Istanbul Shore Excursion: 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Tour with Private Van

Duration: 7 hours each day

Tour starting point: Istanbul Cruise Port / Galata Port

Tour ending point: Istanbul Cruise Port / Galata Port

Includes: Officially licensed tour guide, private tour, transportation with private van

Excludes: Entrance tickets, lunch, drinks, tips to guide & driver ( recommended) Sights to see:

Day 1 - Hippodrome, Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Day 2 - Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside)

This private experience gives you a chance to witness the beauty that Istanbul offers in either one or two days. Wandering privately with your family-friendly tour guide and van will make you minimize the time loss and customize your tour regarding your interests. Istanbul shore excursion will be a great chance for your family to discover the city.

Day 1 – Istanbul Old City Shore Excursion Tour from Galataport

You will be picked up from the Galataport by your tour guide and the driver.

Byzantine Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square; Our guide will give you a detailed explanation about the center of Constantinopolis where also the horse races were held.

Blue Mosque (skip the line service is not available for active mosques – there is a queue for the entrance); You will enter the Blue Mosque to see the beautiful architecture and mosaics from inside.

Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum; (Topkapi Sarayi) You will witness the Ottoman era and the relics they have inherited during ages.

Hagia Sophia (skip the line service is not available for active mosques – there is a queue for the entrance);  (Ayasofya, Santa Sofia) You will have the chance to experience the holy Hagia Sophia which is sacred for both Christianity and Islam and a must-see spot for shore excursion visitors.

Grand Bazaar; (Kapali Carsi) Marvel at the World’s biggest historical market where you may find the best souvenirs for your trip.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel or cruise ship.

Important Notes:

– This trip can be operated as walking tour because sites of visit are near to each other. But if your hotel is not centrally located, booking private van is recommended from and back to your hotel.

– If one of the mosques are not visited, Basilica Cistern will be visited as a replacement. – On Fridays, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque will be visited from outside because of the worship.

Day 2 – Istanbul Highlights Shore Excursion

On the second day of your shore excursion, you will be picked up from the hotel or cruise ship by your tour guide and the driver.

Dolmabahce Palace: You will visit one of the most glamorous palaces built in the 19th century.

Bosphorus Cruise: You will enjoy the beauties of the Bosphorus Strait with a public ferry.

Taksim Square: Your guide will explain to you the facts about Taksim Square, the monumental pedestrian city center of Modern Istanbul.

Istiklal Street: You will walk along the most famous shopping street in the city and experience the local life. Shopping is also possible.

St Anthony Padua Church: You will visit the biggest Catholic Church in the city which is located on Istiklal Street.

Galata Tower: You may take photos from outside while listening to the history of the Tower.

Spie Market: You will stop by the market to taste the local products and find nice souvenirs to take home.

After your shore excursion tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel or cruise ship.