Private & Mini Group 7-8 Hours Guided Istanbul Tour / Cruise Port
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Istanbul, Turkey
- 7 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get a stress-free overview of Istanbul’s main attractions on a private full-day shore excursion from Galataport. With a personal guide at your side, you’ll explore the city’s vibrant culture and rich history through attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia. Discover the art of Turkish carpet making and try traditional Turkish cuisine (own expense). The flexible itinerary can be customized to suit your tastes and interests.
- Enjoy the personalized experience of a private tour in Istanbul
- Make the most of your limited time on dry land
- Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Admission fees cost extra but guide will have skip-the-line tickets
What's Included
- Professional Licenced English speaking Tour guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- GUARANTEED On Time Return to PORT
- Cruise port / hotel pick up and drop off
- Food and drinks
- Tips
- Entry fees (payable to guide via cash or card)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
- Every cruise lines has different dock in times. Pick up times are different for each cruise. Thats why pick up time for your tour will be emailed with in 24 hours after your reservation. Please check your emails and note pick up time and all details you will need during the tour. - Our tours include Private Professional Licenced Tour guide, A/C transportations, Pick up and drop off, All tax and handling fees - Our tour guide will meet you at the port / at the listed hotels' lobby 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. - You will have flexibilty to spend how much time you want in each site and make small changes on the itinerary. - Your guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the lines . Entrance fees can be paid to our guide after the tour in cash or by visa or master card - You will have several alternatives to taste famous Turkish Delicious foods, if you want to have lunch during your trip
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
View tour option
Itinerary
1
Galataport İstanbul
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Hippodrome
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Grand Bazaar
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Blue Mosque
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
TopkapI Palace
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
6
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Galata Koprusu (Pass By)
7
Galataport İstanbul
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Dress Code Men : Knees MUST be covered. Long shorts and/or pants Women : Head, shoulders and legs must be covered. Covers will ve sold in front of St. Sophia and will be given for use in fron of blue mosque 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 and Spice Market are closed on religious holidays. Arasta Bazaar will be visited. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 15.00 to 17.30
- Private tour for your family and friends
- There will be around 2,5-3 miles walk in this tour. Traffic is not allowed in Sultanahmet Square where all the highlights are . If you have walking problem, you have to book private option and have a slow tour with stops to relax in the cafees in old city
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 288 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Heidi_B, Jun 2026
Our guide, Tayfun, was excellent. We did a private tour and communicated with the tour company in advance about what we’d most like to see. Tayfun customized our experience to be exactly what we wanted and gave us tons of historical info for context. Highly recommend!
Krystyna_K, Jun 2026
Turkan, our private tour guide, made the tour very special and shecustomized it to our desires. We saw Hippodrome - Chariot races and Obelisks, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia,
Gülhane (National Park) - The private courtyard of the palace. Then we went to the Spice Market, where she showed us the best places to buy spices, tea, and coffee. We ended up eating lunch in a local restaurant
Ocakbaşı, which was fabulous.
Ken_K, May 2026
We had a great time with Ezgi in Istanbul! Her knowledge about the history and architecture of the various places we visited was impressive and made the excursion all the more enjoyable. She was able to steer us away from some of the more obvious tourist traps and used her experience and connections with some of the local vendors to get us into places faster and easier. She was even willing to indulge us by waiting in a lengthy (but fast moving) line to see the Blue Mosque.
I’ll never forget her quick thinking when we started getting hounded by all the rug merchants in the Grand Bazaar. I had just purchased a rug from a trusted vendor outside the market and the bag they gave me made it obvious to all the other vendors at the Bazaar that I had just bought one. They were eager to help me buy more when Ezgi had the brilliant idea to put the bag inside another one to disguise it.
She also made an excellent suggestion for lunch at Rumeli Kebab & Steak House. Not only was the food delicious but the waitstaff were funny and engaging. Highly recommended Ezgi for your future Istanbul tours and Rumeli for the food and atmosphere.
Gayland_W, May 2026
Haggard Sophia is covered in scaffolding so this should be mentioned if you are choosing this tour. Topkapi Palace was beautiful. Our guide walked a little too fast for us older folks. Honestly we should have taken the T1 tram and done it by ourselves.
Mark_H, May 2026
Our tour was absolutely fantastic and one of the highlights of our trip. We learned so much about the city’s rich history, culture, and the significance behind many of its architectural masterpieces. The itinerary was excellent — we visited the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Market, all while getting detailed historical context that really brought each place to life.
