Make the most of your visit with our guided Istanbul shore excursions. Designed for cruisers, you'll discover the very best of Istanbul in one day. You'll join your local English-speaking driver/guide in a private luxury air-conditioned vehicle. Choose from a historical and cultural tour within the city itself, or to escape to the stunning surrounding luxury yacht cruise on the Bosphorus. We personalise your Istanbul shore excursion to maximise your time.
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9 hrs.Departure:
09:00 am
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REQUEST TO BOOK Istanbul Shore Excursion; Private Istanbul Express Sightseeing Tour
Istanbul Shore Excursion maximises your time in port and escape the crush of the tour groups, with a full-day private sightseeing tour of Istanbul, including visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Make the most of your private guide and tailor your tour to suit your interests - perhaps learn about the city’s fascinating history with a stroll through Hippodrome Square or spend time shopping in the Grand Bazaar.
Istanbul Private Shore Tours
Enjoy the convenience of starting your Istanbul Private Shore Tours excursion directly from your Cruise Ship, Hotel or Airport. Your professional guide will meet you at the pickup point of your choice and ensure you get the best from your time in Istanbul. We customise our tours to fit your cruise schedule. We can also take your luggage with us so you will have nothing to worry about - you can just relax and enjoy your exclusive Istanbul private day tours with Bosphorus Tour.
Istanbul Private Tours
Whether you want to experience our Istanbul Shore Excursions or one of our Istanbul Private Tours you will have your own personal driver/guide and vehicle for the ultimate exclusive experience. We can exactly cater your tour to your schedule. Although we have regular start times, we can adjust these to better suit you.
Istanbul Shore Excursions - Pre Cruise Tour
You will be met by your guide on arrival at the Istanbul International Airport and begin your Istanbul Shore Excursions straight away. With your bags loaded into our luxury minibus, you can sit back and enjoy your great day out. You will be dropped off at the end of your day's adventure either at your hotel, or Istanbul Cruise Terminal, ready to embark on your sea journey.
Istanbul Shore Excursions - Post Cruise Tour
You will meet your guide directly as you disembark from your Cruise Ship to immediately begin your private Istanbul Shore Excursions. Pack your luggage on board, and your day tour begins. At the end of your day we will drop you off at your hotel or, if you are flying out immediately, at Istanbul Airport
Historical Istanbul Shore Excursion From Istanbul Port
Our tour guide will meet you in the cruise ship terminal and will take you to the old town, Sultanahmet where you will exlore highlights of Istanbul. In this tour you should expect to see 2000 years of mysterious history of Roman Empire to Ottoman Empire and Turkish Republic. You will be learning the lives of Roman Emperors and Ottoman Sultans in the haves and the have-nots or things that shouldn't be talked about and the implicit stories. This tour will give you information as clear as daylight from the dusty books and will provide it in interactice and sometimes with a humour .We are here to give you wonderful days with a accompany of our passionate tour guides who have dedicated their lives to both learn and share history.
Istanbul Shore Excursion Highlights
Full-day tour of Istanbul's essential sites.
Choose a small-group tour for a more personal experience.
See one of the world's great architectural masterpieces at the Hagia Sophia.
Wander the stores of the Grand Bazaar.
Admire the blue Iznik tiles of the Blue Mosque.
Discover the 5 tombs of the Ottoman Sultans: Sultans Tombs.
Go to the imperial residence of the former sultans.
Visit the site of ancient chariot races at the Roman Hippodrome.
Egyptian Obelisk
The Egyptian obelisk, since it has been stolen by Romans from the Ra temple Thutmose III could never find peace. Anger of Ra and his curse has never left Romans alone which is perhaps why Romans collapsed.
Serpentine Column
The Serpent Column, also known as the Burma Column, brought to Istanbul by the Emperor Constantine; It was erected in the temple of Apollo at Dephi (Delphi) to commemorate the victory of the Greek city-states over the Persians.
Walled Column
Walled Column, which was built from limestone blocks in the 4th century, is 32 meters high. As a result of the excavations, it was seen that there was a fountain on each of its four faces.
German Fountain
Perhaps it is a bribe from German Prince to Ottoman Sultan. However acceptance of the present by Sultan may have led being arm in arm during World War I.
Blue Mosque; The most majestic Ottoman MosqueA real sultan mosque, the building of which everyone opposes on the way to becoming an icon of Istanbul. The only 6 minaret mosque of the Ottoman Empire was built. It is adorned from the mosque ground to the dome with more than 20 thousand Iznik tiles. These blue tiles are the reason why foreigners call this mosque the "Blue Mosque". However, this mosque is met with a lot of reaction both at the empire and abroad. The people were upset that the state coffers are being emptied with unnecessary expenditures, and the Muslim world is upset with the world's only mosque with 6 minarets in the Kaaba. So much so that the Sultan had to build a 7th minaret for the mosque in the Kaaba.
Hagia Sophia; The legacy of both Christian and Muslim cultureThroughout the history no other structure has been punished because of the magnificent beauty it has as much as the The Hagia Sophia, house of the miracles. It is the only built made by humanity that could host Romans,Ottomans and for today embracing the whole world. The Hagia Sophia is as important as the Istanbul and we are certain without it Istanbul would never be the same.
Ancient Roman Hippodrome
Although the Ancient Roman Hippodrome in Istanbul was originally built in the 2nd century AD, the magnificent Hippodrome, whose ruins are located in Sultanahmet Square (Horse Square) today, was reconstructed by Constantine the Great in the 4th century. Converting Byzantion to Nea Roma had a price, and one of those costs was the Hippodrome! And if the New Rome was to be the capital city of Constantinople, it had to be the city's most spectacular work...
