Private Istanbul Shore Excursion 2026 from Galataport | 6-7h

per person

Your Istanbul port call, maximized and secured: private shore excursion from Galataport to Sultanahmet with an official guide and a guaranteed return to your ship

Six to seven hours engineered around your ship's schedule: pickup at the Galataport terminal itself, the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar, with calculated time margins and a contractually guaranteed return to your ship. A fully private tour with an official guide: the difference between seeing Istanbul from the deck and coming back on board having understood it.

Highlights

About This Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Includes

Excludes

Important Information

Payment & Booking

Cancellation Policy

Select Your Date

Private 6-7 hour shore excursion from Galataport cruise terminal with a licensed Spanish/English-speaking guide. Tour of Istanbul Old City: Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Pickup and return to port coordinated with your ship's schedule.

From USD 150

Duration: 6-7 hours

Group: Max 10

Languages: EN, ES

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights

Direct pickup at Galataport cruise terminal by your licensed guide
Guaranteed return to the port on time
before your ship's departure
Hippodrome of Constantinople with the Obelisk of Theodosius
the Serpent Column and the Column of Constantine
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) with its six minarets and the İznik tiles
Hagia Sophia: Byzantine cathedral and imperial Ottoman mosque in one building
Topkapi Palace: official residence of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries
with the Sacred Relics and Imperial Treasury
Basilica Cistern with the Medusa heads
Justinian's underground Istanbul
Grand Bazaar: the oldest covered market in the world
last stop before returning to port
Licensed official guide certified by the Turkish state
Spanish/English-speaking
100% private tour: only your group
no waiting and no unknown cruise companions

## Istanbul in Six Hours for Cruise Passengers

A Mediterranean cruise is not complete without a stop in Istanbul, but the few hours the ship stays in port often raise a dilemma: how much can you actually see, how to organize it without getting lost, and most importantly, how to get back to the ship on time without stress. This private shore excursion is designed exactly to solve that dilemma. Six to seven hours that start at the port and end at the port, with a licensed official guide who knows the port times and monument flows. The idea is to maximize content and minimize uncertainty: the traveler leaves the ship, sees the five essential places in the Old City and Topkapi Palace, and returns to the dock with margin.

## Galataport: The Departure and Return Point

Galataport is the new cruise port of Istanbul, opened in 2021 after a decade of construction. It replaced the old Salıpazarı and is today one of the most modern urban ports in the Mediterranean, with an underground terminal that leaves the Bosphorus façade open, a pedestrian coastal promenade, restaurants, museums (İstanbul Modern relocated here in 2023) and immediate connection to the Karaköy neighborhood and the historic zone. It is in Karaköy, at the foot of the Galata Tower, fifteen minutes by car or twenty by tram from the heart of Sultanahmet. This proximity is the base of the shore excursion: instead of wasting two hours of the six available on transfers, the location of Galataport is used to start exploring the city almost immediately. Your guide waits for you at the designated terminal exit with a sign bearing your name, accompanies you to the first stop and coordinates timing to ensure a punctual return.

## Hippodrome of Constantinople, Where Sultanahmet Begins

From Galataport we reach the Hippodrome of Constantinople, in Sultanahmet Square, in less than twenty minutes. Here the Old City tour begins. For over a thousand years Byzantine emperors held chariot races and military ceremonies in this space. The Nika Revolt of 532 nearly toppled Justinian. Today three pieces survive: the Obelisk of Theodosius, carved in Egypt over thirty-five hundred years ago and brought to Constantinople in 390; the Serpent Column, originally a Greek victory trophy over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea, brought from Delphi; and the Column of Constantine from the tenth century. The guide explains how this space, now a quiet park, was for centuries the most important political stage in eastern Europe.

## The Blue Mosque: Six-Minaret Ottoman Architecture

A few steps from the Hippodrome stands the Sultanahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque. It was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, a student of Mimar Sinan. The popular name comes from the more than twenty thousand İznik tiles that line its interior in blues, greens and turquoise. It was the first imperial Ottoman mosque built with six minarets, a detail that caused friction in Mecca, which had six as well. The sultan resolved the issue by funding a seventh minaret for the holy mosque. It is still an active place of worship, so visits adjust to the five daily prayers. The guide coordinates the exact entry time and the practical side of headscarves and shoeless entry. Men and women cover shoulders and knees to enter.

## Hagia Sophia and Fifteen Hundred Years of History

Across the square stands Hagia Sophia, arguably the single most important building in the history of architecture. Built by Emperor Justinian in just five years, between 532 and 537, and for almost a thousand years the largest Christian cathedral in the world. Its central dome of thirty-one meters in diameter at fifty-five meters of height broke every engineering record of its time. The guide helps you read all four lives of the building in a single visit: Orthodox cathedral until 1204, Catholic cathedral during the brief Latin occupation, imperial Ottoman mosque since 1453, museum from 1934 to 2020, and mosque again since. Inside, Byzantine mosaics of Christ and the Virgin coexist with green disks of Arabic calligraphy hanging high above. Entry is not included in the tour price. Official rate approximately twenty-five euros per person, with Fast Track option around thirty euros to skip the queue in high season.

