• Galataport Istanbul - The private guide will greet guests at the Istanbul Port Terminal Building with a sign displaying “Your Name” at the pre-arranged time (typically 30 minutes after the cruise docks) or from the specified hotel lobbies.
• Galata Koprusu - Travel across the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn.
• Hippodrome - After meeting, proceed to the air-conditioned van to begin exploring Istanbul, the unique city straddling 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.

• 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 - 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. It was built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. The visit includes the weapons section of Topkapi Palace.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - A short walk leads to 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 use their smartphones and headphones during the 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.

• Kapali Carsi - After a brief lunch break at renowned local restaurants like the Pudding Shop, the tour continues to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, featuring more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is famous for its jewelry, pottery, spices, and carpet shops.
• Galataport Istanbul - Following the Grand Bazaar, return to the van and drive through Galata Port, where local people can be seen taking ferries, enjoying street food, and fishing. The tour concludes with arrival back at the port or the hotel, marking the end of the 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 is smart casual
• 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

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