Istanbul Private Old City Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotels

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Hagia Sophia

   Hagia Sophia Museum, a one-time mosque converted from a 6th-century Christian basilica built by Emperor Justinian I. Marvel at the incredible building and admire the interior’s glimmering, handcrafted mosaics and rich decoration.

   1 hour•Admission not included•See on map

2. 2

   Blue Mosque

   Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Take in the immense, flat dome and famous minarets, and explore inside with your guide. Absorb the ocean of over 20,000 Iznik tiles that lend the mosque its name, and behold the magnificent, rich carpets and windows.

   1 hour•Admission free•See on map

3. 3

   Hippodrome

   The Constantinople Hippodrome ( nowadays Sultanahmet Square)

   The Constantinople Hippodrome ( nowadays Sultanahmet Square) is a place where different cultures converge, showcasing the rich history of several great eras. It has always been a favorite center for entertainment, sports, and cultural events in the old city of Istanbul. The elite of society used to hold meetings and communicate with each other in this place. Local attractions include the Obelisk of Theodosius, a pink granite column from Egypt, one of the city's oldest monuments., Serpentine Column, and a unique fountain gifted to the city by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

4. 4

   Basilica Cistern

   The cistern was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I was connected to the Hadrian Aqueducts, supplying water to the areas between the first and second hills of the city. After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul, it served as a water distribution center. Although it was no longer in use after the Ottomans established their own water facilities in the city, it became a physical symbol representing the neighborhood it was located in. The cistern was named after the palace, the grand vizier's stables, the street, and the neighborhood it represented. The Basilica Cistern is a rectangular structure made of bricks, resting on rocky ground. It has a water storage capacity of approximately 100,000 tons. The cistern is supported by 336 columns that carry its brick-vaulted ceiling. The building features reused materials, such as decorated columns, Corinthian column capitals, and Medusa head sculptures that have been turned upside down.

   1 hour•Admission not included•See on map

5. 5

   Spice Bazaar

   The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, was built in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque complex and is one of Istanbul's oldest covered markets. The bazaar was named after the exotic spices, medicinal herbs, and other products that were brought from Egypt and sold here. The Spice Bazaar has an L-shaped design and consists of 88 vaulted rooms. The part of the bazaar situated at the Haseki Gate has two floors. During Ottoman times, the upper floors were used as a court, where the merchants resolved their disputes with customers and amongst themselves. In the past, the Spice Bazaar was known for preparing and selling herbal medicines according to old prescriptions. Today, the bazaar offers traditional flavors such as spices, herbal teas, dried fruits, pastes, and Turkish delight, as well as jewelry, textiles, baskets, and various souvenirs.

   1 hour•Admission free•See on map

6. 6

   The Grand Bazaar, also known as Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is a historic covered market located in Istanbul. It is considered to be one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, featuring 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. Interestingly, the Grand Bazaar is known to be one of the earliest shopping centers in the world. The construction of the core of the Grand Bazaar took started in 1961, shortly after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople. Sultan Mehmed II ordered the construction of a trading center for textiles and jewels near his palace in Constantinople.

   In addition to the valuable belongings of the former rich people, such as jewelry, precious metals, furs, and bespoke weapons, most of the state treasury was also kept in safes here.

   1 hour•Admission free

7. 7

   Topkapi Palace

   Topkapi Palace was home to the Ottoman court from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Now a museum, this grandiose palace is a testament to the lavish lifestyles of the sultans. Stroll through the ornate chambers, courts, and gardens, and behold some of the imperial treasures, ranging from precious Chinese porcelain to jewels and relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Your tour then concludes with a hotel drop-off.

   2 hours•Admission not included•See on map

Meeting point

The operator confirms the exact meeting point on your voucher.

The map shows Istanbul.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone is picked up
• 1439 hotels are served
• You can request another pickup address
• The operator contacts you to arrange pickup
• Pickup begins 120 min before departure

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• Cancelled and fully refunded if the weather makes it unsafe