Istanbul Shore Excursions

Private guided shore tours for cruise-ship passengers at Istanbul Port

Cover all the main highlights of the city from the Grand Bazaar to Topkapi Palace - Travel in comfort with pick up and drop off to the cruise ship at the port, your own private guide, private A/C transport and a tailor made tour program. For sample itineraries, check out our Istanbul Tours page or see our Ephesus Tours ...

Istanbul Port Information:
This is often the first or final boarding point for cruises around the Greek Isles and Turkey, making it perfect for pre and post cruise ship extensions. The city is a major highlight for any cruise in the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, with ships arriving in from the Marmara Sea, past the Princes' Islands and Golden Horn to dock at the start of the Bosphorus strait, between Asia and Europe. The main cruise ship ports used in Istanbul are usually on the European side of the city, about 30 mins from the Old City. Or read about Kusadasi/Izmir port information here.

Sample Istanbul Tour Itinerary:
Private Istanbul Tour of the Old City
Pick up at the cruise ship pier. Drive to the Old City to visit Topkapi Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans, with its jewel encrusted treasury and elegant four courts. Next visit the famous Hagia Sophia Museum, once the largest church in the world for 1000 years. After lunch, visit the Blue Mosque, designed with 6 delicate minarets and a striking blue Iznik tiled interior. Nearby, take a stroll through the site of the ancient Hippodrome, once the sporting ground of chariots and political riots, and see the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and Fountain of Wilhelm II. Finally, visit the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop or haggle with local merchants over unusual antiques, colorful spices, beautiful jewelery and richly textured fabrics. Drop off to the cruise ship pier.

Tailor made shore excursions for cruise passengers:
Just forward your details of arrival and interests and we can create a tailor made escorted shore tour for your time in Istanbul, Kusadasi or Izmir. Our private guides and A/C transport can collect and drop you off at the port for ship disembarking and boarding times.

Email us about this tour