For Cruisers: Cruise Friendly Istanbul Tour with Return Guarantee

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5 to 8 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Istanbul is one of the most important cities in world history, and this private tour is designed to help you experience its highlights without stress or rushing. Created exclusively for cruise passengers, it offers flexible timing, a fully customizable itinerary, and personal attention from your private guide. Every detail is planned around your ship’s schedule, with a guaranteed on-time return—so you can relax and enjoy the very best of Istanbul in comfort and confidence.

Why you should book this tour:

• Designed for cruise passengers – built around your ship’s arrival and departure times
• Flexible timing – start when you dock, finish stress-free
• Fully customizable itinerary – visit what interests you most
• Private guide & vehicle – no crowds, no rushing
• See Istanbul’s top highlights in one seamless experience
• Guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship

What's Included

Private Professional Licensed Guiding
Private Air-Conditioned Transportation
All Taxes
Private Tour
All Parking Fees
Pick up & Drop Off from Cruise Port
Entrance fees (tickets can be arranged in advance to skip long ticket lines)
Lunch
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Galataport Istanbul

After you book, we’ll let you know exactly where your guide will meet you at the pier

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    Visit one of Istanbul’s most famous monuments, celebrated for its massive dome, ancient mosaics, and extraordinary history

    45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Basilica Cistern

    (Optional Visit) Explore this atmospheric underground reservoir from the Byzantine era, featuring rows of marble columns, soft lighting, and the famous Medusa head carvings.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Blue Mosque

    Discover Istanbul’s iconic Ottoman mosque, famed for its elegant domes, six minarets, and interior decorated with thousands of blue İznik tiles.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Hippodrome

    Walk through the historic heart of Byzantine Constantinople, once the city’s main chariot-racing arena, now home to ancient monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    German Fountain

    See this elegant 19th-century monument, a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II, featuring a domed canopy and richly decorated mosaics in the heart of Sultanahmet Square.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Grand Bazaar

    Wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Fountain of Ahmet III

    See this richly decorated 18th-century Ottoman fountain near Topkapı Palace, admired for its ornate calligraphy, floral motifs, and classic Ottoman baroque design.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Hagia Irene Museum

    Visit one of Istanbul’s oldest Byzantine churches, known for its simple interior, massive dome, and unique cross mosaic, offering a glimpse into early Christian architecture.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 9
    TopkapI Palace

    Explore the former residence of Ottoman sultans, including the opulent Harem section, grand courtyards, imperial halls, sacred relics, and sweeping views of the Bosphorus.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • Galataport (Pass by)

    Return to the pier on time at the end of your tour

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For cruise passengers, we highly recommend meeting at the port 30–45 minutes after your ship docks. An early start helps you beat large crowds, other tour buses, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable visit to Istanbul
  • This tour is available exclusively to cruise ship guests. It is scheduled around ship docking times and is not suitable for non-cruise travelers
  • Enjoy a private tour experience exclusively for your group
  • Guaranteed on-time return to your ship
Supplied by Popular Travel

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Tags

Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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