## Topkapi Palace: The Heart of the Ottoman Empire

Walking up from Hagia Sophia we enter the Topkapi Palace complex, official residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries, between 1465 and 1856. Mehmed II ordered its construction after the conquest of Constantinople. Four courtyards, each with its function. The Second Courtyard houses the Divan and the imperial kitchens. The Third contains the Sacred Relics, with objects attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, and the Imperial Treasury with the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond, one of the largest gems in the world. The Fourth Courtyard opens onto the Bosphorus, with panoramic views over the Golden Horn and the Asian shore. Entry to the palace is not included. Official rate approximately two thousand seven hundred and fifty Turkish lira per person. Visitors with a licensed official guide can use the dedicated guide entrance and skip queues. Guiding inside the palace is reserved by Turkish law to state-licensed guides.

## The Basilica Cistern: Underground Istanbul

One hundred and fifty meters from Hagia Sophia and Topkapi, below ground, lies the Basilica Cistern, called Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish. Justinian also built it in 532 to supply water to the Imperial Palace. It is an underground hall one hundred forty-three by sixty-five meters, supported by three hundred and thirty-six marble columns reused from pagan temples. Hence the mix of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian capitals in no apparent order. At the far end, two columns rest on carved Medusa heads, one upside down and one sideways. The walkway tour takes about twenty minutes, ideal after the intensity of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi. The underground temperature is also a relief in summer. Official entry approximately one thousand nine hundred fifty Turkish lira per person, not included. Visitors with a licensed official guide enter through the dedicated guide entrance.

## The Grand Bazaar: Commercial Close Before Returning to Port

The route ends at the Grand Bazaar before the transfer back to Galataport. Mehmed II founded it in 1461, and today it occupies more than four thousand shops on sixty-one covered streets, historically organized by guild. One street of jewelers, another of carpets, another of spices, another of ceramics, another of leather. The guide shows you how to navigate without getting lost, which pieces are authentic, what prices are reasonable, and how bargaining works respectfully. For cruise passengers the Grand Bazaar is especially useful: authentic souvenirs in one place, close to the return to port and with a guide who avoids tourist traps. You don't have to buy anything. Walking under the painted arches is reward enough.

## Why a Private Tour Is Essential When You Come from a Cruise

Cruise lines offer large group excursions from the port, but the format has obvious problems for passengers who want to see Istanbul properly. Groups are usually thirty or forty people, with a single guide sometimes without Turkish state license (which prevents entering as a guided group at Hagia Sophia or Topkapi), waiting times at each stop due to group dispersion, and a fixed itinerary that cannot adjust to the traveler's preferences. A private shore excursion solves all four problems: only your group, licensed official guide who can enter and explain inside the monuments, pace tailored to your energy and the ability to change stops on the fly. For groups of three or more travelers, the per-person cost of the private tour is competitive against the cruise line's excursion and the experience is radically superior.

## The Logistics of a Shore Excursion: Times, Margins and Return Guarantee

The critical factor of any shore excursion is time. If your ship departs at six in the evening and the last call on board is at five, the real margin is tight. Our tour is designed with a two-hour margin over the ship's last call, so that any unforeseen event (traffic, queues at Hagia Sophia, delay at Topkapi) does not compromise departure. The guide follows your cruise's official schedule in real time and, if any delay is detected, adjusts the itinerary on the spot, prioritizing the essential places. The return to Galataport is taken by the most efficient route according to current traffic (which in Istanbul varies a lot by hour). The commitment is clear: no passenger has ever missed a ship with us, and the guarantee is backed by TÜRSAB coverage. If a real delay occurs due to a cause attributable to our tour, the agency covers the costs associated with joining the ship at the next port of call.

## Updated Official Rates and Optional Costs

Entrance fees to the optional monuments are not included in the shore excursion price. Official rates approximate at the time of publication, subject to change by Turkish authorities. Hagia Sophia: €25 per person, Fast Track option €30. Topkapi Palace: 2,750 TL per person. Basilica Cistern: 1,950 TL per person. Estimated total per person if all three optional entries are taken: approximately €165-185 depending on the day's exchange rate. Payment at the ticket office at each visit. Entries can be paid in cash (Turkish lira, euro, dollar depending on the monument) or by card. Your guide coordinates purchase to avoid unnecessary queues.

## Tour Price per Group (1-6 and 7-10 People)

The shore excursion rate is per group, in US dollars, not per person. Up to 6 people the price is 150 USD for the entire tour. From 7 to 10 people the price is 180 USD. Payment is a single per-group amount, so when divided by the number of travelers the real cost per person drops as the group grows: two people pay 75 USD each, four pay around 38, six pay 25; seven people pay around 26 USD each, ten pay 18. Optional entrance fees to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern are paid separately per person at the ticket office, at the official rate on the day.

## What Is Included and What Is Not

The price covers the licensed official guide, the private shore excursion (not shared with other ships or passengers), pickup at Galataport cruise terminal, return to Galataport on time before ship's departure, historical and cultural commentary at each stop and local recommendations. It does not include entries to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and the Basilica Cistern, paid at the ticket office at the official rate. It does not include food and drinks, transportation between stops within Sultanahmet (mostly walking, with private taxi transfer from Galataport to Sultanahmet coordinated by the guide if time is tight), personal expenses or Grand Bazaar purchases. Tips for the guide are optional and welcome if the experience has been good. Closed comfortable footwear required: you will walk on uneven Byzantine stone and climb stairs at Hagia Sophia and Topkapi. Clothing covering shoulders and knees to enter the Blue Mosque, with headscarf provided to women at the door.