Our guide, Tayfun, was exceptional. His knowledge, experience, and flexibility made the tour feel very personalized. He gave great recommendations throughout the day and allowed us to tailor the pace and timing to our interests. One example was the Hagia Sophia Mosque, which was under renovation during our visit. Based on Tayfun’s advice that much of the interior was obstructed, we chose to skip going inside and spend more time enjoying other sites — definitely the right call.
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants an immersive overview of the city’s history, landmarks, and cultural evolution. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking, though it was completely manageable and worth it for everything we experienced. If you enjoy fascinating history, stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and don’t mind getting your steps in, this is absolutely the tour to book.
christie_c, Apr 2026
Engi was a fantastic guide. She guided us through all the main sites in Istanbul to include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar! She was very knowledgeable and it was amazing to see and learn about all these sites in one day. She picked us up right at the port and dropped us off there following our tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear Christie,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
John_C, Apr 2026
Ceren provided excellent commentary about the places we visited. She was on time for our tour, was very personable, knowledgeable, and made us feel welcome in her city of Istanbul. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear John,
We don't know how to thank you enough for your comment. Your feedback is precious and has been proudly share with the entire team.
Our colleagues' dedication to our guests is fully rewarded when we received such wonderful comments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Don_T, Feb 2026
Leyla was an absolute delight to have spend this tour with . She guided us in a way that we were ahead of the crowds . Her knowledge of Istanbul and its history was just amazing . She shared so much insight as we walked through the city . Where we went for lunch was such good food.She also was prompt in getting us back to the cruise ship terminal in time .
Sorry it took me a while to write this review
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Don,
We don't know how to thank you enough for your comment. Your feedback is precious and has been proudly share with the entire team.
Our colleagues' dedication to our guests is fully rewarded when we received such wonderful comments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderful country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Ann_R, Nov 2025
The guide was superb. Friendly, knowledgeable, patient and kind. My friend was not very mobile (or interested!) and only came to keep me company. The guide was very understanding about this and went out of his way to help. He took us where we wanted to go, and not to anywhere I did not want to go to. He really was brilliant and I was very pleased.
In terms of the booking there were 2 issues. This trip was more than twice the price of another (equally good) in Turkey, which covered more car milage.
I took Turkish lire thinking that as I was in Turkey, it would be courteous to use lire. As I am English I use pounds, not euros or dollars. However, you need EUROS!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Ann,
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. Thank you on behalf of him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Maria_B, Nov 2025
This tour provides you with must see attractions in Istanbul albeit for a limited time. Agia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar as well as a sweet shop, jewellery store and ceramics shop.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Maria,
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.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Jane_D, Nov 2025
Ezgi was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and personable. We had a wonderful day and were happy to not have to wait in line for our tickets.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Jane,
I don't know how to thank you enough for your comment. Your feedback is precious and has been proudly share with the entire team.
Our colleagues' dedication to our guests is fully rewarded when we received such wonderful comments. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Robert_V, Nov 2025
Tayfun may be the best tour guide we've had. His English was perfect, his manner was very kind and he listened to our suggestions and without hesitating, gave us the best full day tour. When we suggested something- it happened. We left the tour satisfied that we learned what we wanted to about Istanbul, the Islam faith, and the history of the area. We ate local food, took a ferry to the Asian side, and had a delicious local dessert. We gave him our shopping list and he took us to very trustworthy stores in the grand bazaar and spice markets. Couldn't have been better.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Robert,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. 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.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Matthew_O, Oct 2025
This was well worth it. Our guide met us right at the cruise terminal and the van was waiting for us outside. Our guide was super knowledgeable and did a great job of showing us around the key areas of the city.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Matthew,
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.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Kmilak33, Oct 2025
We had a great tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and helpful. I liked that he stuck with the itinerary we chose...while politely dealing with the other couple that wanted to change all of the stops.
I feel we had a great overview of this amazing city.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and giving us such a good note!
We hope to have the occasion to welcome you back soon. Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely review. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Marcia_B, Oct 2025
Our guide was there on time. He showed us so much and took the time to talk about the history of the area. Well worth the expense.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. 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.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Charles_B, Oct 2025
The best thing was getting ahead of the long lines with a small party private group. We skipped all the tourist lines, very much appreciated.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Charles,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and giving us such a good note!
