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Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line

101 Reviews 4.81 out of 5 stars Based on 101 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 94% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Istanbul, Turkey

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

4 to 7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Snacks Borek or Simit with tea or Turkish coffee
  • Skipping the ticket lines ( Not including entry tickets )
  • We will take tram from port to old city ( fastest way to reach old city )
  • 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
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Our guides will be waiting for you at the individual exit, holding a sign with your name on it.

What To Expect

Hagia Sophia

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.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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 ).
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi

At a point during the tour, your guide will choose a stop where you can enjoy a complimentary Turkish coffee or tea.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar Jewelers

Visit one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world - Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

TopkapI Palace

Please note: The palace is included in the full-day tour option. If you choose the half-day tour, you will visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-23067P7

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.81
101 reviews

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 101 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
93
4 stars
2
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
2

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On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • SnacksBorek or Simit with tea or Turkish coffee
  • 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
  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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.

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).

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