Highlights
- 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
- Lunch included
- English-speaking guide
- Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on time return to your ship
Recent Photos of this Tour
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Panorama from Topkapi PalacePanorama from Topkapi PalacePhoto by: Joseph J12 2012 -
Old Istanbul from the Galata ...There were no lines so we took the 6 passenger elevator to the top of the tower and gaped at the views.Photo by: donald b11 2012 -
Spice marketA requested stop at the spice market was a highlightPhoto by: Craig N04 2012 -
Topkapi Palace GroundsTopkapi Palace GroundsPhoto by: Anonymous03 2012 -
Istanbul With Mosque in ...Istanbul With Mosque in BackgroundPhoto by: Anonymous03 2012 -
Blue MosqueA view of the famous Blue Mosque.Photo by: Steven L06 2011 -
Useful Information
Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Blue Mosque:
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.
Hagia Sophia:
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 Monday)
Topkapi Palace:
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)
Grand Bazaar:
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)
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Istanbul port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. 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.
Reviewed by Edward J, April 2013
Great tour and tour guide, saw everything we wanted to in Istanbul with enough time to get back to the boat and missed the crowded cruise tours.
Reviewed by Joseph J, December 2012
My wife and I came to Istanbul on a cruise and unfortunately only had two days there. This tour was perfect for our needs and gave us a wonderful introduction to a great city. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. All in all we would certainly recommend this tour.