Hurrem Sultan hamami
Sultan Suleiman fell in love once. He loved only one person until he died. She is the most powerful lady of 16th century, whatever she asks she gets...
Hagia Sophia Hurrem Sultan Bath is the largest historical bath in Turkey. As with many architectural beauties in Istanbu. It was built next to Hagia Sophia in the 16th century for his wife, Haseki Hurrem Sultan, by order of Suleiman the Magnificent.
Topkapi Palace; Home of the Ottoman SultansBetrayals, passions, bloods , deaths,loves conspiracies. The palace where a whole state was ruled for 400 years. The most important Turkish structure of Istanbul, where the people who lead the world live, the lovers of flowers, the lovers of art, delicacy, and elegance are embodied, is the most important Turkish structure. Topkapi Palace with its most simple appearance in front of you.
Grand Bazaar; One of the largest and oldest markets in the worldFirst time in the world such a colorful life has met up with a bazaar. In 15th century the world' first ever shopping center opened. Since that day the heart of shopping beats there. If you ever want a journey inside of heart of Istanbul the Grand Bazaar invites you to a brand new atmosphere. Believe us you have never seen such thing like that.
What's Included
Professional guide
Pick-Up and drop-off
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch in a terrace restaurant with a great view of the city
Entrance tickets to Topkapi Palace
What's not Included
Visit to the Harem in Topkapi Palace is not included (own expense)
Drinks
Gratuities
Rome Shore Excursion
Easy Meeting Point
Expert Guide
Private Tour
Skip Lines
Tickets Included
Wheelchair Access
Tour Overview
Dock at Istanbul's Karakoy Port and visit Istanbul in a cinch on our Private Istanbul Shore Excursion featuring the Ancient Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Skip Lines. Private Luxury Vehicle and Professional Driver included from pickup at cruise ship terminal to drop off at Karakoy Port.
Tour Stops
Ancient Hippodrome
Obelisks
German Fountain
Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar
Tour Features
Private Guide
Private Driver & Luxury Vehicle for the day
Photo Hot Spots
Outstanding Educators
Comfortable Pace
Skip Lines
Media Enhanced Tour
Easy Meeting Point
Punctual
Restroom Break
Istanbul Shore Excursion
This Istanbul Shore Excursion for cruise passengers makes meeting Istanbul a cinch! We meet you right at Karakoy Port and accompany you throughout the day to visit the highlights of Istanbul. We visit all the must-see places such as Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and perhaps a Luxury yacht cruise on the Bosphorus if you have time!
Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise on Private Yacht
The Ultimate Istanbul Experence - AVOID THE CROWDS - SEE ISTANBUL DIFFERENTLY
No trip to Istanbul is complete without taking a yacht cruise on the Bosphorus, the waterway seperating two continents of Europe and Asia. We'll take you on private charter to places where no other tour operators go, providing guests with a spiritual connection to our local culture, our history and environment througout the narration of our tour guides.
SEE ISTANBUL FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
There's so much more to Istanbul than the Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Our city lies on the world's largest and most beautiful natural waterway, so no visit is complete without a trip on the Bosphorus.
To stay safe and really appreciate the Bosphorus you need to avoid the crowds and big tourist boats, and see it with a local host. We specialise in authentic, private and small-group 'sea & land' experiences, going to places no other tour operators go, and telling stories about our city's culture, history and marine life.
We visit all the classic Istanbul landmarks, but we travel much further up the Black Sea to explore the lesser-known places where only locals go.
A private 2 hour luxury cruise is the perfect option for those looking to experience each of Istanbul's world-renowned landmarks, including Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorus Bridges, Maiden's Tower and much more. Marvel at impressive waterfront real estate and enjoy cruising through picturesque Bosphorus Strait.
Istanbul Shore Excursion
Shore excursions in Istanbul, typically for cruise ship passengers, offer a chance to explore the city's highlights and key attractions within a limited time frame. Here's a guide to make the most of your shore excursion in Istanbul:
Top Attractions: Depending on your interests and time available, prioritize visiting iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
Guided Tours: Consider booking a guided tour tailored for shore excursions. These tours often include transportation from the port, knowledgeable guides, and visits to major sites. This allows for a more organized and time-efficient exploration of Istanbul.
Transportation: Organize transportation in advance. Many cruise lines offer shuttle services from the port to central locations in Istanbul. Alternatively, taxis or private transportation can be arranged.
Time Management: Make a detailed itinerary based on your ship's docking schedule. Ensure you allocate enough time for sightseeing, including travel time to and from the port, to avoid missing the ship's departure.
Flexible Options: Plan for flexibility in case of unexpected delays or changes in your schedule. Istanbul is a city with heavy traffic, so account for potential traffic jams that might affect your return to the ship.
Local Cuisine and Shopping: Take the opportunity to savor Turkish cuisine at local restaurants or street vendors. If time permits, explore the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar for unique shopping experiences.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques. It's customary for both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering mosques.
Safety and Awareness: Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist spots to prevent theft. Also, be aware of your surroundings and follow any guidance provided by your tour operator or local authorities.
Enjoy the Experience: Despite the time constraints, enjoy the rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul. Take photographs, immerse yourself in the local ambiance, and appreciate the city's unique blend of East and West.
By planning ahead and making the most of your time, you can have a rewarding and memorable shore excursion in Istanbul, exploring its incredible cultural heritage and iconic landmarks.
