Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line
Make the most of your time in Istanbul with this exceptional private tour of the city’s historic Old Town, designed exclusively for cruise guests. Choose between a half-day or full-day experience to suit your schedule and interests.
Explore Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks—including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern—with skip-the-line access, so you can spend more time discovering and less time waiting.
For those opting for a full-day tour, you have the option to enhance your experience by adding a visit to the Topkapi Palace or enjoying a scenic Bosphorus boat tour.
Your knowledgeable guide will meet you directly at the cruise port and accompany you throughout the tour, sharing fascinating insights and stories that bring Istanbul’s rich history to life. Midway through, enjoy a refreshing break with a complimentary Turkish tea or coffee at a local café.
At the end of your day, your guide will escort you back to the cruise pier.
Options
Full Day with Topkapi Palace
Full day with Topkapi Palace: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar
Pickup included
What's included in Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia served as a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a mosque again. Admire its grand dome, golden mosaics, and layers of religious history that span over 1,500 years.
Basilica Cistern
We're going to explore the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water storage system designed to withstand long sieges. With its vast size and 336 columns, it's often referred to as the 'Underground Palace.' It's not only a remarkable historical site but also offers a unique and fascinating experience beneath the streets of Istanbul." Please note that the entry fee is 900 TL per person, and we will purchase the tickets for you to skip the line. Kindly have the amount ready in cash. ( officials share that it will be 1300 TL pp but date is not confirmed yet ).
Blue Mosque
Famed for its six minarets and stunning blue İznik tiles, the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship and a symbol of Ottoman grandeur. Don’t miss its serene courtyard and majestic interior.
Inclusions
- Skipping the ticket lines ( Not including entry tickets )
- We will take tram from port to old city ( fastest way to reach old city )
- Private walking tour with an official tour guide
- Borek or Simit with tea or Turkish coffee
- Food and drinks are not mentioned in the inclusion part
- Gratuities
- if you have full day with Topkapi Palace, entry fee is 2400 TL pp
- Basilica Cistern
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- At the Blue Mosque, no one has the right to skip the lines.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and our guide can show another bazaar instead.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Half day tour is available on Tuesdays or will be replaced with Bosphorus Tour for full day tours
- On Religious Fests; Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
- Blue Mosque open after 2 pm on Fridays.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Our guides will be waiting for you at the individual exit, holding a sign with your name on it.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
To ensure a smooth and personalized experience, please provide us with the name of your cruise ship, so that our guide can meet you directly at the port. We will purchase all entry tickets in advance to help you skip the lines and make the most of your time in Istanbul. Kindly prepare the entry fees in cash, payable in USD, Euro, or Turkish Lira. If you prefer to pay by credit card, please note that an 8% bank and VAT processing fee will apply. Current Entry Fees (Per Person): Hagia Sophia: €25 Basilica Cistern: 1,500 TL Topkapi Palace (if booked as part of a full-day tour): 2,400 TL Important: Entry fees are set by government institutions and may change after your booking. We will do our best to inform you in advance, but in the event of last-minute changes, we may not have time to notify you prior to your tour. Dress Code for Mosque Visits Since the tour includes active mosques like the Blue Mosque: Ladies should bring a scarf or shawl to cover their heads. Men are allowed to wear shorts, but they must cover the knees. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you to Istanbul and sharing its rich history and beauty with you!
