• Galataport Istanbul - Your personal guide will greet you at the Istanbul port Terminal Building with a sign displaying “Your Name” at a pre-arranged time (typically 30 minutes after your cruise docks) or from the listed hotel receptions with room numbers.
• Each cruise line has different docking times. Therefore, pick-up times vary for each cruise. Your tour pick-up time will be emailed to you within 24 hours after your reservation. Please check your emails for the pick-up time and all necessary details for the tour.
• Hippodrome - After meeting, proceed to our air-conditioned van and begin exploring Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents, and the capital of three great empires – Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman – for over 2000 years.

Our first stop is Hippodrome Square, which was the site of 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, we will walk to visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, with 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 - Our 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 - Continue walking approximately 300 meters to Topkapi Palace, which was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace, including the weapons section.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - A short walk away is Hagia Sophia, constructed 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 their smartphones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have headphones, they can purchase them at the entrance for 3.5 USD. The system is similar to an audio guide system. Guests without smartphones will follow the signs and the information provided on them.

• Galata Koprusu - Pass by the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn.
• Galataport Istanbul - After the Grand Bazaar, we will return to our van and drive to the port through Galata Port, where you will see locals taking ferries, enjoying street food, and fishing. Arrival back at the port or your hotel marks the end of our services.

• Guaranteed on-time return to port
• Professional licensed tour guide
• Port pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

• Food and drinks
• Tips
• Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip lines)

Why Private Tours with Us? Special discounts. You will decide on departure time. Our tour guide will meet you at the port with your name sign, Our professional tour guide and A/C vehicle will be with you from arrival till departure, Our professional guide will be with you in the sites. Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the lines. Fees can be paid to our guide after the tour. You will have flexibilty to spend how much time you want in each site and make small changes on the itinerary, You do not have to wait for other group members. You will have a chance to make stops to have pictues during the tour. Our Private tour rates are more reasonable than cruise shore tours, You will have several alternatives to taste famous Turkish Delicious foods, if you want 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 on religious holidays will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30
• Private tour for your family and friends
• There will be around 2-2,5 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.