Istanbul Shore Excursion: Private Istanbul Express Sightseeing Tour

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya), Ayasofya Square, Sultanahmet, Istanbul 34122 Turkey

Meet your expert guide at the cruise port and board your air-conditioned minivan to begin your 4-hour private shore excursion of Istanbul's highlights.

Head for Sultanahmet, Istanbul Old Town, and make your first stop at the Hagia Sophia, the breathtaking, UNESCO-listed church-turned-mosque-turned-museum. Completed in 537 AD by the Roman Emperor Justinian, this towering masterpiece was once one of the world’s largest Christian basilicas, and is coated in shimmering Byzantine mosaics. Admire its dome — an extraordinary architectural feat for the 6th century — and view the mosaics and Ottoman artifacts as your guide charts their history.

Continue to the Blue Mosque, another of Istanbul’s signature sights. Designed to outshine the nearby Hagia Sophia, this classical 17th-century mosque is a whirl of domes and minarets. Head inside with your guide to see the 20,000 blue İznik tiles that cover its ceiling and give it its name.

Next, be swept up in the colors and chaos of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. This huge, covered marketplace was established in 1456 and rings with stalls selling a myriad of goods, from jewelry to carpets. As you stroll, learn how the lanes are divided into different merchandise areas in traditional Ottoman style, and see the bedestans (domed market halls) that formed the original structure. Get buying tips from your guide and explore some of the 13 hans – open courtyards — that were caravan stops for medieval merchants.

After time to absorb the sights and sounds, return to the port, where your tour finishes.

Please note: the order of activities as described above may be subject to change on the day of your tour.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:

We will ensure your timely return to Istanbul cruise 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.

Duration: 4 hours