We hope to have the occasion to welcome you back soon. Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely review. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Sylvia_M, Oct 2025
A very good tour with another couple from our cruise ship. Buse was very thoughtful and kind and looked after us so well. Her knowledge was very good about each place and she asked us what we would like to do and what was advisable in the time we had. Would definitely book again with this tour group.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Sylvia,
Thank you again for your loyalty and thoughtful insights. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip to Ephesus and will do everything we can to ensure another wonderful travel. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide. Thank you on behalf of her.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Sylvie_L, Oct 2025
We had a wonderful day in Istanbul with Aneil. He was a trusted and knowledgeable guide and was focused on making sure our day would be exactly how we wanted it to be. I would book a tour with him again without hesitation!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Sylvie,
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.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Karen_S, Oct 2025
Very nice excursion. Me and my husband had a very good time. The guide is very professional and gave us lots of information.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Karen,
Thank you again for your loyalty and thoughtful insights. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip to Ephesus and will do everything we can to ensure another wonderful travel. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Ben_C, Oct 2025
The driver is friendly enough, with good knowledge on all our visiting places. We have enjoyed our slow walking pace for our seniors. It will be also good if we have a chance to visit the ground floor of Hagia Sophia in which we have missed.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Ben,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Raymond_P, Oct 2025
Our tour guide was very friendly, knowledgeable, informative about attractions in Istanbul, he helped us navigating thru the long line of entrances and tickets. Very appreciated
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Raymond,
Thank you again for your loyalty and thoughtful insights. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip to Ephesus and will do everything we can to ensure another wonderful travel. 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.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Patricia_A, Oct 2025
Had a wonderful experience with Yanis in Istanbul. It was so unique and informative and geared to our interests. We learned so much about Christianity and the Muslim churches and mosques. We had a great time at the Spice Market (Sunday). The tour was customizable and was perfect for us.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Patricia,
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. Thank you on behalf of him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
MaryClaire_L, Oct 2025
Unfortunately the weather was cool and rainy. We did see Topkapi, the blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. We did not have time to do
Grand Bazaar but we all went on our own the following day. Enjoyed that very much. Our guide took us to a terrible and VERY EXPENSIVE fish restaurant for lunch. She did not ask if we want fish. Restaurant was crowded and we were sent to a separate room where they set up a table for us. Service was slow and they forgot part of the order. All in all, this took a good two hours out of our day when we would have preferred a DONER (Turkish sandwich) which would have been better and faster. totally unsatisfactory!
zhigangzhu, Oct 2025
the guide is not ready for prime time yet: her English was not fluent , her arrangement was inadequate and missed a major site due to long wait time!
Jeffrey_F, Oct 2025
Excellent tour which was customized to meet our desires. Guide was full of great knowledge about sites and educating us on Turkish culture. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Jeffrey,
Your kind words will be shared with our entire team, who will be thrilled to know they helped create this memorable experience. We will share your kind message and opinions with your guide.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Tammy, Oct 2025
Our tour guide Ali was great. He showed us the highlights and told us about the history. We even got to go to the bazaar for a little shopping after a delicious lunch.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Tammy,
Thank you again for your loyalty and thoughtful insights. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip to Ephesus and will do everything we can to ensure another wonderful travel. 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.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Ray_H, Oct 2025
At the terminal, our Tour Guide, Erkan Elibouyuk, greeted us by displaying a sign with our name on it. He was very personable, friendly and informative throughout the day. We went to the Blue Mosque, the Aquaducts, lunch and The Grand Bazaar. Because it was a private tour, we did not feel pressured or rushed. The Aquaducts were really cool with all the colored lights and ancient pillars. The lunch at the local restaurant was really good. The Grand Bazaar was an indoor mall with over a thousand vendors. Its size was massive!! This is not a tour for someone who does not want to walk as there was a lot of walking. It was a wonderful day!! Admission to the sights are not included in the price of the tour. Our Guide bought the tickets and we paid him back. We could not pay on our own because our Guide got special rates on the tickets.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Ray,
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. Thank you on behalf of him.
We would be delighted to see you in our wonderfull country again.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Linda_M, Oct 2025
Our guide, John, was exceptional! He endured that we arrived at our stops before the crowds did. He was very informative and had an amazing knowledge of Istanbul. We all enjoyed the day and highly recommend this tour?
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Linda,
I don't know how to thank you enough for your comment. Your feedback is precious and has been proudly share with the entire team.
Our colleagues' dedication to our guests is fully rewarded when we received such wonderful comments. 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.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
Paul_F, Oct 2025
Beg disappointment. The guide seemed more interested in smoking and ending the tour early. We did not even see the hagia Sofia. Long lines and no tour access. Don't waist your money.
Jeffrey_F, Oct 2025
Great. Had the opportunity to spend time with Turkish people during a shopping experience. Was wonderful. Unor sorry if I misspelled was great!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Jeffrey,
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.
Ephesus Shuttle Turkey Team
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