This exclusive tour is designed for cruise ship passengers docking in Istanbul. Depending on your schedule, we can arrange the tour in the morning or afternoon to best fit your needs. Once you disembark, your experienced, licensed guide will meet you at the port for your Old City tour. To avoid traffic, you’ll take a short tram ride with your guide to Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic heart.

Istanbul Tour form Cruise Detailed Itinerary
Your tour begins with a visit to Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most iconic architectural masterpieces. Skip the long lines as your guide provides you with fast-track entry tickets. With a rich history spanning centuries, Hagia Sophia was originally built as a church by the Byzantine Empire, later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, served as a museum from 1934 to 2020, and is now a mosque once again. It’s a testament to Istanbul’s dynamic and diverse past.

Next, your guide will take you to the Blue Mosque, an Ottoman imperial mosque built between 1609 and 1616. Known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture, the Blue Mosque is one of the most important religious sites in Istanbul. Be sure to marvel at the beauty of the dome and the intricate designs inside.

From there, you’ll stroll over to the Hippodrome, the historic center of Byzantine Constantinople where chariot races once took place. Today, this vibrant square is home to two ancient obelisks and a fountain that commemorates the 1901 visit of the German Emperor to Istanbul, hosted by the Ottoman Sultan.

Your final stop will be the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, and more, or simply to soak in the lively atmosphere.

At the end of your tour, your guide will drop you back at the cruise port, or, if you prefer, you can continue exploring Istanbul with your guide. With endless fascinating sites to see, Istanbul is a city that never ceases to amaze.