6-7 hours
Meeting at the Cruise Port
Hagia Sophia Mosque & Church, Byzantine Hippodrome, The Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
Everyday of the Year
Private Tour
The tours we offer are designed for those who prefer a relaxed pace, comprehensive insights from knowledgeable guides. If you prefer tours that visit many sites quickly, these may not align with your expectations.
Upon your cruise ship’s arrival at Istanbul Port, our guide and driver will be waiting for you with a name sign. After meeting, we will transfer you to the historic peninsula to begin your tour.
Your initial destination will be the Hagia Sophia Mosque & Church, regarded as one of the world’s most magnificent architectural achievements. Originally constructed as a church by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 and has since stood as an emblem of both Byzantine and Ottoman legacies. Inside, you will be captivated by the exquisite Christian mosaics, Islamic calligraphy, and the awe-inspiring central dome that has endured for almost 1,500 years. Your visit will cover the main hall, upper gallery, and the Sultan’s lodge, offering a deep insight into its historical and artistic importance.
Following this, you will take a brief stroll to the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the vibrant center of social and political activity in Constantinople. Built during the 3rd century, the Hippodrome was the venue for chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and major festivities. Although the original structure no longer exists, you will admire several remarkable monuments that have survived, including the Egyptian Obelisk brought from Karnak, Egypt, the Serpent Column from Delphi, and the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II. Your guide will narrate intriguing tales about the Hippodrome’s history, including its significance in historic uprisings and imperial events.
Following your visit to the Hippodrome, you will explore the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most enchanting sites. This enormous underground water storage was constructed in 532 AD by Emperor Justinian to supply water to the city. As you enter the cistern, you will be surrounded by 336 marble columns, each beautifully lit, creating a mysterious yet stunning ambiance. A key highlight of the tour is the Medusa Head Columns, believed to have been recycled from ancient Roman temples. Your guide will describe the cistern’s clever water filtration system and share the myths related to Medusa’s enigmatic presence.
At 1:00 PM, you will pause for a lunch break at a nearby local restaurant, where you can indulge in authentic Turkish dishes. This is a perfect chance to taste specialties such as kebabs, mezes, and baklava, while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere in the heart of the Old City. Please note that lunch expenses are not included in the tour price.
After lunch, the final destination will be the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), one of the most recognizable symbols of Istanbul. Erected in 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I, this mosque is renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles, which inspired its nickname. The mosque boasts a distinctive design featuring six soaring minarets and an impressive central dome, standing as a prime example of Ottoman architectural brilliance. Inside, you will feel the peaceful atmosphere of this functioning mosque and learn about its historical and spiritual importance.
The tour will conclude around 4:00 PM, at which point your guide will escort you back to your hotel or offer suggestions for further sightseeing within Istanbul’s Old City.
The rate list for this private tour will be as:
Please send us an email to get more information or text/call us through our Whatsapp Number, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Professionally-licensed English Speaking Tour Guide
Entrance Tickets
Taxes
Drop-off at the cruise port
Lunch
Drinks
Any Private Expenses
Tips to the guide
When you contact us about the trip, we'll provide you with an itinerary based on the current "real-time" availability. The tour's availability might change until your payment is received through our secure form. When we accept your reservation; all rates and program are guaranteed.
When you made your reservations with our travel agent, we'll need a 30% deposit to finalize everything. We provide a 256-bit SSL encrypted form on our website that you may use to securely submit your credit card information. After we receive your deposit, we will confirm your reservation and send you a travel voucher within 1 business day. You may pay the remaining balance before or after the trip in our agency's office. In our office, we accept all major currencies for cash payments, as well as Visa or MasterCard.
Below is the general guideline for our cancellation policy if your agent does not mention otherwise:
Cancellation Policy for Daily & Private Tours:
If you cancel 48 hours before the tour, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 48 hours to 24 hours before the tour, we will charge 50% cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 24 hours of the tour , we will charge the full amount as cancellation fee.
We cannot give any refund on no-shows for the tour.
*for large groups, please ask to your agent for the cancellation policy and booking requirements.