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Istanbul Old City Tour From Istanbul Galata Port
Description
Istanbul is a mesmerizing port city that connects two continents and boasts a rich history. As you approach Istanbul, you will be welcomed by a breathtaking panorama of the city's iconic skyline. The city is situated on the banks of the Bosphorus, and its unique blend of distant minarets, historic palaces, and modern skyscrapers is truly remarkable. Istanbul has been a popular destination for cruise passengers for many years. Since the opening of the new Galata Port in 2021, it has become even more welcoming to visitors, with around 2 million visitors arriving each year. Upon arrival at the port, you will be greeted by a knowledgeable and experienced local guide, who will provide transportation to the Old Town of Sultanahmet via a brief tram ride, avoiding any traffic congestion associated with bus travel.
Here is a summary of what you can expect during your visit
Destinations Visited
- Hippodrome and Obelisks
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Sultan Ahmet Mosque
Tour Details
Starting From
Istanbul
Ending At
Istanbul
Languages
EN, ES
Departure Days
Every Day
Tour Details
The Hippodrome of the Byzantine Empire :
The Hippodrome was the central location for both sporting events and political activities in the old city. It is adorned with various monuments such as the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Blue Mosque :
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic imperial mosque situated in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built during the reign of Ahmed I between 1609 and 1617. The mosque still serves as a place of worship today. The layout of the mosque is typically Ottoman, with a central dome surrounded by four semi-domes over the prayer hall. The mosque is surrounded by a spacious courtyard and is flanked by six minarets.
Hagia Sophia :
A masterpiece of architecture. It was the world's largest church for a century, originally built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Then, it was the fourth-largest church in the world and was converted into a museum in 1935. In 2020, Hagia Sophia was converted into a functional mosque again, and since the beginning of 2024, it has been running as a Mosque and Museum. The second-floor upper gallery has been opened for public visits, and travelers can see the beautiful iconic pictures.
Depending on the departure time of your cruise, we will continue our tour to the iconic ;
Topkapi Palace :
As the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the nerve center of state administration, Topkapi Palace was converted into a museum in 1924. Within its walls, you'll find a rich collection of sacred Islamic relics, a well-preserved kitchen, Chinese porcelain, an impressive array of weapons, a calligraphy section, a fascinating harem, and an imperial treasury. A highlight of the exhibition is the Spoonmaker's Diamond, the 7th largest diamond in the world.
We will have a lunch break according to your choice, either at a fine dining restaurant or a local eatery, and then continue to your final destination,
The Grand Bazaar :
A shopping heaven was built in 1461. With almost 4,000 shops, it is the most fascinating shopping center and the largest souk in the world. Here, you can explore and indulge in various offerings, from antiques and jewelry to gold, ceramics, leather goods, carpets, and souvenirs.
At the end of the day, we will return to the port via a public tram.
Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed for public visits on Tuesdays, while the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. The Blue Mosque may be closed during praying hours, and the visiting conditions for Hagia Sophia are subject to change by the authorities. Currently, only the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia is open for public visits, and the praying area is only accessible for prayers.
Includes & Excludes
Guide
Galata Port Pick Up & Drop Off
Drinks
Lunch
Personal Expenses
Entance Fees
Provider Details
Farout Turkey
Official Travel Partner · Turkey
Tour Details
The Hippodrome of the Byzantine Empire :
The Hippodrome was the central location for both sporting events and political activities in the old city. It is adorned with various monuments such as the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Blue Mosque :
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic imperial mosque situated in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built during the reign of Ahmed I between 1609 and 1617. The mosque still serves as a place of worship today. The layout of the mosque is typically Ottoman, with a central dome surrounded by four semi-domes over the prayer hall. The mosque is surrounded by a spacious courtyard and is flanked by six minarets.
Hagia Sophia :
A masterpiece of architecture. It was the world's largest church for a century, originally built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Then, it was the fourth-largest church in the world and was converted into a museum in 1935. In 2020, Hagia Sophia was converted into a functional mosque again, and since the beginning of 2024, it has been running as a Mosque and Museum. The second-floor upper gallery has been opened for public visits, and travelers can see the beautiful iconic pictures.
Depending on the departure time of your cruise, we will continue our tour to the iconic ;
Topkapi Palace :
As the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the nerve center of state administration, Topkapi Palace was converted into a museum in 1924. Within its walls, you'll find a rich collection of sacred Islamic relics, a well-preserved kitchen, Chinese porcelain, an impressive array of weapons, a calligraphy section, a fascinating harem, and an imperial treasury. A highlight of the exhibition is the Spoonmaker's Diamond, the 7th largest diamond in the world.
We will have a lunch break according to your choice, either at a fine dining restaurant or a local eatery, and then continue to your final destination,
The Grand Bazaar :
A shopping heaven was built in 1461. With almost 4,000 shops, it is the most fascinating shopping center and the largest souk in the world. Here, you can explore and indulge in various offerings, from antiques and jewelry to gold, ceramics, leather goods, carpets, and souvenirs.
At the end of the day, we will return to the port via a public tram.
Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed for public visits on Tuesdays, while the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. The Blue Mosque may be closed during praying hours, and the visiting conditions for Hagia Sophia are subject to change by the authorities. Currently, only the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia is open for public visits, and the praying area is only accessible for prayers.
Tour Details
Starting From
Istanbul
Ending At
Istanbul
Languages
EN, ES
Departure Days
Every Day
Provider Details
Farout Turkey
Official Travel Partner · Turkey

