Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Description
This sightseeing tour of Istanbul provides the perfect introduction to the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. On this shore excursion you will see how old meets new when you visit Istanbul's four "must-see" historic sites.
Tour Options
Itinerary
One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.
Now a museum, Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. (closed on Mondays from October 20, 2015)
The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. (closed on Tuesday)
In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets. (closed on Sunday additional time will be spent at the other locations)
If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine).
Byzantine Hippodrome
It was built in Germany and moved by ships and its construction was completed in Istanbul.
Obelisk of Theodosius: obelisk, originally erected for king Thutmose III of Egypt but transferred to Constantinople,
Underground Cistern
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Galataport Istanbul
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for child aged 4 and under
- Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
- In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
- Not recommended for participants with walking difficulties
Reviews(273)
Gurkan was an excellent guide who planned the tour well, picked us up on time, was very knowledgeable and accommodating of our needs. The vehicle we were collected in was very comfortable, but we did do a lot of walking.
Dear Guest, First of all, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with us. We are happy that you were satisfied with the service we provided. We hope you leave our country with pleasant memories, and we would like you to know that we are looking forward to seeing you again and welcoming you back to our country. We wish you healthy, happy, and beautiful days. Thank you.
Beware it is essentially a 6 hour walking tour. That said, our guide Arzu was very friendly, showed extensive knowledge of the locations, and amended the itinerary to include the sights we wanted to see (at a reasonable extra cost). Would definitely recommend this tour.
Dear Guest, we are very happy to hear that you were satisfied with our service. Your feedback is very helpful to us in improving our service. We hope that your entire trip to Turkey was wonderful and that you leave our country with beautiful memories. We would be delighted to see you in our country again. Thank you.
Ten Stars!!! Our private guided tour with Berrin was one of the best tours we have had in many years. Her knowledge of the country, th conquering nations form the past, the sultans as well as buildings and their content as well as sharing her culture made our day in Istanbul. We were able to see the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and all its treasures, Grand Bazaar and so much more. Our tour included lunch, and knowing we preferred local cuisine, Berrin took us to a quaint local restaurant where we sampled various meat and vegetable dishes as well as freshly prepared lemonade and Turkish coffee. Berrin’s kindness made it feel like we spent a memorable day with a friend. Our one day in Istanbul will never be forgotten!
The quality of the Guide who was very knowledgable without being over facing. Berry also took into account we were an older couple and looked after us. We highly recommend her
Dear Sandra, Thank you for your nice comments. We are happy that you enjoyed your time. Kind regards Güniz Ercin
Gurkan was a wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide! Our full day included all the highlights of Istanbul - Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and Hagia Sophia, with lunch on a rooftop terrace.
Dear Donna, Thank you for your valuable feedback. It is these moments that make all the efforts we put in worthwhile. Güniz
Although the morning half of the tour to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, etc. went ok and the lunch arrangement was excellent, the afternoon half to visit the Grand Bazaar was a disaster. During the Grand Bazaar tour, we were led to attend sales pitches in 5 different shops and didn't have a chance to walk around the Grand Bazaar at all. Although the shop owners were okay, we simply were not interested in their merchandise, and felt that the whole time spent at the Grand Bazaar was a waste. Our tour guide was actually okay as she was flexible and guided us through the Blue Mosque, etc. smoothly. I would just not recommend this tour due to the multiple sales pitches included in the itinerary.
Dear Guest, Thank you for your valuable feedback. Shopping is always optional and to the liking of our beloved guests. We have noted the comments regarding the shopping pressure and will evaluate the overall itinerary. Kind regards
Excellent Tour Guide and Excellent driver for our private tour !! Outstanding experience with professional driver and knowledgeable tour Guide !! Thanks for a great day!!
The places we went to were amazing, however, he was not a good tour guide, we had a couple with a pacemaker and he would just continue to walk without even looking back to see were the group was. He just kept on walking!!!! No consideration.... He dropped us off not the same place as pick up, and he was just counting the tips given, Horrible customer service!!!!!
the tour was with only 5 people which was great as we were very quick in and out. The Guide (Omar) is very good and his english is excellent. All entrance fees are included and we could fast track, which was great. Lunch was also included and very delicious. Pick-up and drop off on time. We can certainly recommend this tour!
Dear our valued guest, Thank you for this great review. We're very happy to hear that you enjoyed our tour. Hope to see you again in Turkey, Neon Tours
Our guide was amazing, she knew so much about all the sites we walked (and walked) to. Suggestion: she should turn around to address her group, much of her information went into the wind. She took us to so many places, including the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the cisterns and the Grand Bazaar. She also took us to some unique Turkish craftsmen, where several of us bought spices and treats and Turkish rugs. It was an amazing day, don't miss it (but be ready to walk!).
Dear our valued guest, It's a great pleasure to hear that you enjoyed our services.We appreciate your kind review. Hope to see you again, Neon Tours
