Istanbul: Private Half Day Old City Shore Excursion Tour

Exploring the captivating city of Istanbul has never been easier than with the Private Half Day Old City Shore Excursion Tour. This comprehensive 4.5-hour adventure takes visitors on a journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, from the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque to the historic Hagia Sophia. Guests can explore the vibrant culture, browse the bustling Grand Bazaar, and enjoy personalized attention from a private guide. Conveniently departing from Galataport, this tour offers a seamless and unforgettable way to discover the rich heritage of Istanbul. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this excursion promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s captivating charm.

Key Points

• This private half-day tour takes visitors to the iconic landmarks of Istanbul’s Old City, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.
• The tour includes a guided visit to the Blue Mosque, with an optional guided tour of the Hagia Sophia available at an additional cost.
• The tour provides a 30-minute tram ride back to the Galataport Istanbul, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for cruise ship passengers.
• Advance booking is available, with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
• The tour is offered with English and Spanish-speaking guides, catering to the linguistic preferences of participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This half-day Istanbul Old City Shore Excursion Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic landmarks.

Priced at $88.69 per person, the tour lasts one day and departs from Galataport Istanbul. It includes a licensed English-speaking guide, port pickup and drop-off, all local taxes, and entrance tickets.

Highlights include visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, the stunning Hagia Sophia, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Participants can choose to add optional activities like a guided tour of Hagia Sophia or free time for shopping at the Grand Bazaar.

The tour concludes with a return to Galataport Istanbul via tram. Guests can conveniently book the tour in advance with no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights several of Istanbul’s renowned landmarks. Visitors begin with a guided tour of the Blue Mosque, where they’ll have an hour to explore this iconic Ottoman-era structure and its stunning interior. Next, they can opt to visit the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and mosque now turned museum, for a guided tour and sightseeing (an additional €25 per person). The tour also includes a visit to the famous Grand Bazaar, where travelers can browse the countless shops and stalls during a guided tour and free time for shopping. Finally, the group returns to the Galataport via tram, completing this comprehensive half-day excursion.

Landmark	Duration
Blue Mosque	1 hour
Hagia Sophia	1 hour
Grand Bazaar	1 hour
Tram Ride	30 mins
Total	4.5 hrs

Booking Information

Booking this Istanbul tour is straightforward.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy – they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. They don’t need to worry about paying upfront either, as they can reserve their spot now and pay later.

To check availability and see the starting times, visitors simply need to consult the booking page.

With these flexible and hassle-free booking options, guests can confidently plan their Istanbul shore excursion and look forward to exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.

Important Notes

Certain important details travelers should be aware of include that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

Plus, the Blue Mosque may close during prayer hours, so visitors should plan accordingly.

On top of that, the visiting conditions for Hagia Sophia are subject to change, and currently, only the upper gallery is open to the public.

These considerations are crucial for travelers to keep in mind when planning their Istanbul Old City Shore Excursion Tour to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

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Language Options

The tour offers live tour guides available in both English and Spanish to accommodate the needs of different travelers.

Guests can choose to have an English-speaking guide at no additional cost. For those who prefer a Spanish-speaking guide, there’s an extra fee of €50 per group.

This flexible language option ensures that all participants can fully engage with the tour and understand the historical and cultural information provided by the knowledgeable guides.

Whether you’re an English or Spanish speaker, the tour caters to your linguistic preferences, allowing you to make the most of your Istanbul sightseeing experience.

Blue Mosque Experience

Visitors to the Blue Mosque embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul’s rich history and architectural grandeur. The guided tour immerses guests in the mosque’s stunning interior, adorned with intricate Ottoman-era tiles and magnificent stained-glass windows.

The highlights include:

1. Marveling at the mosque’s iconic six minarets, a unique design element that sets it apart from other mosques.
2. Admiring the breathtaking central dome, which soars 143 feet above the prayer hall, casting a warm, golden glow throughout the space.
3. Observing the respectful dress code and etiquette as visitors explore the serene, spiritual atmosphere of this iconic Istanbul landmark.

Hagia Sophia Visit

From the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque, the tour moves on to explore the grandeur of Hagia Sophia.

This former Byzantine cathedral, later converted to a mosque and now a museum, is a magnificent architectural masterpiece. Guests will enjoy a guided tour, learning about its rich history and admiring its stunning features, such as the impressive dome and intricate mosaics.

The visit to Hagia Sophia is optional, with an additional fee of €25 per person. Visitors will have around an hour to soak in the beauty and significance of this iconic Istanbul landmark before returning to Galataport via tram.

Grand Bazaar Exploration

After exploring the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the tour proceeds to the famed Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered marketplaces in the world.

Visitors can wander through its maze-like alleys, lined with over 4,000 shops and stalls, offering a dizzying array of traditional Turkish goods.

The tour guide leads the group through the bustling market, pointing out:

1. Intricate handwoven rugs and kilims in vibrant colors and patterns.
2. Gleaming copper and brass kitchenware, decorative lamps, and other metalwork.
3. An abundance of spices, teas, Turkish delights, and other delectable treats.

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the centuries-old trading culture of Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour may not be fully wheelchair accessible, as it involves visiting historical sites with potential accessibility challenges. Customers should inquire about specific accessibility accommodations when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked as a private group excursion. Travelers can reserve the tour for their own private group, which allows for a more personalized experience with their own licensed English-speaking guide.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are generally no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should consider the suitability of the itinerary for younger children. Infants may require additional accommodations.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

The tour company generally allows customers to customize the itinerary to fit their interests. However, they may charge an additional fee for any significant changes to the standard tour program. It’s best to discuss options with the tour provider.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Special Requests During the Tour?

Sure, any special requests can incur additional fees. The tour provider may charge extra for customizing the itinerary or adding optional activities beyond what’s included in the standard tour package. It’s best to check with them directly about any potential add-on costs.

Recap

The Private Half Day Old City Shore Excursion Tour in Istanbul offers a remarkable opportunity to take in the city’s captivating history and vibrant culture. From the breathtaking Blue Mosque to the iconic Hagia Sophia, and the bustling Grand Bazaar, this tour provides a seamless and unforgettable way to discover Istanbul’s treasures. With personalized attention from a private guide, travelers can experience the richness of this captivating destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: