Istanbul Shore Excursion from Galataport (Private)
Make the most of your day in port with a private guided tour of Istanbul, built around your ship's schedule. Your guide meets you as you step off the ship at Galataport — right in the heart of the city, on the Bosphorus — and brings you back to the terminal in good time before all aboard.
In one day you'll see the highlights of the Old City: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. Prefer something else? Swap a stop for Topkapı Palace or the Spice Bazaar. Tell us your ship and its times when you send your request, and we'll plan the day to fit.
About this activity
- Free cancellationCancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund minus the payment processing fee (up to 5%)
- Duration6–8 hours, planned around your ship's schedule
- Live tour guideEnglish
Where you’ll visit
- Hagia Sophia (optional to enter with an entrance fee): a 1,500-year-old masterpiece — the greatest church of Byzantium, then an Ottoman mosque.
- Blue Mosque (closed until 14:30 on Fridays): six minarets and over 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles.
- Hippodrome of Constantinople: the ancient arena of chariot races, with the Obelisk of Theodosius.
- Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays): one of the oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops.
- Or instead: Topkapı Palace (closed on Tuesdays) or the Spice Bazaar — your guide adapts the day to what you'd like to see.
What’s included
- Professional licensed tour guide (English or Spanish)
- Private tour (exclusively for you or your group)
- Meeting and drop-off at the Galataport cruise terminal
- A day planned around your ship's arrival and all-aboard times
- Entrance fees (optional): Hagia Sophia (€25 per person), Topkapı Palace & Harem (approx. 62 USD per person) — paid at the entrance, with skip-the-line access
- Public transportation (tram)
- Lunch
- Private vehicle (optional — can be arranged on request)
- Tips for your guide — not mandatory, but recommended if you are happy with the tour
Good to know
- Back on board in time: we plan the day to get you back to the terminal at least one hour before all-aboard, and your guide keeps an eye on the clock.
- Ship running late? Message us on WhatsApp — the tour starts when you step off the ship.
- Bring your ship card and ID: you'll need them to get back on board.
- Walking level: easy to moderate. The Old City is explored on foot and by tram (a five-minute walk from the port) — wear comfortable shoes.
- Mosque dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, and women also cover their hair — bring a scarf if you can (covers are available at the entrance).
Frequently asked questions
Are museum entrance fees included?
Entrance tickets are optional and not included in the tour price. If you would like to go inside, you pay on the day (per person): Hagia Sophia $30, Topkapı Palace & Harem $57. Your guide buys them for you.
Will we wait in long ticket lines?
Your guide buys the tickets, so you skip the ticket line. At busy times there can still be a short security or entrance queue at Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace; your guide plans the order of the visits to keep waiting to a minimum.
Where do we meet?
If your hotel is central, your guide comes to your hotel and you start the tour together on foot or by tram. If you are staying further out, we agree on an easy meeting point nearby.
How much walking is there?
It is a walking tour at an easy pace, with rest stops whenever you need them. Tell us if anyone in your group has limited mobility and we will plan the day around it.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes. To enter the mosques, shoulders and knees should be covered, and women need a headscarf (one can be borrowed at the entrance).
How do I pay?
There is nothing to pay when you send your request. We confirm availability and the final price by email, then you book with a secure payment link.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Cancel up to 48 hours before the tour for a full refund minus the payment processing fee (up to 5%).
Is tipping mandatory?
No, tipping is not mandatory and is not included in the price. If you enjoyed your day, a tip for your guide (and driver) is always appreciated.
Another question? Ask us on WhatsApp
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