Istanbul Cruise Port Reviews
We've found 155 Istanbul Cruise Port reviews from Viator.com travelers and members: what they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved. It's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Review by Joanne M, August 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
We just found out on the morning of the excursion that the Grand bazaar was closed on Sundays and that most of the attractions didn't open until one o'clock due to celebrations for the the end of Ramadam so we really didn't know what to expect from the excursion. However our guide was very informative and we did get to the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia and the Sultan's Pakace and they were fabulous, despite the huge crowds. The lunch was good but the visit to the rug shop was a complete waste of time that we could have spent pottering around ourselves,. We really got no free time for shopping or wandering around. All in all we enjoyed the excursion - Istanbul is a fascinating place, and we felt it was good value for money. We'll just have to come back another time to see the Grand Bazaar and Spice market!
Review by Mr Derek E N H, August 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Our tour guide was fleet footed which did not suit two of the ladies in our group of 14 who could only walk with the aid of sticks. The guide was pretty intolerant of the situation. I guess it needs to be made clear in the description that it a WALKING tour.
We loved the Blue Mosque and the huge diamond at the Topkati(spelling?) Palace.
However the 3 major sites were covered in a 4-hour spell 9am-1pm without a slot for refreshment.
After lunch at a very good hotel we were unexpectedly taken to a large store where we were subjected to a sales pitch for carpets which we did not want at all. The final part of the tour was a visit to the Grand Bazaar, 4,000 stalls all selling the same tat; we lasted about six minutes.
We felt that the morning had been compressed unnecessarily and the afternoon was largely a waste of space for us.
Review by KAREN S, Australia, July 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Port Departure Transfer: Central Istanbul to Cruise Port
Arrived on time to collect us from the hotel . Van was comfortable, driver very helpful
Review by RICHARD S, July 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Port Departure Transfer: Central Istanbul to Cruise Port
Driver there on time and very helpful and got us to our ship with no problems. was also very helpful with the luggage
Review by ELAINE H, July 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
This tour in Istanbul is a beautiful, quick view into the main focal points of the city. The locations are all interestingly unique from each other and the included lunch was delicious (they do have a vegetarian option as well). The tour guide was good and I'd recommend this trip to anyone who can only be in Istanbul for a day
Review by Patty L, July 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Very knowledgeable guide, learned a great wealth of information. I wish we'd had less time at the Grand Bazaar (1.5 hrs) and been given more time to take photos outside Hagia Sophia or at Topkapi Palace and its gift shop. Since we couldn't enter Hagia Sofia (Mon.) We were taken to the underground Basilica Cistern. While it was wonderful to see, we didn't feel it was an equally impressive exchange, we would have preferred to see the Dolmabahçe Palace instead.
Review by Diane M W, July 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Port Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to Central Istanbul
Driver was prompt and knew the location of the hotel. Good service
Review by roxydog, July 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Great way to see the city, just wish the busses has air conditioning!
Review by Kimberly H, July 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
I'm really not sure if this is worth doing...unless you have physical limitations and want to see the city without getting off the bus. Traffic in Istanbul was so bad, we actually got off the bus and walked to make more efficient use of our time.
Review by Christine K, July 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Not a good experience at all, you can't hear the tour guide.. you are better of walking...which is how we got back to our ship because the bus stops running at 4:45...
Review by Kimberly H, June 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul by Night Turkish Dinner and Show
The van pickup was very late (45 minutes) which is very frustrating when there is no way to call them in the evening to confirm meeting location and time. Otherwise, the food, service, and entertainment was outstanding!
Review by Maureen C, June 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Excellent
Review by Carla S, June 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Tour was great, have a real appreciation for Istanbul. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun.
Thanks.
Review by Richard G, June 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Great guide, great tour. Best tour we had during the entire vacation. When the gold room at Topkapi had long lines he changed the tour and came back later when their was no line. The lunch was excellent with great view of the water.
Review by Richard S, June 2012
Doing what: Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Wonderful. Saw and learned everything about Istanbul






