Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour

See the best of Istanbul in a short amount of time with this Private Istanbul Tour, which is perfect for cruise passengers looking for a Shore Excursion. Easily meet your licensed guide at the cruise port, hop into your private transportation, and begin your guided city tour. Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque on a guided visit, explore the Blue Mosque Tour area, enjoy a Skip-the-Line style entry approach at major sites when possible, and discover the history of the Topkapi Palace along with many other highlights before returning to your ship right on time with this cruise-friendly itinerary. Note that some admission is included and others you must pay on the spot. Visit several top spots in Istanbul on this private guided shore excursion Purchase authentic souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar or around the Sultanahmet District Go at your own pace on this fully private, customizable tour

1. 1

   Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

   1 hour

   Hagia Sophia Museum / Ayasofya / Santa Sofia — Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it played a very important role in both the Christian and Islamic world. It has recently changed its regulation for non-believer visitors; with your ticket, you will get a headset provided by the mosque. When visiting Istanbul, one must make sure to include a shore excursion to the iconic Hagia Sophia. Its historical significance and breathtaking architecture make it a must-see for any visitor. With Istanbul shore excursions, guests can enjoy a guided visit to Hagia Sophia, experiencing this ancient and stunning building while also taking in the beauty of the city's shoreline. An unforgettable highlight of any Private Istanbul Tour.

2. 2

   TopkapI Palace

   2 hours

   Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı — More than just an imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years. A monumental example of Oriental architecture that reflects the power of the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul shore excursions to Topkapi Palace offer visitors the chance to explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This historical site, once home to Ottoman sultans, is now a museum showcasing a vast collection of treasures. A guided Topkapi Palace tour allows guests to immerse themselves in Istanbul’s rich heritage while enjoying its stunning courtyards and gardens. A must-see destination and a highlight of any cruise-friendly itinerary.

3. 3

   Blue Mosque

   30 min

   Blue Mosque / Sultanahmet Camii — Built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of architecture with delicate proportions for such a grand structure. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul offers shore excursion visitors the opportunity to admire its beautiful design, iconic blue tiles, and majestic domes. Its perfect location near the cruise-friendly Sultanahmet area makes it an ideal stop for those on a private guided tour. This is one of Istanbul’s most photographed landmarks and should not be missed.

4. 4

   Serpent Column

   10 min

   The Serpent Column (Ancient Greek: Τρικάρηνος Ὄφις), also known as the Serpentine Column or Plataean Tripod, is an ancient bronze monument at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. A historically significant stop often included in walking portions of private Istanbul tours.

5. 5

   Sultanahmet Square

   5 min

   The Hippodrome of Constantinople (Greek: Ἱππόδρομος τῆς Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, romanized: Hippódromos tēs Kōnstantinoupóleōs; Latin: Circus Maximus Constantinopolitanus; Turkish: Hipodrom), was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square in Istanbul, Turkey, known as Sultanahmet Square (Turkish: Sultanahmet Meydanı).

6. 6

   Grand Bazaar

   1.5 hours

   Grand Bazaar / Kapalı Çarşı One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.

7. 7

   Basilica Cistern

   45 min

   The Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica (Greek: Βασιλική Κινστέρνα, Turkish: Yerebatan Sarnıcı or Yerebatan Saray, "Subterranean Cistern" or "Subterranean Palace"), is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern, located 150 metres (490 ft) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian I. Today it is kept with little water, for public access inside the space.

8. 8

   Sultanahmet District

   45 min

   Unique time to Discover Turkish Handcrafts ( Turkish Carpets, Leathers, ceramics) shopping opportunities

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Guaranteed On-Time Return To Your Ship

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