• Galataport Istanbul - Your personal guide will greet you at the Istanbul port Terminal Building with a sign displaying “Your Name” at a pre-arranged time (typically 30 minutes after your cruise docks) or from the listed hotel receptions with room numbers.
• Each cruise line has different docking times. Therefore, pick-up times vary for each cruise. Your tour pick-up time will be emailed to you within 24 hours after your reservation. Please check your emails for the pick-up time and all necessary details for the tour.
• Hippodrome - After meeting, proceed to our air-conditioned van and begin exploring Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents, and the capital of three great empires – Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman – for over 2000 years.

Our first stop is Hippodrome Square, which was the site of chariot races and Byzantine riots during the Roman & Byzantine periods.

• Kapali Carsi - Following a brief lunch break at renowned local restaurants like the Pudding Shop, we will walk to visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, with over 58 covered streets and more than 1,200 shops attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is famous for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.
• Blue Mosque - Our second stop is the Blue Mosque, located a few meters from the Ancient Hippodrome. The Blue Mosque is renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles.
• Topkapi Palace - Continue walking approximately 300 meters to Topkapi Palace, which was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace, including the weapons section.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - A short walk away is Hagia Sophia, constructed in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I.

Update for St. Sophia interior visit:
Live guiding is not permitted in St. Sophia after January 15, 2024. Guests must have their smartphones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have headphones, they can purchase them at the entrance for 3.5 USD. The system is similar to an audio guide system. Guests without smartphones will follow the signs and the information provided on them.

• Galata Koprusu - Pass by the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn.
• Galataport Istanbul - After the Grand Bazaar, we will return to our van and drive to the port through Galata Port, where you will see locals taking ferries, enjoying street food, and fishing. Arrival back at the port or your hotel marks the end of our services.

• Guaranteed on-time return to port
• Professional licensed English-speaking tour guide
• Cruise port/hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

• Food and drinks
• Tips
• Entry fees (payable to guide via cash or card)

Why Choose Our Private Tours?

Enjoy special discounts and the freedom to choose your departure time. Our tour guide will greet you at the port with a sign displaying your name. From arrival to departure, a professional tour guide and air-conditioned vehicle will accompany you. Our expert guide will assist you at each site, equipped with pre-paid tickets to bypass lines. Fees can be settled with the guide after the tour. Experience the flexibility to spend as much time as you wish at each location and make minor itinerary adjustments. There’s no need to wait for other group members. Take advantage of opportunities to stop for photos during the tour. Our private tour rates are more affordable than cruise shore excursions. Additionally, you’ll have various options to savor famous Turkish cuisine if you choose to have lunch during your trip.

• Dress Code Men : Knees MUST be covered. Long shorts and/or pants Women : Head, shoulders and legs must be covered. Covers will ve sold in front of St. Sophia and will be given for use in fron of blue mosque Shoes are not to be worn in mosques. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
• In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays: Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed on religious holidays. Arasta Bazaar will be visited. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 15.00 to 17.30
• Private tour for your family and friends
• There will be around 2,5-3 miles walk in this tour. Traffic is not allowed in Sultanahmet Square where all the highlights are . If you have walking problem, you have to book private option and have a slow tour with stops to relax in the cafees in old city

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