Istanbul Tour from Cruise Ship or Airport

Experience a personalized layover tour in Istanbul, starting from the airport. Explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, or customize your itinerary based on your interests. Enjoy luxury car transfers and timely airport drop-off.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia is considered a unique monument in world architecture, and its magnificence and functionality has been a good example in construction of countless Ottoman mosques. Hagia Sophia with its exceptional history constitutes a synthesis between east and west. This monument is one of the wonders of the world that has remained intact until the present day. One can find many attractions in Hagia Sophia – interesting forms of Byzantine architecture, mosaics of the Christian period as well as structures added during the Ottoman era.
  • Hippodrome - The Byzantine emperors loved nothing more than an afternoon at the chariot races, and this rectangular arena alongside Sultanahmet Park was their venue of choice. In its heyday, it was decorated by obelisks and statues, some of which remain in place today. Re-landscaped in more recent years, it is one of the city’s most popular meeting places and promenades.
  • Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque (Called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design.Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice.Besides still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.
  • Basilica Cistern - One of Istanbul’s splendid historical buildings is the Basilica Cistern located in the southwest of Hagia Sophia. This large underground cistern built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565) was named as arasında Yerebatan Palace ere among the people due to the marble columns rising from the water and countless seemingly like. It is also known as Basilica Cistern since there is a Basilica in the place where the cistern is located.
  • Grand Bazaar Jewelers - One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar dates from the 15th century. Having more than 4000 shops, the Grand Covered Bazaar is visited by the tourists and the citizens regularly.

The most important historical shopping center of Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar, which has gates opening to many areas of the Historic Peninsula. First time visitors to the Grand Bazaar will be astounded by its splendor and size.

What's Included
  • Private driver
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Professional tour guide
What's Not Included
  • Personal expenses
  • Entry tickets to monuments
Additional Information

If you’re in Istanbul on a cruise ship or have a layover at the airport, why not indulge in a 100% personalized tour? I will personally meet you at the cruise ship terminal in Galataport or at the airport, and our tour will begin right from there. You’ll be transported to the city center in a luxurious car. I’ll show you the city’s highlights, such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, and more. Alternatively, we can customize the tour based on your interests. You’ll be returned to the Galataport cruise terminal or the airport on time.

Location
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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1 star
Victoria_s
Mar 11, 2024
Perfect way to make the Most of a Short Trip! - We had an unforgetable day with Nihal. The pickup from the Hotel was very convenient, the driver was really nice and the care new and clean. Nihal did the Tour in german (she is fluent and very skilled and educated). You could Tell that she really loves history, she knew the answers to all the questions we asked! We discussed the tour and all the things she had planned and she gave us some options as well, according to our preferences. She was really passionate about Showing us Istanbul.
Review provided by Viator
Greg_f
Mar 26, 2023
A quick layover visit and worth it. - We were in Istanbul very early in the morning and so did a brief walking tour of the “old” and “new” cities on the European side. We chose to spend more time in the spice market and the Grand Bazaar vs standing in the 2 hour line for Hagia Sophia. We climbed the Galata Tower for some amazing views. Now we have a better idea what to do when we go to spend time there…and we will be going back.
Review provided by Viator
Viki_n
Aug 13, 2022
Hakan the BEST Guide - Hakan was such a great guide who listened to our needs and made sure we met and saw all we wanted to see plus extras! Ferry boat ride to Asian side, Taksim Area, Haggia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar and others! Lots of breaks out of the sun and tea and coffee to hydrate❣️ Thank you so much Hakan!
Review provided by Viator
Alex_t
Jul 12, 2022
Fantastic Tour - Incredible use of a four hour layover - With only four hours in Istanbul, this was absolutely the BEST way to spend the time. The driver was ready to roll with clear instructions for pick up, and the tour guide was OUTSTANDING and personable. Was able to see Hagia Sofia, outside of Blue Mosque, Patriarchy, and many walking sights - back to flight with plenty of time to spare. I was blown away by how much backstory, history, and insight my guide was able to pack in. We'll absolutely be back for a longer stay. If you are weighing staying in the lounge vs going on an adventure - there's no question. Make a few hours you'll never forget!
Review provided by Viator
Ravi_b
Feb 26, 2022
Guide David was very good... - Guide David was very good and very professional. He was very pleasant. He was very knowledgeable . I had a very good experience with the tour package.
Review provided by Viator
Diveshark
Feb 21, 2020
Lots of great sights in a short time! - This tour was exactly what we wanted for our 7+ hour layover at IST airport. Hakan was able to customize the tour so we could see the Hagia Sophia, Great Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, & Süleymaniye Mosque all within a couple of hours. This gave us a nice taste of what the city offers, and a desire to come back to tour with him again to get even more details! Communication was easy through WhatsApp, and the meeting place was perfect. The van was clean and modern and the driver was very good at avoiding as much traffic as possible. If you have the time I definitely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
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September 2024
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