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Istanbul Shore Excursion: Private Tour for Cruisers with Expert Guide and Skip-the-Line Tickets
Beyoğlu
Experience the best of Istanbul on a private shore excursion designed for cruisers. Skip the lines and explore the city’s highlights with an expert guide. Don’t miss the Istanbul Handicraft Center on Sundays!
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - This iconic landmark of the city was originally constructed as the world’s largest church in 537 AD. Following the fall of Constantinople, it was transformed into a mosque. Today, it serves as a museum and stands as a symbol of Istanbul. It is closed on Mondays and during national and religious holidays, so we will have an exterior visit instead. In its place, we will explore the Underground Cistern.
- Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most esteemed monuments. From the courtyard, you can admire the impressive view of the cascading domes and semi-domes. Inside, you’ll discover the origin of its name, with the interior adorned by vibrant blue Iznik tiles.
- Hippodrome - The Hippodrome was one of the largest chariot racing arenas of the Byzantine Empire. Here, you can view the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column.
- Grand Bazaar - Finally, we will visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered market in Turkey, featuring over 4,000 shops. A wide array of handicrafts, carpets, rare jewels, and souvenirs are sold in small, adjacent shops. The Grand Bazaar has been renowned for its carpets for the past 500 years, and to delight your senses and enhance your knowledge, an educational carpet demonstration will be held at a recommended store. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so we will visit a handicraft center instead.
- Topkapi Palace - Explore the headquarters of the Ottoman Empire and view exhibitions such as the treasury, weaponry, kitchen, imperial garments, and more.
What's Included
- Tram ride to the old city and back (Public Transportation)
- Visit handcraft center on Sundays (Grand Bazaar closed)
- Professional Licensed English Speaking Guide
- Guide will meet you at the Port
What's Not Included
- Entrance Fees for Topkapi Palace (Approx 47USD pp)
- Gratuties & Meals
- Entrance Fees for Hagia Sophia (Approx 28USD pp)
Additional Information
This private, full-day off-shore excursion features guided tours of Istanbul’s top attractions —Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Visit the highlights of Istanbul with an expert private Professional Guide. Ditch the city’s traffic jams with complimentary port transfers using the eco-friendly public tram system. Discover the art of Turkish carpet making and try traditional Turkish cuisine (own expense).
- On Fridays, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque will be visited from outside because of the worship.
- As Hagia Sophia is not a museum anymore, tour guides don’t have skip-the-line priority there. You may need to wait in the security line
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays can be replaced with Spice Market. Carpet weaving lecture will be presented also.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays can be replaced with Basilica Cistern.
- Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a queue for the entrance. Ladies must cover the head with a scarf at the mosque visits. Please bring your scarf. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Location
Galataport Istanbul
We will meet just outside of the terminal building of Cruise Port with a sign that your name is on.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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