpfull for cruise guests.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your private guide will meet you at Galataport Cruise Port or in the lobby of your centrally located Istanbul hotel.
The itinerary will be carefully planned according to your cruise ship’s arrival and departure times, allowing sufficient time for your return to the port.
For last-minute bookings or late arrivals, some museums and attractions may be closed after 5:00 PM. In this case, your guide will recommend suitable alternative sites.
Please provide your cruise ship name, arrival time, and departure time when making your booking. Guests staying outside central Istanbul may be asked to meet at the German Fountain in Sultanahmet.
Itinerary
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1Galataport
Meet your licensed private guide at Galataport Cruise Port. After a brief introduction, travel to Istanbul’s historic Old City by public tram or private vehicle, depending on the option selected.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Blue Mosque
Visit one of the most famous landmarks included in Istanbul sightseeing tours. Admire the Blue Mosque’s elegant domes, six minarets, spacious courtyard, and beautiful blue İznik tiles. The mosque may be temporarily closed to visitors during prayer times.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3TopkapI Palace
Explore the courtyards of Topkapi Palace, the former residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans. Hear stories about palace life, imperial ceremonies, royal collections, and the powerful Ottoman Empire.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included -
4Hippodrome
Begin your Istanbul historical tour at the former sporting and ceremonial center of Constantinople. See the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and German Fountain while hearing stories about Roman chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and daily life in the Byzantine capital.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Basilica Cistern
Descend beneath the streets of Istanbul to visit the atmospheric Basilica Cistern. Walk among hundreds of ancient marble columns and see the famous Medusa heads inside this impressive Byzantine underground reservoir
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6Grand Bazaar
Explore one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Browse traditional Turkish ceramics, carpets, jewelry, leather products, and handicrafts while receiving practical shopping and bargaining advice from your private guide.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Sultanahmet District
Unique time to Discover Turkish Handcrafts ( Turkish Carpets, Leathers, ceramics) shopping opportunities
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Discover the history of Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most important monuments. Learn how this remarkable building served as a Byzantine cathedral, an Ottoman mosque, and a museum before becoming a mosque again.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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