## Booking with Alfombra Voladora Travel (TÜRSAB A-9759), an Agency with Cruise Experience

Istanbul Private Tours is the private tour brand of Alfombra Voladora Travel, a Turkish travel agency officially registered with TÜRSAB under license A-9759. This certification is required by law to operate in Türkiye and is especially important in the shore excursion segment: it allows access to Galataport with authorized vehicle, guarantees professional insurance coverage, gives access to licensed official guides (the only ones authorized by law to guide inside Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and the Basilica Cistern) and backs the return-to-port guarantee. Book by WhatsApp, email or phone indicating the ship's name, the docking date at Galataport, the official last-call-on-board time and the number of people in the group. We confirm availability in writing and send via WhatsApp the day before the minute-by-minute plan and the guide's information (name, photo and mobile phone). Cancellation: full refund if the ship changes its itinerary and does not dock in Istanbul, or if cancelled with four or more days in advance. No refund for cancellations within two days.

Included

Licensed official guide certified by the Turkish state
Private shore excursion on foot and with coordinated transport
Pickup at Galataport cruise terminal
Return to Galataport on time before ship's departure
Historical and cultural commentary at each stop
Local recommendations and practical travel advice

Itinerary

Not Included

Entrance fees: Hagia Sophia (~€25
or €30 with Fast Track)
Topkapi Palace (~2
750 TL)
Basilica Cistern (~1
950 TL)
Food and drinks during the tour
Transportation between stops within Sultanahmet (mostly walking)
Personal expenses and Grand Bazaar purchases
Tips
optional

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The itinerary is flexible: you can extend time at Topkapi, reduce time at the Grand Bazaar, swap the Bosphorus cruise for a Princes' Islands excursion, add Dolmabahçe Palace instead of Fener-Balat, or focus all of Day 2 on local gastronomy. Let us know when booking and the guide will adapt the plan.

Estimated per-person cost if all optional entries are taken: Hagia Sophia €25-30, Topkapi 2,750 TL (~€75), Cistern 1,950 TL (~€55), Dolmabahçe 2,000 TL (~€57), Bosphorus cruise 10 USD, Kadıköy ferry 30 TL (~€1). Estimated total ~€220-235 per person, subject to exchange rates.

Bosphorus boats have both covered and open areas, so the cruise runs with light or moderate rain. If forecasts show a full-day storm or heavy rain, the guide proposes alternatives on the day: bring covered stops forward, add a museum (Archaeological Museum, Byzantine Mosaics) or swap the cruise for a food walk in Karaköy. The goal is for you to make the most of Day 2 even if the weather changes.

It is fully private. Only your group goes with the guide. It is not shared with strangers, so pace, stops and photo breaks are tuned to you.

No. Entry to Hagia Sophia is around 25 euros per person (or 30 with Fast Track), and the Basilica Cistern around 1,950 Turkish lira. Rates are set by the Turkish authorities and can change without notice.

It is an active place of worship. It closes to tourist visits during the five daily prayers and on religious holidays such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The guide arranges the stop order to minimize waiting.

Approximately 6 to 7 hours per day (Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3), depending on group pace, Blue Mosque prayer schedule and chosen time at Topkapi, Dolmabahçe, cruise and ferry. The itinerary is flexible.

Guides licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, fluent Spanish or English. Let us know when booking.

Yes, fully private all three days. Only your group goes with the guide. It is not shared with strangers.

Day 1 imperial in Sultanahmet (Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar). Day 2 authentic in Golden Horn and Bosphorus (Süleymaniye, Fener, Balat, Spice Bazaar, cruise). Day 3 modern and Asian side (Dolmabahçe, Taksim, İstiklal, Galata, ferry to Kadıköy).

Dolmabahçe is a 19th-century European-style palace (1843-1856), it fits better on Day 3 dedicated to modern Republican Istanbul, alongside İstiklal, Taksim and Galata. We reserve Day 2 for the real neighborhoods (Fener, Balat) that most standard tours skip.

Sultanahmet or Taksim: hotel pickup each day. Other areas: agreed meeting point via WhatsApp with public transport or taxi instructions.

Closed and comfortable shoes: you will walk on uneven stone and climb stairs. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter the Blue Mosque (women receive a headscarf at the door). A water bottle. Sunscreen in summer. A light jacket in winter.

Yes, we offer a 2-Day Private Tour combining Day 1 + Day 2 (without Dolmabahçe, Galata, Taksim, İstiklal or Kadıköy). The three-day adds modern Day 3 and the Asian side, the most authentic part of the tour. If you only have two days, the 2-day is sufficient.

Between three and four hours, depending on group pace and monument schedules. If the Blue Mosque closes for prayer or you want to spend more time at Hagia Sophia, the guide adapts the itinerary.

Our guides are licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and speak fluent Spanish. We also offer the tour in English. Let us know when booking.

