Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this private Istanbul Old City tour combines expert guidance, flexible sightseeing, and a carefully planned on-time return to your ship. Meet your licensed guide at the cruise port and travel by tram whenever practical, avoiding heavy traffic and saving more time for Istanbul’s highlights. Customize the day around your interests, with options to visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square, and the Grand Bazaar. Your guide shares the stories of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul, helps you navigate ticket purchases with priority access where available, and accompanies you back to the port comfortably before reboarding time.
What's included
Pick-up on Foot: Guide will meet you at Galataport Cruise Terminal
Public transportation
Private Tour with a Licensed Professional Tour Guide
Skip-the-Line Tickets: Your guide will arrange priority tickets, you will pay directly to the guide
Hagia Sophia (Tickets Available)
Basilica Cistern
Topkapi Palace (Tickets Available)
Meals & Drinks
Gratuities (Suggested)
What to expect
Galataport
5m
Starting Point
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1h · Admission ticket not included
Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece that reflects both Byzantine and Ottoman history. Its enormous dome, ancient mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy create a remarkable interior.
Blue Mosque
30m
The Blue Mosque is a magnificent Ottoman mosque famous for its six minarets and elegant domes. Its interior is decorated with thousands of beautiful blue İznik tiles.
Sultanahmet Square
15m
Sultanahmet Square occupies the site of Constantinople’s ancient Hippodrome. The spacious square features historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.
Basilica Cistern
45m · Admission ticket not included
The Basilica Cistern is a vast underground water reservoir built during the Eastern Roman period. Its hundreds of marble columns and famous Medusa heads create a mysterious atmosphere.
TopkapI Palace
2h · Admission ticket not included
Topkapi Palace was the main residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans for centuries. Today, visitors can explore its courtyards, imperial rooms, treasury, and historical collections.
Grand Bazaar
1h
The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Its lively streets contain numerous shops selling carpets, jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, and souvenirs.
Galataport
5m
Ending Point
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Your private guide will meet you at the cruise port (arrival hall) and accompany you by tram to Istanbul’s historic Old City.
Additional information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
