Private Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruisers: On-Time Return Guaranteed

Start Point: Your Istanbul Hotel or Galataport

Private Istanbul Old City Tour for Cruisers: On-Time Return Guaranteed

Maximize your Istanbul stay with our private Istanbul shore excursion starting from the cruise port! Designed for cruise ship passengers and travelers, this tour offers a comfortable and flexible way to discover the best of Istanbul.

In one or two days, explore the city’s fascinating history, architecture, and culture with a professional private guide.

Visit Istanbul’s top attractions, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar, according to your pace and interests.

If you still have time, enrich your experience with the second day, visit Dolmabahçe Palace and discover the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, explore Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, and visit the Spice Market for traditional Turkish products and souvenirs.

Whether you have limited time in port or want to experience Istanbul like a local, this private Istanbul tour is the perfect way to see the city in comfort and style.

Book your private Istanbul shore excursion in advance and make every moment of your visit count!

Tour Info
  • Destinations: Istanbul
  • Duration: 7 Hours (Per Day)
  • Start Point:
  • End Point:
  • Inclusions: Private Tour, Licensed Tour Guide, Transportation by Private Van, Skip-the-line Access to Buy Tickets
  • Exclusions: Private Yacht (Optional), Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees, Meals & Drinks, Gratuity (Suggested)
  • Sight to See: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Cruise, Hippodrome Square, Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street , Cicek Passage, Taksim Square, Galata Tower

Your tour guide will meet you at your cruise port and start your Istanbul Old City Shore Excursion Tour.

Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi): More than just an Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans. It was the seat of Supreme Executive Council for almost 400 years long. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture which resembles power of Ottoman Empire.

Byzantine Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square: Here is the square where chariot races were held in Roman Empire times, Egyptian Column from Byzantine Empire time. Today German Fountain is the cornerstone of square.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya, Santa Sofia): Built in 6th century by Emperor Justinian. It plays a very important role in Christian and Islamic world. After Ottoman conquest, the bells, altar, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many mosaics were covered to convert church into a mosque.

Blue Mosque: Built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of Ottoman Empire. Blue Mosque is truly a magnificent masterpiece of architecture, with amazingly delicate proportions for a building of such massive scale.

Basilica Cistern: Built in the 6th century during the Byzantine period, the Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most impressive underground structures. Its forest of marble columns, dim lighting, and reflections on the water create a mysterious and unforgettable atmosphere.

Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi): One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is home to more than 4,000 shops. Here, you can discover colorful ceramics, leather goods, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothing, silver, and gold.

After completing your private Istanbul tour here, your private guide will accompany you on the way back to your port.

*As the main attractions are located close to one another, this tour is mainly conducted on foot. The Old City can be reached easily from the cruise port by tram, with your private guide accompanying you along the way.

On the second day of your shore excursion, you will be picked up from the hotel or cruise ship by your tour guide and the driver.

Dolmabahce Palace: You will visit one of the most glamorous palaces built in the 19th century.

Bosphorus Cruise: You will enjoy the beauties of the Bosphorus Strait with a public ferry.

*Please advise if you prefer Private Yacht option for Bosphorus Cruise.

Taksim Square: Your guide will explain to you the facts about Taksim Square, the monumental pedestrian city center of Modern Istanbul.

Istiklal Street: You will walk along the most famous shopping street in the city and experience the local life. Shopping is also possible.

St Anthony Padua Church: You will visit the biggest Catholic Church in the city which is located on Istiklal Street.

Galata Tower: You may take photos from outside while listening to the history of tower.

Spice Market: You will stop by the market to taste the local products and find nice souvenirs to take home.

After your shore excursion tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel or cruise ship.

This is the end of our service. We sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again!

This tour includes accommodation and is request based. Please fill out the form below. Our operations team will contact you.

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Inclusions
  • Private Tour
  • Licensed Tour Guide
  • Transportation by Private Van
  • Skip-the-line Access to Buy Tickets
Exclusions
  • Private Yacht (Optional)
  • Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
  • Meals & Drinks
  • Gratuity (Suggested)
24 Hour - Free cancellation

You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the experience.

However, if you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, no refund will be issued, and we will not be able to accept any modification requests during this period.

Please note that all cancellation deadlines are based on local time.