Istanbul: Private Full Day Guided Tour for Cruise Passengers

5.0 (2 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
Duration6h - 7h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

See Istanbul’s most important sites in a single day on a private tour, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.

With skip-the-line tickets available for purchase directly from your guide, you’ll avoid the wait and make the most of your time. Explore the city’s rich history with an expert local guide, who can tailor the day to your interests for a truly personalized experience.
Wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar with insider tips to help you navigate its treasures, and dive into the fascinating stories of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires.

Walk through the heart of the Sultanahmet district, the oldest part of Istanbul, where ancient monuments stand beside lively neighborhoods and historic streets.

Options

EN / Tour & Tickets Included

EN / Full Day with tickets: Private English tour from Galataport, customized to your interests. With entrance tickets included.

EN / Tour without Tickets

EN / Full Day without tickets: Private English tour from Galataport, customized to your interests. Entrance tickets can be purchased from your guide.

GER / Tour without Tickets

GER / Full Day without tickets: Private German tour from Galataport, customized to your interests. Entrance tickets can be purchased from your guide.

GERMAN/Tour & Tickets Included

GERMAN/ Full Day with tickets: Full-Day Private German tour from Galataport, customized to your interests. With entrance tickets included.

What's included

  • Choose the ticket-included option in advance or purchase it from your guide during the tour
  • Expert guide for a insider's local knowledge
  • Private tour for a more personalized experience
  • Tram transportation between Galataport and the Old Town
  • Option to customise the itinerary according to ship schedule
  • Guide pick up and drop off from Galataport
  • Lunch (can be purchased on the spot)
  • Private vehicle transportation (can be arranged upon request)
  • Admission tickets are only available if you choose the correct option

What to expect

  1. Galataport Clock
    Pass by
    Meet your private guide at Galataport, then take the tram to Sultanahmet. Enjoy a convenient, authentic way to experience Istanbul as you head to the historic Old Town.
  2. Sultanahmet District
    20m
    Make the most of your limited time ashore with a flexible itinerary built around your interests and the ship's schedule. Travel with your private guide to Sultanahmet Square, the heart of Istanbul’s historic center, and walk through the ancient Hippodrome as you make your way between the area’s major landmarks.
  3. Hippodrome
    10m
    Walk through the famous Hippodrome of Istanbul seeing the famous Obelisks and the German Fountain.
    Learn about its history and the public use of this space in Byzantine and Ottoman times.
  4. Blue Mosque
    45m
    Visit the world-famous Blue Mosque, Istanbul’s premier sight. Blue Mosque in Istanbul is an essential part of any Istanbul tour that lets you see mosque architecture and learn the basics of Islam in a very relevant setting.
  5. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
    40m · Admission ticket not included
    Visit the inspiring Hagia Sophia, which on its own, justifies a visit to Istanbul. The church of the Divine Wisdom is eternally impressive and important with its extraordinary dimensions and beauty.
    You can expect to have in-depth explanations of the monument as part of your tour.
  6. TopkapI Palace
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Topkapi Palace, the magnificent center of Ottoman power for centuries. Explore its courtyards, pavilions, gardens, and terraces while learning about the sultans and the empire they ruled.
  7. Basilica Cistern
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    Explore the “Subterranean Palace,” where you’ll learn about Byzantine architecture and the area’s intriguing history as you gaze upon underground pillars.
    Walk on the wooden walkways over the water with an eye out for the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
  8. Grand Bazaar
    1h 30m
    Finish your Istanbul adventure at the legendary Grand Bazaar. Follow your guide through its colorful maze of shops and discover handcrafted treasures, from Iznik tiles and silk to jewelry, leather goods, carpets, and more.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Once your ship docks at Galata port, make your way outside the terminal. Walk to the Galata Port Clock Tower Square. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe" next to the clock tower.

End point

Once your ship docks at Galata port, make your way outside the terminal. Walk to the Galata Port Clock Tower Square. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe" next to the clock tower.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
  • Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
  • Wearing or displaying any specific religious symbols or attire is not permitted.
  • You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Topkapi is closed on Tuesdays.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (2)
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€175.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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