Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Istanbul, Turkey
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See the best of Istanbul on this 1-day sightseeing Istanbul shore excursion. With the help of your expert local guide, spend your time at port in Istanbul exploring this world class city’s many highlights. This tour serves as an ideal introduction to this fascinating city that spans two continents and many worlds. After, you will return to your ship for an on-time departure.
- Full-day eight-hour tour of Istanbul and its four main attractions
- Superb Blue Mosque
- Historic Hagia Sophia and its Byzantine mosaics
- Ottoman architecture and museums of Topkapi Palace
- Shopping in the Grand Bazaar
- English-speaking guide
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English Speaking Guide
- Walking Tour
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.9:00 am
Itinerary
Your 1-day Istanbul shore Excursion begins be disembarking your ship and meeting your local expert guide. Once you’re oriented, set off for the city’s main highlights. Take note, as you’ll learn lots of fascinating information from your guide about the former empires that have ruled this great city throughout the ages, such as the Roman and Ottoman Empires, and the former glory of Constantinople.
Blue Mosque:Don’t miss one of the most important sights in Sultanahmet—as well as in the Islamic and Turkish worlds—the stately Blue Mosque. This Ottoman mosque is depicted by six iconic minarets and a large dome roof, making it one of visitor’s favorite photo backdrops, while culture lovers will also admire it for its prominence and reverence. Inside, hundreds of stained glass windows illuminate the large main room, adorned with more than 20,000 Iznik-style tiles.
Hagia Sophia:Erected as far back as the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia, near the Blue Mosque, began as one of the biggest Christian basilicas in existence. But after the Ottoman empire took over Istanbul, it was transformed into a mosque. Today, however, in post-Ottoman Turkey, it is one of the most stunning museums in the country, if not the continent. Admire the intricate mosaics and tile-work, as well as it’s fascinating history. (closed on Mondays from October 20, 2015)
Topkapi Palace:No palace in the world rivals Istanbul’s Topkapi, the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. Not only is it the largest palace in the entire world, it is also the oldest. Stroll the engrossing rooms, painted with detailed artwork. Snap a photo in the illustrious harem quarters, and admire views from buildings looking out over the Golden Horn. (closed on Tuesday)
Grand Bazaar:As one of the largest covered markets in the world, no shopper will want to miss this highlight. The Grand Bazaar has been conducting continuous business ever since the 14th century. As such, its 58 colorful streets are lined with more than 4,000 storefronts. Keep an eye out for handmade jewelry, pottery, leather, and, of course the famous Turkish carpets. (closed on Sunday additional time will be spent at the other locations)
Worry-free Shore Excursion:This trip ensures your on-time return to Istanbul's port. It is unlikely, but should your ship depart before your return, transportation will be arranged to your next port. Your money will be refunded if your arrival to the port of Istanbul is delayed. See the terms and conditions for details.
Blue Mosque:Don’t miss one of the most important sights in Sultanahmet—as well as in the Islamic and Turkish worlds—the stately Blue Mosque. This Ottoman mosque is depicted by six iconic minarets and a large dome roof, making it one of visitor’s favorite photo backdrops, while culture lovers will also admire it for its prominence and reverence. Inside, hundreds of stained glass windows illuminate the large main room, adorned with more than 20,000 Iznik-style tiles.
Hagia Sophia:Erected as far back as the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia, near the Blue Mosque, began as one of the biggest Christian basilicas in existence. But after the Ottoman empire took over Istanbul, it was transformed into a mosque. Today, however, in post-Ottoman Turkey, it is one of the most stunning museums in the country, if not the continent. Admire the intricate mosaics and tile-work, as well as it’s fascinating history. (closed on Mondays from October 20, 2015)
Topkapi Palace:No palace in the world rivals Istanbul’s Topkapi, the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. Not only is it the largest palace in the entire world, it is also the oldest. Stroll the engrossing rooms, painted with detailed artwork. Snap a photo in the illustrious harem quarters, and admire views from buildings looking out over the Golden Horn. (closed on Tuesday)
Grand Bazaar:As one of the largest covered markets in the world, no shopper will want to miss this highlight. The Grand Bazaar has been conducting continuous business ever since the 14th century. As such, its 58 colorful streets are lined with more than 4,000 storefronts. Keep an eye out for handmade jewelry, pottery, leather, and, of course the famous Turkish carpets. (closed on Sunday additional time will be spent at the other locations)
Worry-free Shore Excursion:This trip ensures your on-time return to Istanbul's port. It is unlikely, but should your ship depart before your return, transportation will be arranged to your next port. Your money will be refunded if your arrival to the port of Istanbul is delayed. See the terms and conditions for details.
1
Blue Mosque
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
TopkapI Palace
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Grand Bazaar
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
Neon Tours
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
6
Hagia Irene Museum
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
7
Hippodrome
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
German Fountain
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
9
Obelisk of Theodosius
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
10
Basilica Cistern
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for child aged 4 and under
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 273 reviews
Julie_B, Aug 2025
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.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
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.
Gary_D, Nov 2024
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.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
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.
Cynthia_P, May 2023
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!
Sandra_B, May 2023
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
Response from Host, May 2023
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your nice comments.
We are happy that you enjoyed your time.
Kind regards
Güniz Ercin
Donna_M, Oct 2022
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.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Dear Donna,
Thank you for your valuable feedback. It is these moments that make all the efforts we put in worthwhile.