If you are staying in Sultanahmet or Taksim, the guide picks you up at the hotel. If you are in another district, such as Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş or Kadıköy, we agree on a meeting point in Sultanahmet, usually the fountain at Sultanahmet Parkı between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and send WhatsApp instructions.

No. It is a walking tour. The five stops are within a 600-meter radius in Sultanahmet, so they are covered on foot. The return to your hotel from the tour area, if needed, is on your own.

The current official rate is around 25 euros per person. There is a Fast Track ticket around 30 euros that skips the queue. Prices can change; the guide confirms on the day.

In high season (April to October) and on weekends, the standard queue can exceed ninety minutes and Fast Track usually pays off. In low season or early morning, the standard queue may be short. The guide advises on the spot based on the day and hour.

The official rate is around 1,950 Turkish lira per person. Visitors entering with a licensed official guide can usually use the dedicated guide entrance and skip the long queue, subject to venue rules.

The tour is fully on foot and some stops are not accessible. The Basilica Cistern in particular is underground with stairs and uneven floors. If you have reduced mobility, write to us before booking and we will adapt the itinerary by removing inaccessible stops.

Yes. Sultanahmet is one of the most monitored tourist areas in Istanbul, with risk equivalent to any European old town. You are accompanied at all times by a local guide who knows the area and the safety protocols (tourist police, medical assistance, embassies).

You can book by WhatsApp (+90 546 559 25 00), email (info@istanbulprivatetours.com) or via the website. We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfer and cash payment on the tour day. Availability is confirmed in writing before any charge.

Yes. You can add Topkapı Palace (with its entry fee and one to two extra hours), reduce time at the Grand Bazaar, focus on Byzantine art or on Ottoman architecture. Let us know when booking and the guide will adapt the plan.

Cappadocia deserves its own trip (flight + minimum 2 nights). A day-trip breaks the Istanbul tour rhythm, leaves the traveler tired and shows a reduced Cappadocia. Kadıköy and the Asian side, instead, complete the Istanbul bi-continental view and show the local face the average traveler does not see. If you want to add Cappadocia, contact us: we organize separate 2-3 night trips.

No. Optional entrance fees are paid at the gate at the official rate: Hagia Sophia ~€25 (€30 Fast Track), Topkapi ~2,750 TL, Cistern ~1,950 TL, Dolmabahçe ~2,000 TL. Rates are set by Turkish authorities and may change.

Approximately 6 to 7 hours per day, depending on group pace, the Blue Mosque prayer schedule (Day 1) and the chosen time at Topkapi and on the Bosphorus cruise (Day 2). The itinerary is flexible and adapts to your energy.

Our guides are officially licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and speak fluent Spanish. We also offer the tour in English. Let us know when booking.

For a single day we offer our Half Day Old City Private Tour, which covers the Sultanahmet icons (Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar) in 3-4 hours. The two-day adds Topkapi with real time, Süleymaniye, Fener, Balat, Egyptian Spice Bazaar and the Bosphorus cruise. If you only have one day, the half day is enough for a first visit.

No. Optional entrance fees are paid at the gate at the official rate on the day: Hagia Sophia around €25 (or €30 with Fast Track), Topkapi around 2,750 Turkish lira, Basilica Cistern around 1,950 Turkish lira. Rates are set by Turkish authorities and may change without notice.

It is fully private both days. Only your group goes with the guide. It is not shared with strangers: pace, stops and photo breaks are tuned to you with no waiting for anyone.

Day 1 imperial (Sultanahmet): Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Day 2 authentic (Golden Horn and Bosphorus): Süleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat neighborhoods, Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Bosphorus cruise. Order adjusts each day to schedules and weather.

If you are staying in Sultanahmet or Taksim, the guide picks you up at the hotel each day. If you are in another area (Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, etc.), we agree on a convenient meeting point and send WhatsApp instructions with public transport or taxi options.

If all four optional entries are taken, the approximate cost per person is around €25-30 for Hagia Sophia, 2,750 TL for Topkapi (around €75 at current rates), 1,950 TL for the Basilica Cistern (around €55) and 10 USD for the public Bosphorus cruise. Estimated total per person: approximately €165 to €180, subject to exchange rates and current pricing.

It is an active place of worship. It closes to tourist visits during the five daily prayers (each blocks 30-45 minutes) and on religious holidays such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The guide arranges the Day 1 stop order to minimize waiting and enter at the best time of day.

Fener and Balat are the neighborhoods where Istanbul actually lives, not where tour buses arrive. In Fener stands the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (worldwide Orthodox seat since the 15th century), Byzantine churches painted red and icon workshops. Balat is the old Sephardic Jewish neighborhood, today the most photographed in the city for its painted houses, street art and bohemian cafés. It is the multicultural and authentic face of the city, outside the classic circuit.

The tour is designed for walking, with stairs inside Hagia Sophia and Topkapi and uneven ground in Fener and Balat. The Basilica Cistern is underground with stairs and limited accessibility. If you have reduced mobility, contact us before booking and we will adapt the itinerary by removing inaccessible stops and, if needed, adding private transport.

It depends on the day and season. In high season (April-October) and weekends, the standard Hagia Sophia queue can exceed 90 minutes and Fast Track usually pays off. At Topkapi, entry with a licensed official guide allows use of the guide entrance when available, skipping the long queue without needing a Fast Track ticket. In low season or early morning, queues are usually short. The guide advises on the spot.

