• Galataport Istanbul - The private guide will meet guests at the Istanbul Port Terminal Building, holding a sign with “Your Name” at the pre-arranged time (usually 30 minutes after the cruise docks) or at the listed hotel receptions with room numbers.
• Each cruise line has different docking times, so pick-up times vary. The pick-up time for the tour will be emailed within 24 hours after reservation. Please check emails for the pick-up time and all necessary tour details.
• Hippodrome - After meeting, guests will walk to the air-conditioned van to begin exploring Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents, and the capital of three great empires – Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman – for over 2000 years.

The first stop is Hippodrome Square, historically used for chariot races and Byzantine riots during the Roman & Byzantine periods.

• Kapali Carsi - Following a brief lunch break at renowned local restaurants like the Pudding Shop, guests will visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, featuring over 58 covered streets and more than 1,200 shops, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is famous for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.
• Blue Mosque - The second stop is the Blue Mosque, located a few meters from the Ancient Hippodrome. The Blue Mosque is renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles.
• Topkapi Palace - Guests will continue walking approximately 300 meters to Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative and educational center of the state. Constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, the tour includes a visit to the weapons section.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - A short walk away is Hagia Sophia, built in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I.

Update for St. Sophia interior visit:
Live guiding is not permitted in St. Sophia after January 15, 2024. Guests must have smartphones and headphones during their visit. Headphones can be purchased at the entrance for 3.5 USD if needed. The system is similar to an audio guide system. Guests without smartphones will follow signs and information provided on the signs.

• Galata Koprusu - The tour passes by the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn.
• Galataport Istanbul - After visiting the Grand Bazaar, guests will return to the van and drive to the port through Galata Port, where they can observe locals taking ferries, enjoying street food, and fishing. The tour concludes with arrival back at the port or hotel.

• GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT
• Cruise port / hotel pick up and drop off
• Professional Licensed English speaking Tour guide
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

• Food and drinks
• Tips
• Entry fees (payable to guide via cash or card)

Why Choose Our Private Tours?

• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy special savings on your tour.
• Flexible Departure: Choose your own departure time.
• Personalized Welcome: Our tour guide will greet you at the port with a sign displaying your name.
• Dedicated Service: A professional tour guide and air-conditioned vehicle will accompany you from arrival to departure.
• Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable guide will assist you at all sites.
• Skip the Lines: Benefit from pre-paid tickets to avoid waiting.
• Convenient Payment: Pay the tour fees to our guide after the tour.
• Customizable Experience: Spend as much time as you like at each site and make small itinerary adjustments.
• Private Enjoyment: No need to wait for other group members.
• Photo Opportunities: Enjoy the chance to stop for pictures during the tour.
• Competitive Pricing: Our private tour rates are more affordable than cruise shore tours.
• Culinary Options: Explore various options to taste famous Turkish cuisine if you wish to have lunch during your trip.
• Dress Code Men : Knees MUST be covered. Long shorts and/or pants Women : Head, shoulders and legs must be covered. Covers will ve sold in front of St. Sophia and will be given for use in fron of blue mosque Shoes are not to be worn in mosques. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
• In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays: Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed on religious holidays. Arasta Bazaar will be visited. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 15.00 to 17.30
• Private tour for your family and friends
• There will be around 2,5-3 miles walk in this tour. Traffic is not allowed in Sultanahmet Square where all the highlights are . If you have walking problem, you have to book private option and have a slow tour with stops to relax in the cafees in old city

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