
Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 330 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour worth booking?
Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour is a 7.3-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $78 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 330 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 93 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (330)
- Duration
- 7.3 hours
- From
- $78 per person
See the best of Istanbul in a short amount of time with this Private Istanbul Tour, which is perfect for cruise passengers looking for a Shore Excursion. Easily meet your licensed guide at the cruise port, hop into your private transportation, and begin your guided city tour. Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque on a guided visit, explore the Blue Mosque Tour area, enjoy a Skip-the-Line style entry approach at major sites when possible, and discover the history of the Topkapi Palace along with many other highlights before returning to your ship right on time with this cruise-friendly itinerary. Note that some admission is included and others you must pay on the spot. Visit several top spots in Istanbul on this private guided shore excursion Purchase authentic souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar or around the Sultanahmet District Go at your own pace on this fully private, customizable tour
What you get
About this experience
See the best of Istanbul in a short amount of time with this Private Istanbul Tour, which is perfect for cruise passengers looking for a Shore Excursion. Easily meet your licensed guide at the cruise port, hop into your private transportation, and begin your guided city tour. Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque on a guided visit, explore the Blue Mosque Tour area, enjoy a Skip-the-Line style entry approach at major sites when possible, and discover the history of the Topkapi Palace along with many other highlights before returning to your ship right on time with this cruise-friendly itinerary. Note that some admission is included and others you must pay on the spot. Visit several top spots in Istanbul on this private guided shore excursion Purchase authentic souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar or around the Sultanahmet District Go at your own pace on this fully private, customizable tour
What's included
Included
- Unique time to discover Turkish Handcrafts: (Carpet -Leather-Ceramic and Jewelry)
- We will skip the line to buy the tickets for Topkapi palace and Basilica Cistern
- Public Transportation - From Cruise Port ( Pick up /Drop Off& TOUR)
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratitude (suggested)
- Admisson/Entrance fee - Topkapi Palace
- Admisson/Entrance fee - Basilica Cistern
- Transportation by VAN - UNLESS OPTION SELECTED (Pick up/Drop Off&Tour ALL DAY)
What you'll see and do
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia Museum / Ayasofya / Santa Sofia — Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it played a very important role in both the Christian and Islamic world. It has recently changed its regulation for non-believer visitors; with your ticket, you will get a headset provided by the mosque. When visiting Istanbul, one must make sure to include a shore excursion to the iconic Hagia Sophia. Its historical significance and breathtaking architecture make it a must-see for any visitor. With Istanbul shore excursions, guests can enjoy a guided visit to Hagia Sophia, experiencing this ancient and stunning building while also taking in the beauty of the city's shoreline. An unforgettable highlight of any Private Istanbul Tour.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı — More than just an imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years. A monumental example of Oriental architecture that reflects the power of the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul shore excursions to Topkapi Palace offer visitors the chance to explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This historical site, once home to Ottoman sultans, is now a museum showcasing a vast collection of treasures. A guided Topkapi Palace tour allows guests to immerse themselves in Istanbul’s rich heritage while enjoying its stunning courtyards and gardens. A must-see destination and a highlight of any cruise-friendly itinerary.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque / Sultanahmet Camii — Built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of architecture with delicate proportions for such a grand structure. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul offers shore excursion visitors the opportunity to admire its beautiful design, iconic blue tiles, and majestic domes. Its perfect location near the cruise-friendly Sultanahmet area makes it an ideal stop for those on a private guided tour. This is one of Istanbul’s most photographed landmarks and should not be missed.
30 minutes here
Serpent Column
The Serpent Column (Ancient Greek: Τρικάρηνος Ὄφις), also known as the Serpentine Column or Plataean Tripod, is an ancient bronze monument at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. A historically significant stop often included in walking portions of private Istanbul tours.
10 minutes here
Sultanahmet Square
The Hippodrome of Constantinople (Greek: Ἱππόδρομος τῆς Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, romanized: Hippódromos tēs Kōnstantinoupóleōs; Latin: Circus Maximus Constantinopolitanus; Turkish: Hipodrom), was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square in Istanbul, Turkey, known as Sultanahmet Square (Turkish: Sultanahmet Meydanı).
5 minutes here
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar / Kapalı Çarşı One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.
90 minutes here
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica (Greek: Βασιλική Κινστέρνα, Turkish: Yerebatan Sarnıcı or Yerebatan Saray, "Subterranean Cistern" or "Subterranean Palace"), is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern, located 150 metres (490 ft) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian I. Today it is kept with little water, for public access inside the space.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Sultanahmet District
Unique time to Discover Turkish Handcrafts ( Turkish Carpets, Leathers, ceramics) shopping opportunities
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Istanbul Private Trip Guided Tour from Hotel/Cruiseport
Private Tour: Your Private Tour Pickup included
Istanbul and Ephesus Excursion
Ephesus Tour with Istanbul: Enhance your Istanbul tour by adding Ephesus — delivered with the same premium quality and seamless experience. Pickup included
Tour By Van All day
Private Mercedes Vito/Sprinter Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Private Trip Turkey
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guaranteed On-Time Return To Your Ship
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 327 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
327 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Tour with Flexible Guide
Great tour around Istanbul with our guide. We asked to tailor the tour based upon our interests and she obliged. Elif did a great job. She got us to where we wanted to go and did a great job with the history. Great afternoon.
via Viator
Amazing Istanbul and Emre
What a wonderful tour and guide. Emre Yucel was great. We spent the day in Istanbul and saw many things and had a great time at the bazaar. Emre is extremely knowledgeable and knows and best way around. I highly recommend. What a wonderful way to see Turkey.
via Viator
Fabulous walking tour!
Ayse was a fantastic guide! She taught us about the history of Turkey including the multiple empires ruling it across the centuries. She was very flexible in planning our day. We saw many sites, ate Turkish food at a lovely local restaurant, and visited shops displaying the beautiful products unique to Turkey. We highly recommend!
via Viator
Istanbul tour 25th September.
Beytullah Conger was very knowledgeable about things on our tour. I even payed $25 us dollars for a scarf, but Beytullah went back to the shop and got my money back for me and he bought a dress with a hood on it, and he paid for it. He went at our pace and never rushed us. He structured the tour with what we wanted to see and do. I would recommend this tour to any body, would suit all ages and level of fitness. Beytullah took us to places where the shade was as it was a very hot day. Thanks Beytullah for being a great tour guide.
via Viator
Istanbul city with Ibrahim
Ibrahim is our guide for the day, he is punctual when picking us up from hotel, he is also well prepared on the details on the places we going. He is also very patience with our queries A well spent day with him.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $78 to $450
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 115
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 93
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour cost?
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Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour take?
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Plan for about 7.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 330 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour?
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Around 115 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 7.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour?
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Included: Unique time to discover Turkish Handcrafts: (Carpet -Leather-Ceramic and Jewelry); We will skip the line to buy the tickets for Topkapi palace and Basilica Cistern; Public Transportation - From Cruise Port ( Pick up /Drop Off& TOUR); and Professional Licensed Tour Guide. Not included: Lunch; Gratitude (suggested); Admisson/Entrance fee - Topkapi Palace; and Admisson/Entrance fee - Basilica Cistern. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 4451 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour?
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Across 330 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Istanbul Private Trip Guided Tour from Hotel/Cruiseport, Istanbul and Ephesus Excursion, Tour By Van All day. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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