Istanbul Old City Tour from Istanbul Galataport
About This Tour
One day in Istanbul can take you through centuries of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history within the streets of the historic peninsula. This Istanbul Old City Tour begins with pickup from Istanbul Galataport and continues to Topkapi Palace , the former residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans. Your licensed guide then leads you through Sultanahmet to Hagia Sophia , followed by the Blue Mosque , with its distinctive minarets and famous blue Iznik tiles. Continue across the ancient Hippodrome , once the ceremonial and sporting centre of Constantinople, where monuments include the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpentine Column. Your Istanbul shore excursion concludes at the historic Grand Bazaar , one of the world's best known covered markets, before returning to Galataport. Walking and public transportation are used throughout the itinerary, creating an efficient route through Istanbul's Old City for cruise passengers who want to see the city's essential historical landmarks in one day.
Tour Highlights
Places Visited
Tour Location
Day by Day Itinerary
Our licensed guide will greet you as you disembark at Galataport, ready to start your Istanbul discovery right away.with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans. Now a museum, it houses imperial treasures, Islamic relics, and the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond. (Closed on Tuesdays.)
Next, explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as both a church and a mosque over the centuries. Just across the square, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its elegant minarets and interior decorated with blue İznik tiles.
Continue to the Hippodrome, once the social and political hub of Constantinople, where you’ll see historical monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.
Conclude your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, a centuries-old marketplace with thousands of shops selling traditional Turkish goods, from spices and ceramics to jewelry and carpets. (Closed on Sundays.)
Public transportation and walking are used throughout the tour for a more authentic experience.
The tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your cruise ship at Istanbul Galataport.
What's Included
Included
- Pick-up & drop-off from IstanbulPort
- Licensed professional English-speaking guide
- Vehicle air-conditioned, non-smoking
Not Included
- All Entrance fees
- Lunch & Drinks
- Personal expenses.
Tour Highlights
Important Information
Meeting Point: Istanbul Galata Port
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes pickup and drop off from Istanbul Port or your hotel, a licensed English speaking professional guide, public transportation by tram, parking fees where applicable, local taxes and insurance. Entrance fees, lunch, drinks, personal expenses and gratuities are excluded.