Private Istanbul City Tour for Cruise Passengers

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Highlights

Hagia Sophia – the magnificent Byzantine basilica turned mosque
Blue Mosque – famous for its blue Iznik tiles and Ottoman architecture
Topkapı Palace – home of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years
Hippodrome Square and Grand Bazaar – a vibrant maze of shops and local crafts

Your private vehicle and professional driver ensure a smooth, comfortable day — with hotel or Galataport pickup and drop-off included.

If you want to visit a special area in istanbul, you just need to let us know. A special tour program will be prepared and sent to you. If you do not have information about istanbul, an optional tour program with a list of places to visit will be prepared for you by our local guides.

Free Services in this Activity

Live Tour Guide Certified Live Tour Guide

Pickup included Cruise Port Pick-Up and Drop-Of (VIP Transportation)

Sightseeing Old City Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar

Entrance fees Entrance fees to all historical sites

Itinerary

At the port, where you will have some free time until your ship leaves, your guide will meet you and assist you explore the istanbul city by travelling tram between the port and the Old City part of the city. On this tour, we will see some of the the most popular sightseeings of istanbul in a limited amount of time.

First, we are visiting the splendid Hagia Sophia, that is the apple of the eye of istanbul. Gracing the very center of the city, this matchless basilica offers and unforgettable touristic experience with its amazing architecture, religious and cultural value. We have to mention that the Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays; so if your tour talkes place on Monday we will take you to the Basilica Cistern instead.

Next stop is the architectural wonder Blue Mosque.It has six minarets and giant domes which distinguishes it from its examples around the world. The mosque is the creation of Ottoman arcitecture Sinan, who visioned a heavenly home for prayers.

We are heading to the Hippodrome Square,where we will get to see the Egyptian Obelisk as well as the Serpentie Column. This historical square had been home to chariot races on Byzantine times. Get ready to hear some great stories about city’s history from our professional guide.

Before ending our tour, we are visiting the Grand Bazaar that is one of the largest and oldest covered markets of the world. The Grand Bazaar includes 60 shopping streets and over 500 traditional shops. It is the perfect place to do some souvenir shopping and have some fun.

Please note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays; therefore in case your tour is on Sunday, we will provide some free time in Nuruosmaniye Street or in Arasta Bazaar.

Includes & Excludes

Transportation between the port and the sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary with tram.
Entrance fees in the museums or palaces in the itinerary (if applicable)
Guiding service

Personal expenses
Beverages
Tips

Important Info

We are meticulously arranging your tour in accordance with your waiting time at the port. Your return time to the port is scheduled in order for you to easily rejoin your cruise. The tour times are based on the local time; not on ship time.

Once you disembark from your cruise ship, you should enter the terminal building and walk straight. You will meet your guide there and he will take you to your air-conditioned transportation.

We highly recommend you carry sunscreen, a hat, and water with you during the tour. Wearing comfortable shoes for this excursion would be a plus, as it involves some walking with inclines and steps.

The local currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira; however, payment with Euro, British pound, and American dollars are also accepted by the locals.

It is forbidden to wear shoes inside the mosque; hence you will be asked to remove your shoes while walking inside the mosque. Inside the mosque, men were recommended to wear long trousers and sleeved shirts, while women were recommended to wear slacks, below-knee dresses or skirts, and elbow-length or longer shirts. For their hair, women can wear scarfs. If you do not have suitable clothing the attendants at the entrance will be assisting you free of charge.

Children aged 6 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Due to weather conditions and weight constraints, all scheduled times are estimates and subject to change.
During our packages, infiants are free. Internal flight tickets are only subject to taxes. For youngsters aged 5-8 years, the rate is 50 percent.
Private excursions in your own language are available.
Due to local traffic conditions, times are subject to vary.
At the time of booking, you will receive confirmation.
If requested at the time of booking, infant seats are available.
You can pay with a credit card or cash when you arrive in Turkey.

Cruise ship passengers must submit the following information when making a reservation:

Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.
On the day of travel, you must have a valid passport.

Comfortable athletic clothing.

Your private vehicle and professional driver ensure a smooth, comfortable day — with hotel or Galataport pickup and drop-off included. If you want to visit a special area in Istanbul, you just need to let us know.