The cruise is public (city regular line), not private. It departs from Eminönü pier, goes up the European shore to the second Bosphorus bridge and back down the Asian shore. You see Ottoman palaces (Dolmabahçe, Çırağan, Beylerbeyi), medieval fortresses and bridges. The guide boards with you and narrates what you see. Ticket approx. 10 USD per person, not included in the tour price.

No, both days are walking. Day 1 stops are within an approximately 700-meter walkable radius in Sultanahmet. Day 2 stops are covered on foot between Süleymaniye, Fener, Balat and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, with the Bosphorus cruise as a close. If you need private transport for reduced mobility, contact us before booking.

Closed and comfortable shoes are required (two days on uneven stone and palace stairs). Clothing covering shoulders and knees to enter the mosques (Blue and Süleymaniye). Women receive a headscarf at the door. A water bottle. Sunscreen and a hat in summer. A light jacket and folding umbrella in winter and shoulder seasons.

Yes, Balat has some of Istanbul's best food options outside the tourist circuit: traditional Turkish kahvaltı (breakfast), artisanal kebab, local sweets and cafés with highly recommended carrot cake. The guide recommends good honest spots on the day. Food is not included in the tour price; it is paid separately by the traveler.

Yes. Fener and Balat are residential neighborhoods that have become popular with independent travelers in recent years, with no more risk than any European old town. You are accompanied at all times by a local guide who knows the area, tourist safety protocols and assistance points. It is one of the quietest parts of Day 2.

You can book via WhatsApp (+90 546 559 25 00), email (info@istanbulprivatetours.com) or via the website. We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfer and cash payment on the first tour day. Availability is confirmed in writing before any charge. Cancellation policy: full refund with 4 or more days in advance, no refund within 2 days.

The private vehicle (150 USD per day) shortens travel time and allows more stops with less fatigue. We especially recommend it if you're traveling with elderly people, small children or the group is four or more. If you're two young travelers and want to experience Istanbul's public transport (tram, ferry), it works fine without vehicle.

Yes, Kadıköy is one of the quietest and safest neighborhoods in Istanbul. It is a residential area with everyday life, cafés, local markets and little tourism. You are accompanied at all times by a local guide who knows the area.

The guide tracks official schedule updates. If the Blue Mosque or Süleymaniye are closed for prayer, the stop order is reorganized. If Topkapi or Dolmabahçe close for official events (state visits, ceremonies), they are replaced with equivalent alternatives: Archaeological Museum, Byzantine Mosaics, Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore.

Yes, very popular option. The Princes' Islands are a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, car-free, with Ottoman houses and 19th-century mansions. The excursion takes the full day (ferry from Eminönü or Kabataş, 1h-1h30 ride). Let us know when booking.

Book via WhatsApp (+90 546 559 25 00), email (info@istanbulprivatetours.com) or website. We accept cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfer and cash on the first day. Availability confirmed in writing. Cancellation: full refund with 4 days or more, no refund within 2 days.

Bosphorus ferries have covered areas. With light rain the crossing runs. With full-day storm or heavy rain, the guide proposes alternatives: move Kadıköy to the Day 3 morning before the rain, extend Dolmabahçe and İstiklal in covered areas, or swap Kadıköy for Istanbul Museums (İstanbul Modern, Pera Museum).

Closed and comfortable shoes (three days on uneven stone and palace stairs). Clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosques (headscarf provided to women). Water bottle. Sunscreen and hat in summer. Light jacket in winter and shoulder seasons. Comfortable clothes for the Day 3 ferry to the Asian side.

Yes. Balat (Day 2) and Kadıköy (Day 3) have excellent local food: Turkish kahvaltı breakfast, artisanal kebab, sweets, cafés. The guide recommends good honest spots. Food is not included in the price.

The tour includes walking and stairs (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Dolmabahçe, Cistern). If there is reduced mobility, contact us before booking: we adapt the itinerary and recommend a private vehicle for Day 2 and Day 3.

By default the three days are consecutive (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3). If your schedule requires (for example, a free day in between for Cappadocia), they can be split. Ask us at booking.

Yes. You can extend Topkapi or Dolmabahçe, swap Kadıköy for the Princes' Islands, add the Archaeological Museum, change the cruise for a food walk, focus Day 3 on contemporary art (İstanbul Modern, Karaköy galleries) or gastronomy (Karaköy + Kadıköy). Let us know when booking.

Approximately 6 to 7 hours from pickup at the cruise terminal to return to port. The tour is designed with two hours of margin over your ship's last call on board.

The guide tracks your cruise's official schedule in real time and designs the itinerary with two hours of margin over the last call on board. If any delay is detected (traffic, queues), the plan is adjusted on the spot, prioritizing essential places. No passenger has ever missed a ship with us. TÜRSAB coverage in case of delay attributable to the tour.

At the designated cruise terminal exit, with a sign bearing your name. The day before we send you via WhatsApp the exact meeting point, the guide's name, photo and mobile phone for contact at any time.

