CLASSIC ISTANBUL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

Classic Istanbul Highlights Tour

The Old City’s greatest sights in one relaxed, private day — with a licensed local guide who plans the perfect route around your time.

QUICK INFO

• ⏱️ Duration: 6–8 hours (flexible)
• 🚶 Walking difficulty: Moderate — cobblestones, some slopes and stairs
• 👥 Group: Private — your group only
• 🗣️ Language: English (other languages on request)
• 📍 Meeting point: Your hotel or Galataport cruise terminal
• 💶 Price: From €200 per group (up to 6 people)
• 🎫 Entrance tickets: Not included (guide helps you buy / skip the line)
• ✅ Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before
• 🧕 Modest dress required for mosques (see below)

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Istanbul’s icons in one day: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar
• A licensed local guide brings 2,000 years of history to life
• Private and fully flexible — set your own pace and ask anything
• Perfect for first-time visitors and cruise guests
• Guaranteed on-time return to your ship or hotel

ITINERARY

1. Meet & start (~09:00): Your guide meets you at your hotel lobby or the Galataport terminal exit, holding a sign with your name.
2. Hagia Sophia: Step inside one of the world’s greatest buildings — a 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece, once the largest cathedral on Earth and now a working mosque.
3. The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Admire the famous blue Iznik tiles, the vast domed interior and the six minarets of this early-17th-century imperial mosque.
4. The Hippodrome: Walk the ancient chariot-racing square of Constantinople, home to the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the German Fountain.
5. The Grand Bazaar: Explore one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets — 4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics and spices — with insider tips from your guide.
6. Return (~16:00–17:00): Your guide walks you back to your ship or hotel in good time.

Fully flexible — tell us your interests and we can add sites such as the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace or the Spice Market.

INCLUDED

• ✅ Licensed, English-speaking local guide for the whole tour
• ✅ Personalized route planned around your schedule
• ✅ Meet & greet at your hotel or the cruise terminal

NOT INCLUDED

• ❌ Entrance tickets & museum fees (guide helps you buy or skip the line)
• ❌ Public transport fares (tram, ferry and bus, as needed) — small and paid as you go; a private vehicle is available on request
• ❌ Meals and drinks
• ❌ Gratuities (optional)

PRICE

From €200 per group (up to 6 people). This is the total guiding fee for your private group — not per person. Entrance tickets and optional transport are extra. Contact us for larger groups or multi-day rates.

MEETING POINT & PICKUP

We meet you at your hotel lobby or at the Galataport cruise terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. If your hotel is outside the central area, we’ll agree on a nearby meeting point such as the German Fountain in Sultanahmet. After the tour, your guide walks you back to your ship or hotel with time to spare.

DRESS CODE FOR MOSQUE VISITS

This tour includes working mosques (Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque). To enter, all visitors must cover their shoulders and knees — no shorts, short skirts or sleeveless tops. Women must also cover their hair with a scarf. Shoes are removed before stepping onto the carpeted areas (a bag is provided). Free headscarves and cover-ups are available at the entrance, but bringing your own light scarf is faster and more comfortable. A large, lightweight scarf works as a headscarf, a shoulder cover and sun protection all at once. Note: mosques close to visitors during the five daily prayers (about 30–60 minutes each) and on Friday mornings until around 14:30 — your guide plans the route around these times.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Entrance tickets are not included; your guide helps you buy them or skip the line.
• Some museums close by around 17:00–17:30; the guide plans the day accordingly.
• Comfortable shoes recommended — the Old City has cobblestones and slopes.
• For cruise guests, we always plan an on-time return to your ship.
• Getting around: the Old City sights are close together and mostly explored on foot; any transfers use public transport (tram or bus) unless you request a private vehicle.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable walking shoes · a light scarf (for mosques) · sunscreen & hat in summer · water · some local currency for tickets and snacks.

SUITABILITY / ACCESSIBILITY

Suitable for families and most fitness levels. The route includes walking on cobblestones, some stairs and slopes. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, tell us in advance and we’ll adapt the route or arrange a private vehicle.

FAQ

• Can we customize the route? Yes — it’s a private tour, fully flexible to your interests.
• Are entrance tickets included? No; your guide helps you buy them or skip the line.
• Is it suitable for children? Yes, it’s family-friendly.
• What if our cruise schedule is tight? We plan the whole day around your ship’s departure time.
• How do we pay and cancel? [Add your payment & free-cancellation terms]

CTA

Book this tour · or Ask us on WhatsApp — fast reply, usually within a few hours. Licensed guide, secure booking.

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