Istanbul guided tour from Istanbul Port

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Durations

4 Hours

Max People

Avalibility

All Year

Pickup & Dropoff

Free

Guided Tour From Galata Port

Embark on an unforgettable guided tour from Galata Port, where we meet you right at your cruise excursion stop, ready to explore the vibrant city of Istanbul in the limited time you have ashore. Our expertly crafted tour ensures you experience the top highlights of Istanbul, making every moment count.

Our journey begins at the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a centerpiece of Istanbul and a marvel of Byzantine architecture. As we explore this grand edifice, you’ll be captivated by its historical and architectural significance. Please note, if your tour falls on a Monday when Hagia Sophia is closed, we will instead delve into the mysteries of the Basilica Cistern.

Next on our guided tour from Galata Port is the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and striking blue İznik tiles. Our guide will lead you through its enchanting interiors and gardens, where the play of light through colored windows illuminates the intricate marble work, creating a divine atmosphere.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll visit the historic Hippodrome Square, the site of thrilling chariot races during the Byzantine era. Here, you’ll see ancient relics like the Serpentine Column and the Egyptian Obelisk, while our guide shares fascinating stories that bring the history of Istanbul to life.

The final stop on our guided tour from Galata Port is the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Wander through its 60 shopping streets with hundreds of traditional shops offering unique souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills or just soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Remember, if your tour is on a Sunday when the Grand Bazaar is closed, we will instead spend time exploring the charming Nuruosmaniye Street or Arasta Bazaar.

This guided tour from Galata Port is designed to give you a comprehensive and memorable introduction to Istanbul’s rich history and cultural treasures, all within the timeframe of your cruise stop. Join us for an adventure that promises to be as enriching as it is exhilarating!

Istanbul Guided Tour From Galata Port : Highlights

Grand Bazaar
Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Hippodrome Square

If you want to visit a special area in Istanbul, you just need to let us know. A special tour program will be prepared and sent to you. If you do not have information about Istanbul, an optional tour program with a list of places to visit will be prepared for you by our local guides.

Included/Excluded

Transportation between the port and the sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary with a private, air-conditioned car.
Entrance fees in the museums or palaces in the itinerary (if applicable)
Guiding service

Personal expenses
Beverages
Tips

Tour Plan

. Itenary

We are meeting you at the port where you will have a stop during your cruise excursion. On this tour, we are taking you to the top highlights of Istanbul city in your limited waiting time.

Our first stop is the glorious Hagia Sophia, which is one of the main attractions of Istanbul. Located in the heart of the city, here we will witness one of the most accomplished architectural landmarks that have survived until this date from the Byzantine period. Here is a quick warning: Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays; therefore if your tour is on Monday we will visit Basilica Cistern instead.

After Hagia Sophia, we are moving to the Blue Mosque that is also known as the mosque with six minarets. While discovering the amazing interiors and outdoors, we will be mesmerized by the blue İznik tiles, colored windows, and the heavenly marble work.

Continuing to the Hippodrome Square, where the chariot races took place in the Byzantine period, we will have the chance to see the exceptional Serpentine Column and the famous Egyptian Obelisk. With our professional guide, we will hear interesting stories about the history of Istanbul.

Last but not least, we are heading to one of the largest and oldest covered markets of the world: The Grand Bazaar. With 60 shopping streets and hundreds of traditional shops, there is so much to explore in the Grand Bazaar. We can buy some souvenirs from local shops and exercise our bargaining skills here.

Please note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays; so in case your tour takes place on Sunday, we will have some free time in Nuruosmaniye Street or in Arasta Bazaar.

. Important Info

We are meticulously arranging your tour in accordance with your waiting time at the port. Your return time to the port is scheduled in order for you to easily rejoin your cruise. The tour times are based on the local time; not on ship time.

Once you disembark from your cruise ship, you should enter the terminal building and walk straight. You will meet your guide there and he will take you to your air-conditioned transportation.

We highly recommend you carry sunscreen, a hat, and water with you during the tour. Wearing comfortable shoes for this excursion would be a plus, as it involves some walking with inclines and steps.

The local currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira; however, payment with Euro, British pound, and American dollars are also accepted by the locals.

It is forbidden to wear shoes inside the mosque; hence you will be asked to remove your shoes while walking inside the mosque. Inside the mosque, men were recommended to wear long trousers and sleeved shirts, while women were recommended to wear slacks, below-knee dresses or skirts, and elbow-length or longer shirts. For their hair, women can wear scarfs. If you do not have suitable clothing the attendants at the entrance will be assisting you free of charge.

- Children aged 6 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Due to weather conditions and weight constraints, all scheduled times are estimates and subject to change.
- During our packages, infiants are free. Internal flight tickets are only subject to taxes. For youngsters aged 5-8 years, the rate is 50 percent.
- Private excursions in your own language are available.
- Due to local traffic conditions, times are subject to vary.
- At the time of booking, you will receive confirmation.
- If requested at the time of booking, infant seats are available.
- You can pay with a credit card or cash when you arrive in Turkey.

Cruise ship passengers must submit the following information when making a reservation:

Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.
On the day of travel, you must have a valid passport.

Maximize your cruise stop with our private 4-hour Istanbul tour covering Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Grand Bazaar. Customizable itinerary with port pickup.