Private Istanbul Shore Excursion: Old City Tour from Galataport

Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration7h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

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

  • Pickup from Galataport Cruise or centrally located hotels
  • Public transportation
  • Assistance with purchasing entrace tickets
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide
  • Tips to guide is not included
  • Food and Drinks are excluded our guide will recommend you best restaurant in Old City
  • Museum and attraction entrance tickets
  • Personal Expenses
  • Private transportation

What to expect

  1. Galataport
    10m
    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.
  2. Blue Mosque
    30m
    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.
  3. TopkapI Palace
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    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.
  4. Hippodrome
    30m
    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.
  5. Basilica Cistern
    45m · Admission ticket not included
    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
  6. Grand Bazaar
    45m
    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.
  7. Sultanahmet District
    45m
    Unique time to Discover Turkish Handcrafts ( Turkish Carpets, Leathers, ceramics) shopping opportunities
  8. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    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.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

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.

Additional information

  • 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

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$97.00 $87.30 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by The Turkiye Tours · Booked through Viator
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$87.30 per person
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