Istanbul Private / Mini Group Shore Excursions from Cruise port

Istanbul, Turkey

8 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Experience the best of Old Istanbul on a full-day, small group tour that takes in sumptuous mosques and Ottoman landmarks, art, history and a the city's vibrant Grand Bazaar. Trace a fascinating route through Istanbul’s history and culture, and explore each site with your professional local guide. Make the most of your time in Turkey with this full-day Istanbul tour of the Old City.

8-hour Istanbul tour
Choose a small group for a personal experience
Explore the city with a local
Learn about Turkish history and culture
All entrance fees included
Free hotel pickup and drop-off included

What's Included

Professional Licenced Tour Guide
Transport by A/C Van .
Tax
GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT

Food and drinks
Tips to your guide and driver
Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip lines)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Explore Istanbul in a small group tour max. 10 pax with Private Option Pick up from listed Hotels Lobbies and Istanbul Cruise Terminal for cruise guests. Suggested pick up time will be given on your confirmation message. Explore Istanbul with a small group tour max. 10 pax Our small group tour includes Ancient Hippodrome, Blue mosque, Topkapi palace, St. Sophia ( Not allowed the guiding inside St. Sophia anymore. Every guests have to have own smart phones inside of St. Sophia . Application will be used inside ), Grand bazaar. Professional Licenced Tour guide and A/C transportation are included. * Small group ensures personal service * Informative, friendly and professional guide * Small-group tour by minibus * Option with Private Tour for your family

Itinerary

Meet your guide at your Taksim or Old City Hotel—pickup is at 8:15 or 8:45am depending on location. Start your tour in the heart of the Old City, where Byzantine emperors and citizens gathered at the ancient hippodrome to watch chariot races and fights. Explore the broad, public square that now covers the spot, and visit landmarks that include obelisks, statues and the remarkable ‘German Fountain.’

Continue through the Old City to the tiled domes of the Blue Mosque, then follow in the footsteps of Ottoman sultans and courtiers at Topkapi Palace. Enjoy free time for lunch (with tips from your guide on finding the perfect afternoon meal), then continue to the stunning Hagia Sophia and the Islamic Art Museum, whose collection of carpets and calligraphy is among the best in the world.

Browse the bright stalls and displays at the Grand Bazaar, where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping for handicrafts, souvenirs and exotic spices. Finish the day with return transfer to your Taksim or Old City Hotel.

Please note: Topkapi Palace is closed Tuesdays and St. Sophia is closed Mondays: these destinations will be replaced by the Byzantine-era Underground Cistern. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, when the tour visits the Spice Market.

Hippodrome

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

TopkapI Palace

2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Grand Bazaar

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Infant seats available
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A dress code is required to enter places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues and selected museums. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Shoes are not to be worn in mosques. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
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 15.00 to 17.30
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Reviews

4.9

based on 8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Highly recommended tour

maryanne_a, Oct 2023

It was an amazing tour. Our guide (Typhoon ?) was perfect. Super knowledgeable and knew how to strategically optimize our time. Lots of walking and learned so much history. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hello, Please rest assured that your kind words have been passed on to the entire Team. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable moments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of him. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

Best value for the money must see at Istanbul one day tour

Alessandro_A, Jul 2023

If I could give 6 star I would give that. Evren was fenomenal both in competence as well in creativity to avoid duplications with places we saw in the previous couple of days and adjusting our schedule and itinerary accordingly. Granted we were lucky to be the only customers in this group I want to underline the professionalism to still carry on what expected even if with a group of just 2 customers but I would still highly recommend this tour as one of the most value for the money (includes tickets for museums and palaces or transportation). Top notch.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hello, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your kind words. We are delighted to hear that your experience with us exceeded your expectations, and your compliments have been shared with our team with great pleasure. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of him. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

Mini Bus Private Tour

Thomas_D, Sep 2022

The guide was exceptional his commentary throughout the tour. The vehicle was very clean and modern we felt throughout the tour. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in experiencing Istanbul.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Thomas, Once again, we deeply appreciate your long-standing loyalty and the detailed feedback you’ve provided. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again. Curio Travel Team

AMAZING TOUR

Sanjay_B, Nov 2019

Our guide was wonderful, very patient and showed us all the landmarks around the city. We would recommend this tour to all our friends who want to visit Istanbul

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Dear Sanjay_B, Thank you very much for your review, We are glad to know that you had a great time with us. I would be delighted to share your review with your tour guide and driver. Our goal is to provide excellent services for our clients, it is rewarding to see our efforts recognized in your review. It was our pleasure to welcome you in our wonderfull country. We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again with your family and with your friends. With our warmest love and greetings, Fevzi Turhan on behalf of Curio Travel Team