Private Istanbul Shore Excursion: 1 or 2 Day with On-Time Return
Overview
Private Istanbul Shore Excursion: 1 or 2 Day with On-Time Return
Make the most of your time in Istanbul with a private shore excursion that starts at the cruise port. Designed for cruise passengers, it is a comfortable and flexible way to see the best of the city.
In one or two days, a professional private guide shows you Istanbul's history, architecture and culture.
Visit the city's top sights, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar, at a pace that suits your interests.
With a second day, you can also see the lavish Ottoman lifestyle at Dolmabahce Palace, relax on a Bosphorus cruise, explore Taksim Square and Istiklal Street and shop for traditional products at the Spice Market.
Whether your time in port is short or you want to see Istanbul like a local, this private tour lets you enjoy the city in comfort and style. Book ahead and make every moment count.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 - Istanbul Old City Shore Excursion Tour
Your guide meets you at the cruise port to begin the Old City tour:
- Topkapi Palace Museum: more than a royal residence, it was the seat of Ottoman government for almost 400 years and remains a great monument of Oriental architecture.
- Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square: the square where chariot races were held in Roman times, home to the Egyptian Obelisk from the Byzantine era and, today, the German Fountain.
- Hagia Sophia: built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian and important to both the Christian and Islamic worlds. After the Ottoman conquest the bells, altar and sacred vessels were removed and many mosaics were covered when the church became a mosque.
- Blue Mosque: built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmed I, a true masterpiece whose proportions feel remarkably light for a building of its size.
- Basilica Cistern: built in the 6th century during the Byzantine era, one of Istanbul's most impressive underground structures, with a forest of marble columns, soft lighting and reflections on the water.
- Grand Bazaar: one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 4,000 shops selling colourful ceramics, leather goods, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothing, silver and gold.
At the end of the tour your guide accompanies you back to the port.
Day 2 - Istanbul Highlights Shore Excursion Tour
On the second day your guide and driver pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship.
- Dolmabahce Palace: one of the most glamorous palaces of the 19th century.
- Bosphorus Cruise: enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus by public ferry. *Please let us know if you would prefer a private yacht.
- Taksim Square: your guide explains the story of this large pedestrian square at the centre of modern Istanbul.
- Istiklal Street: walk along the city's most famous shopping street, see local life and shop if you like.
- St. Anthony of Padua Church: the largest Catholic church in the city, on Istiklal Street.
- Galata Tower: take photos from outside while you hear the tower's history.
- Spice Market: taste local products and pick up souvenirs to take home.
After the tour you are driven back to your hotel or cruise ship.
This is the end of our service. Thank you for travelling with us; we look forward to welcoming you again.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Licensed Tour Guide
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✓Skip-the-line Access to Buy Tickets
- ✕Private Yacht (Optional)
- ✕Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.