Yes, with margin. For ships docking 6-7 hours, the itinerary prioritizes Sultanahmet (Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Cistern) without Topkapi. If you dock 8 hours or more, Topkapi is included. If you dock less than 6 hours, we replace Topkapi with a traditional café and a walk through the Spice Bazaar near the port.

Guides officially licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with fluent Spanish or English. Let us know when booking.

It is fully private. Only your group goes with the guide, no mixing of ships or unknown passengers. This lets you adjust pace to your energy and change stops on the fly if you wish.

No. Optional entries are paid at the gate: Hagia Sophia ~€25 (€30 Fast Track), Topkapi ~2,750 TL, Cistern ~1,950 TL per person. Rates are set by Turkish authorities and may change without notice.

The guide reviews the day's prayer schedule before the tour and reorganizes the stop order to minimize waiting. If the visit coincides with a prayer, Hagia Sophia or Topkapi is prioritized meanwhile and we return to the Blue Mosque afterwards.

Yes, with enough time. If your ship docks 9 hours or more, the Grand Bazaar can be replaced with a short 1-hour Bosphorus cruise with views of Dolmabahçe, Çırağan, the medieval fortresses and the entrance to the Black Sea. Let us know when booking.

Yes, we recommend carrying your passport (or the document the ship gave you when disembarking) throughout the day. Turkish tourist police may request it in tourist areas and you need it to board the ship again. Keep a photo of the passport on your phone as backup.

Yes, there are quick quality options near Sultanahmet (artisanal kebab, Turkish lokanta, café with simit). The guide recommends good honest spots on the day. If you prefer not to lose time, you can bring light food from the ship and eat quickly in one of Topkapi's courtyards. Food is not included in the price.

The ship's excursion is usually a large group (30-40 people), with waiting times, fixed itinerary and sometimes a guide without Turkish license, which prevents guided entry at Hagia Sophia or Topkapi. The private tour is only your group, with an official guide who can explain inside the monuments, pace tailored to your energy and the ability to change stops. For groups of three or more travelers, the per-person cost is competitive.

If the ship is delayed arriving, the guide waits at the terminal and starts the tour when you disembark. The total available time is maintained, proportionally shortening stops to ensure return to port on time. TÜRSAB coverage in case of delay attributable to the tour.

Hagia Sophia accepts euro, dollar and Turkish lira at the ticket office. Topkapi and Cistern prefer Turkish lira or card. The Grand Bazaar accepts euro and dollar but at a less favorable exchange margin; bring Turkish lira for smaller purchases. The guide can advise on where to exchange money with a better rate near the port.

Closed and comfortable shoes (uneven stone and stairs). Clothing covering shoulders and knees for the Blue Mosque (headscarf provided to women). Water bottle and sunscreen in summer. Light jacket in winter.

Sultanahmet has areas with stairs (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Cistern). If there is reduced mobility, contact us before booking: we adapt the itinerary removing inaccessible stops and adding private door-to-door transport at no extra cost.

Full refund of the tour amount, no conditions or administrative fees. We only need the cruise line's official notice of the port change. It is a specific clause of the shore excursion segment.

Book via WhatsApp (+90 546 559 25 00), email (info@istanbulprivatetours.com) or website. Indicate ship name, docking date, last call on board and number of people. We accept cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfer and cash on the tour day. We confirm in writing before any charge.

The rate is per entire yacht, not per person. 350 USD for the group of 1 to 12 people. It is the natural logic of yacht rental: the client rents the vessel, doesn't buy seats. The more people, the lower cost per head.

Up to 12 people comfortably. For larger groups (13-20 people) we have higher-capacity yachts with a different rate; contact us for specific quote.

Two options depending on your day: Galataport (cruise terminal, recommended if you arrive by cruise or stay in Karaköy/Taksim) or Beşiktaş Marina (classic private yacht mooring, recommended if you stay in Sultanahmet). We confirm the exact spot via WhatsApp the day before.

Yes, pickup and return included from Sultanahmet or Taksim. From other areas it can be arranged with extra transport cost (ask at booking).

Turkish tea, coffee, mineral water and traditional snacks (simit, dried fruits, olives, basic Turkish cheese). Alcoholic drinks not included, can be added at extra cost at booking (Italian prosecco ~80 USD, Turkish wine ~60 USD per bottle, Efes beer ~6 USD).

Standard Bosphorus route: departure from Galataport or Beşiktaş, up the European shore past Dolmabahçe, Çırağan, Ortaköy with the bridge, Bebek, Arnavutköy and the yalı, up to Rumelihisarı and Anadoluhisarı (the two fortresses, narrowest point of the Bosphorus). Return through the center of the strait with panoramic view of Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye at sunset.

With light rain the tour runs: the yacht has covered area. With storm, strong wind or fog the Port Authority can prohibit private yacht departures; in that case full refund or free rescheduling as you prefer. Final decision is the captain's and maritime authority's, not taken lightly for safety.

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks (wine, prosecco, water). The yacht has a fridge and glasses. Birthdays with your own cake, marriage proposals with your own champagne: completely welcome, no extra corkage fee.

Yes, full bathroom with sink and running water. Suitable for normal use during the two hours.

Yes, the yacht has passenger safety certification including minors, with life jackets on board (including children's). The captain reduces speed and moderates pace if there are small children. The deck has perimeter rail and covered area for resting.

