Istanbul Port: City Sights Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers
Kapali Carsi, Istanbul
Explore Istanbul’s rich history on this tour from the Istanbul cruise port. Admire top sights like the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Highlights
- Haggle for bargains at the Grand Bazaar shops
- Learn Istanbul’s history spanning over 2,500 years
- Explore the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia architecture
- Photograph the ancient Hippodrome chariot race arena
- Experience the sights and aromas of the Grand Bazaar
Description
This driving tour covers Istanbul’s key attractions, ideal for cruise ship passengers arriving at Galata Port. Begin by meeting your guide holding a company logo sign at the cruise arrival gate.
Relax on an air-conditioned drive to the ancient Hippodrome, once a chariot race arena. Continue to the Blue Mosque to admire its Ottoman architecture and impressive main dome from the inside, and capture photos of its iconic exterior.
Visit Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans, and explore its museum that houses important Islamic relics including the cloak and sword of the Prophet Mohammed. Take a break to purchase Turkish lunch on your own.
Proceed to Hagia Sophia, a 4th-century structure that served as Constantinople’s cathedral for over a thousand years and later as a mosque. Finally, spend time browsing the Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest covered marketplace, known for leather goods, clothing, rugs, antiques, and jewelry.
The tour ends with return transfer to the port.
Includes
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Tour guide
Excludes
- Tips
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees to attractions
Important Information
- The tour operates rain or shine
- This tour is exclusively for cruise ship passengers
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book early to secure your spot, bring comfortable walking shoes, and have local currency for entrance fees and meals. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid larger crowds at major sites.
