Overview

This tour offers a private half-day or full-day visit to Istanbul’s Old Town for cruise guests. The guide meets at the cruise pier and leads the group by bus and on foot. Key stops include the Hagia Sophia, where visitors spend about 45 minutes admiring its Byzantine dome and mosaics. Next is a 30-minute visit to the Basilica Cistern, a large underground water reservoir with 336 columns; entry tickets are purchased on-site for 900 TL per person, payable in cash. The tour continues with 30 minutes at the Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and blue İznik tiles, followed by a 30-minute walk through the Hippodrome, the former social and sporting center of Constantinople. The group also stops for 15 minutes at Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi for a complimentary Turkish tea or coffee. Afterward, there is a 30-minute visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. The full-day option adds a 2-hour visit to Topkapi Palace or an optional Bosphorus boat tour instead of the half-day sites. Entry to Topkapi Palace costs 2750 TL per person, payable separately. The guide escorts guests back to the cruise pier at the end. The tour lasts between about 4 and 7 hours and includes skip-the-line access at all sites except the Blue Mosque, public transportation, snacks, and a private guide.

Highlights

Itinerary

Languages

Cancellation policy

• Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info