Güniz
noelchung, Sep 2022
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.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
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
CliffordEarl_P, May 2022
Excellent Tour Guide and Excellent driver for our private tour !! Outstanding experience with professional driver and knowledgeable tour Guide !! Thanks for a great day!!
Ana_J, Apr 2022
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!!!!!
terry d, Nov 2017
This was a great tour. The guide met us at the ship and took us to all the highlights of Istanbul. He was very informative and was attentive to our questions and comfort. Lunch was nice and included. The grand bazaar was crowded and somewhat overwhelming but the items we bought were much cheaper there.
Photos Optional
Diane_G, Nov 2017
wonderful tour,we saw so much in a day,would highly recommend this tour!
Tapan C, Sep 2017
A neat way to cover the highlights of the city in a short time. The guide expertly took us through the city through various attractions avoiding the famous traffic jam. The only downside was that she allotted too much time in a obligatory carpet shop. We negotiated a shorter time there and visited a market instead.
Esther_M, Jul 2016
Wonderful tour. Omar was very professional and knowledgeable. He was aware when we needed a break. The sites were wonderful. I found the sites to be peaceful and inspiring.
Joan_R, Jun 2016
The pick up from the port was simple. Ugur, our tour guide was a lovely young man who bent over backwards to make our tour exceptional. He included a visit to the Cisterns because we would not get to the Grand Bazaar as we needed to make it back to the ship on time. He also made sure we were picked up by one of their staff in plenty of time. Love Istanbul and the people were so lovely too.
gracesh.or, Jan 2016
Our tour guide was good and very knowledgeable with cleared explanation. The only comment I like to put was taken too long at the carpet demonstration ended up not enough time at the Great
Bazaar, we only stopped at the Turkish delight candy store, everywhere else was just fast pasted passing through.
Sabrina_P, Dec 2015
This tour could have been more enjoyable, if the tour guide was more attentive.
Stephan K B, Dec 2015
So disappointed. Entire group agreed and advised guide our prime interest was the Blue Mosque. We didn't see it! Also didn't see the last ruin, he advised it just wasn't worth it. Lines very long at palace, and our advance tickets did nothing. He stopped every time anyone wanted a potty break,
Arthur W, Nov 2015
Guide was most helpful under adverse weather conditions and, in general, did an excellent job.
Alan R, Oct 2015
An enjoyable day to visit all the main attractions guide was very knowledgeable.
J M L, Oct 2015
I really enjoyed this day and found it interesting and informative. I would have preferred to know in advance how much walking was involved.
Judith C, Oct 2015
Plusses and minuses... Istanbul is a very old city and walking conditions are rough... lots of stairs, and broken tiles. It was very hard to keep up with the leader, and once we caught up with her and the rest of the group... she would move on right away. This despite being made aware that we were having trouble. The included parts of the tour were the usual high points, and our guide was very knowledgable and informative. The included lunch was delicious and in a nice restaurant with lots of stairs, of course! I was very disappointed to be forced into another carpet sales shop and we were a captive audience. We paid for the tour and not a strong-arm commercial message.
cb.lindstedt, Oct 2015
Picked us up at hotel..Good guide..Wonderful lunch and more sights seen than my previous tour years ago. Only problem, a couple of members of our group stayed way too long in the spice bazaar.. Carol and Anne-Marie Lindstedt
Jacqueline J, Oct 2015
The tour guide did a good job, but if he had audio and head phones, it would have been much better.
lil , Oct 2015
We had a great time. The tour guide was excellent and she explained in details the history of all the places we went. Very informative and interesting tour. The tour Cie was also very accommodating as after the tour ended the driver dropped us off at the airport for our flight. Of course we paid extra for that but it was so easy and convenient.
Leila
aglag, Sep 2015
It was great! The only issue was that this tour contrary to its name Shore Excursion, was not meant for those in a cruise line just spending the day in Istanbul. We had to leave the tour on our own and get back to the ship in order to be onboard by the time the ship sailed away. It is the perfect tour for those staying in town for a couple of days. It manages to go to a lot of the main attractions in only one day.
David C, Sep 2015
This was an excellent tour with an excellent guide. It may have been the highlight og our three week trip.
W. H. D, Sep 2015
This was an excellent tour. Our guide, Hakan Adagume, provided very detailed and interesting historical information at each of the sights we visited. In addition he had a great sense of humor that made the tour even more enjoyable. The lunch of typical Turkish food was very good as well. The carpet demonstration at a private shop provided a comfortable and informative interlude.
A suggestion for the future would be to incorporate a brief cruise up the Bosphorus as part of the tour. I would have preferred that to the carpet demo.
Alicia M, Sep 2015
Very nice tour, we really enjoy it. The guide was very informative , is so nice being able to skip the long lines to buy the tickets.
Good experience whit Viator!!!
KsSunshine, Sep 2015
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable! This was on the first day of Ramadan, so he rearranged our tour order so we could enter the Blue Mosque which was very appreciated. I would highly recommend this tour. The only bump was that the tour we were assigned to actually left early without anyone from our ship. We were among the first off. However, a quick phone call and we were on the same tour but with this tour guide. Everything was planned well!
Pamela G, Sep 2015
What an amazing city and our guide was fantastic. So much to see and she was so knowledgeable it made the whole trip for us. Our favourite place.
Alison A, Sep 2015
Perfect day, very competent guide and delicious lunch
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