Yes, it is one of the most requested uses of the private yacht. Floral decoration, chilled prosecco waiting, personalized cake, music ready for the moment: everything coordinated at booking with 48 hours notice. The captain and crew coordinate the exact moment (it can be in front of Ortaköy with the bridge as background, one of the best locations). Decoration cost between 80 and 200 USD depending on detail.

The yacht waits up to 30 minutes after the scheduled time at no extra cost. After 30 minutes it is deducted from the total tour time, as the dock has a time slot assigned by the Port Authority. That's why we confirm the hotel pickup time with enough margin for expected traffic.

Full refund with 72 hours or more notice. 50% refund with 24-72 hours. No refund with less than 24 hours. In case of bad weather preventing departure (Port Authority and captain's decision), full refund or free rescheduling.

Yes, we offer several slots: morning (10:00), midday (12:00), afternoon (14:00 and 16:00) and sunset (golden hour, varies by month, see specific FAQ). Sunset is the most popular Bosphorus slot for the golden light over the palaces and unique photo quality. Confirm preferred slot at booking and we send exact boarding time by date (golden hour changes between 16:30 in winter and 20:45 in summer). Per-yacht rate is the same for all slots (350 USD), no extra charge for choosing sunset.

Sunset in Istanbul varies by month. Winter (December-January) around 16:30. Spring (March-April) 18:30-19:30. Summer (June-August) 20:00-20:45. Autumn (September-November) 17:00-19:00. The cruise departs 30-45 minutes before sunset to reach the Bosphorus golden hour point on time. Yacht rate is the same for daytime or sunset slot (350 USD per yacht), no extra charge for choosing golden hour. Tell us when booking and we confirm exact boarding time by date.

Captain and crew with basic narration in English and Turkish. For full Spanish narration on board, option to add a licensed Spanish-speaking guide at extra cost of 150 USD (recommended if you want to go deeper into Bosphorus and palaces history). Without additional guide, the captain explains the essentials in English.

No minimum age, but children under 4 must wear adapted life jacket on open deck (provided by crew). People with motion sickness can take anti-seasickness pill before boarding; the Bosphorus is generally very calm (not open sea). People with reduced mobility: the yacht has steps for boarding/disembarking; contact us before booking if you need adaptations.

Book via WhatsApp (+90 546 559 25 00), email (info@istanbulprivatetours.com) or website. We need date, preferred time, number of people, hotel name and optional add-ons. We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfer and cash on the tour day. Confirmed in writing before any charge.

Fixed per-vehicle rate, not per person. Private sedan 55 USD per ride (1 to 4 passengers). Minivan 75 USD per ride (5 to 7 passengers). Round-trip with approximate 15% discount: sedan 95 USD, minivan 125 USD. Includes fuel, tolls, bottled water and passenger insurance.

Per vehicle, not per person. The natural logic of private hire: the client rents the car with driver, doesn't buy seats. Whether you travel alone or in a group of four: the sedan costs 55 USD per ride. For groups of five or more, the minivan at 75 USD.

Sedan: up to 4 passengers with 2 large suitcases plus hand luggage. Minivan: up to 7 passengers with space for 7 large suitcases. For larger groups (8 or more people), we offer minibus with specific quote at booking.

60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. In off-peak hours (early morning, midday, early weekend) it's 60 minutes. In evening rush hour (4-7 PM weekdays) it can reach 120 minutes. Actual distance is 45 to 52 kilometers depending on destination hotel.

The driver waits with a printed name sign at the arrivals terminal exit (after customs and luggage claim). The exact meeting point is confirmed via WhatsApp the day before. If you don't find him immediately, his mobile number is already in the confirmation.

Yes. The rate covers all tolls on the standard route: TEM highway, O-7 if rerouted due to congestion, and bridge toll if hotel is in area requiring it. No surprises on arrival.

Yes, car seats for babies (0-2 years) and boosters for children (4-12 years) available at no extra cost. Specify at booking with the child's approximate weight. Make sure to mention the number of seats needed so they come installed on your arrival.

We accept cash (euro, dollar or Turkish lira at the day's rate), credit and debit card (Visa, Mastercard) directly to the driver on arrival, and prior bank transfer before the transfer. Receipt issued by the agency for companies or reimbursement.

Yes. If you book round-trip (pickup on arrival and return to airport for departure flight), we apply approximate 15% discount on total. Sedan round-trip: 95 USD. Minivan round-trip: 125 USD. Dates can be separate (not necessarily same day).

Yes, it is included in the standard rate. The driver waits with a printed name sign at the arrivals terminal exit. No extra charge for the sign service.

The driver monitors your flight in real time from origin takeoff. If delayed or early, he automatically adjusts arrival time. Waiting is included at no extra cost. If you miss the flight and need to reschedule, contact us via WhatsApp as soon as possible.

Sedan: 2 large suitcases plus hand luggage per person, up to 4 people. Minivan: 7 large suitcases with hand luggage space, up to 7 people. If you carry extra luggage (skis, instruments, non-folding wheelchairs), choose the minivan directly even with fewer passengers.

Yes. All drivers have current Turkish passenger transport license, current professional insurance, and airport route experience. Vehicles with passenger insurance, up-to-date inspection and regular maintenance. We work only with a TÜRSAB-approved partner fleet.

Contact us via WhatsApp as soon as possible. We reschedule the transfer for your next flight at no extra cost (provided it's within the next 48 hours and we have vehicle availability). If we can't reassign, standard cancellation policy applies.

Book via WhatsApp (+90 546 559 25 00), email (info@istanbulprivatetours.com) or website with flight number, landing date and time, number of passengers and destination hotel. We confirm in writing (WhatsApp or email) within 6 hours. The day before flight we send via WhatsApp the assigned driver's name, photo and mobile.

Fixed per-vehicle rate, not per person. Private sedan 45 USD per ride (1 to 4 passengers). Minivan 65 USD per ride (5 to 7 passengers). Round-trip with approximate 15% discount: sedan 75 USD, minivan 110 USD. Includes fuel, tolls, bottled water and passenger insurance.

Per vehicle, not per person. The natural logic of private hire: the client rents the car with driver, doesn't buy seats. Whether you travel alone or in a group of four: the sedan costs 45 USD per ride. For groups of five or more, the minivan at 65 USD.

SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) is on Istanbul's Asian side, opened in 2001 and is the hub of Pegasus and AnadoluJet, two Turkish low-cost airlines. IST (Istanbul Airport) is on the European side, opened in 2019 and is the Turkish Airlines hub. SAW has cheaper flights from Europe, but the hotel is usually on the other side of the Bosphorus. The SAW transfer is 10 USD cheaper because distance and traffic are slightly lower in many time windows.

60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. In off-peak (early morning, midday, weekend morning) it's 60 minutes. In rush hour (mornings 8-10 AM and evenings 4-7 PM weekdays) it can reach 120 minutes due to Bosphorus access congestion. Actual distance is 42 to 52 kilometers depending on destination hotel.

Yes. The rate covers all tolls on the route chosen by the driver: 15 July Bridge or Eurasia Tunnel. No surprises on hotel arrival.

The base rate is the same (45 USD sedan, 65 USD minivan), but the ride is shorter (40-60 minutes) because you don't cross the Bosphorus. The driver takes advantage to guide you through the area if interested: Moda neighborhood, Kadıköy waterfront, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Üsküdar.

The driver picks in real time based on traffic. The 15 July Bridge (Boğaziçi Köprüsü, opened 1973) has spectacular Bosphorus views, ideal in off-peak. The Eurasia Tunnel (Avrasya Tüneli, opened 2016) is faster in rush hour. Both tolls are included in the rate, no extra cost. If your hotel is on the Asian side we don't cross the Bosphorus and the route is even shorter.

The driver monitors your flight in real time from origin takeoff. If Pegasus, AnadoluJet or your airline is delayed, the driver automatically adjusts arrival time. Waiting is included at no extra cost. If you miss the flight and need to reschedule, contact us via WhatsApp as soon as possible.

Yes, car seats for babies (0-2 years) and boosters for children (4-12 years) available at no extra cost. Specify at booking with the child's approximate weight.

Yes. If you book round-trip (pickup on arrival and return to airport for departure flight), we apply approximate 15% discount on total. Sedan round-trip: 75 USD. Minivan round-trip: 110 USD. Dates can be separate (not necessarily same day).

4.8/5 from 100 verified reviews

5/5 ★

Excelente servicio de principio a fin. El chofer superamable, el auto limpio y fresco, y la tarifa fija nos ahorró el estrés del taxímetro. Lo recomiendo a ojos cerrados.

Petronila Ayala from México

5/5 ★

Todo de primera. Recogida puntual en Galataport, visitas espectaculares, almuerzo delicioso y de regreso al barco antes de lo prometido. Repetiremos si el crucero vuelve a parar aquí.

Benito Olivares from Panamá

5/5 ★

Hermoso recorrido, me encantó cada minuto. La Cisterna Basílica parece de película. Tip de mujer práctica: lleven pañuelo para la mezquita y billetes pequeños para el baño público del bazar.

Carmen Lucía Restrepo from Colombia

5/5 ★

Después de años soñando con Estambul, el viaje superó la expectativa gracias a este tour. Cada esquina tenía una historia y el guía las contaba como si fueran cuentos. Inolvidable.

José Antonio Quintero from Venezuela

4/5 ★

Muy bueno, ojo con el día de semana

Excursión redonda y guía excelente. Solo un aviso a futuros cruceristas: nos tocó viernes y la Mezquita Azul cerraba a mediodía por el rezo, el guía lo tenía previsto y cambió el orden, pero por poco. Si pueden elegir día de escala, eviten el viernes.

Joan Puigdemont from España

5/5 ★

Tres días maravillosos. El palacio de Dolmabahçe con sus lámparas gigantes, el bazar de las especias, el ferry... todo organizado al milímetro pero con flexibilidad cuando la pedimos. Calidad humana del equipo, lo mejor.

Constanza Mejía from Colombia

Your Istanbul port call, maximized and secured: private shore excursion from Galataport to Sultanahmet with an official guide and a guaranteed return to your ship

Highlights

About This Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Includes

Excludes

Important Information

Payment & Booking

Cancellation Policy

Select Your Date

Reserve Your Tour