Are you arriving at Galataport by cruise ship? We assist you with choosing the right Istanbul shore excursions based on your time in port.

Pick a route, see the main stops, and book a private guided tour with clear meeting and return planning via our Contact page.

Old City routes work best on cruise days. We plan the order of visits based on opening hours and crowd levels.

We also keep a safe time buffer to return to the port. If road traffic is heavy, we can use the tram to reach Sultanahmet faster. For the most popular option, start with Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia.

Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia and Hippodrome walk during an Istanbul shore excursion

Istanbul Shore Excursions - Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Square

Private Licensed Guide

180$

Price is Total for up to 8 Guests

Need A Chauffeured Vehicle? Starting from $200 per day

Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Shore Excursion

This is one of the best excursions route for first timers. It’s simple and time efficient Old City visit from Galataport (Cruise Port).

Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar Shore Excursion

A classic mix of history and shopping tour. It’s a good choice if you want a palace visit and have free time in Istanbul’s ancient bazaars.

Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Shore Excursion

A short, high impact tour route with two iconic sites. Great for guests who want strong visuals and history.

Full Old City Shore Excursion (Topkapi + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern)

The most complete Old City excursion option if your port time is long enough.

Why Book with Us

Cruise schedules leave no room for confusion. We plan each shore excursion with one goal: a smooth day and an on time return.

Your tour is private, your pace is flexible, and your guide keeps the route practical on busy port days.

MEETING POINT AT GALATAPORT

Once your ship docks at Galataport, walk outside the terminal to the main promenade area. We will share the exact meeting point and a simple photo/map after booking. Your guide will hold a sign with your name or “Eureka Travel” and he/she will confirm your return plan before you start.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Dress code for mosques

Dress code for mosques: shoulders and knees must be covered; women may need a headscarf. We recommend you bring your own. But if you don’t have one, government provides in front of the mosques free of charge.

Major sites can be busy on cruise days. You may pass through security screening and short lines. Security lines are not possible to skip, however you’ll always have priority when you are with a licensed guide. Additionally, we can buy pre-reserved museum tickets in QR Code format for even faster visits.

Tickets are usually not included. Rules and opening hours can change by site. Since this is a private tour, we can adjust the route during the day to match timing and your preferences, and buy tickets in advance.

We always plan a safe buffer for your return to Galataport. Your guide tracks time during the tour and adjusts the pace if needed, so you return before boarding time.

You can also add to your excursion;

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • Tour is customizable depending on your preferences.

  • Museum tickets are not included (we can assist with advance purchase upon request).
  • Lunch is optional and not included. Your local guide will take you to most popular local restaurants, if you request.

  • Available 24/7 with advance booking.

  • All transportation (if booked) is in a private, air conditioned vehicle.

  • If you prefer to take tram from Galataport, Istanbulkart will be required. Your guide will assist you with buying transportation card and explain about how to use it.

  • We plan the return to the cruise port with a safe buffer before your cruise.

Altogether, this will be a cultural tour of Sultanahmet Old City from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.

You will be mesmerized by the grandeur of those empires that left their traces in Istanbul.

At the end of the excursion, you will have a great collection of pictures and videos.

Having your own private tour guide in your own language will make all the difference.

Since it is a private tour, you set your own agenda, you can start from whichever monument you want!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this shore excursion private?

Yes. It is private for your group only.

We wait at the exit hall. Your guide will hold a sign with your name or “Eureka Travel”. We send an exact meeting point with clear instructions after booking.

Most cruise guests choose 7-8 hours. It depends on your port time and crowds. But, this is exclusively private for your group. We can always extend and shorten the tour, if needed.

Yes. When it saves time, we use the tram to reach Sultanahmet.

Yes. We plan a safe buffer for the return to Galataport.

Tickets are usually not included. Since this is a private tour, the itinerary can change based on your preferences, timing, and site conditions. We will suggest the best route for your needs and confirm the best plan for your day.

Shoulders and knees should be covered. Women may need a headscarf.

Send your ship name, arrival time, and group size on WhatsApp or use the contact form.

luxury istanbul tours by Eureka Travel

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

LUXURY AIRPORT TRANSFER

luxury istanbul guided tours

We arrange airport transfers with luxury vehicles from both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen airports. Our luxury cars are at your service from/to your accommodation from/to Historical Sights or Yacht piers.

PRIVATE BOSPHORUS CRUISE

Private yacht in Istanbul

Our yacht fleet is at your service for Private Bosphorus Yacht Tours with or without guide service. Please contact us to choose one of our 17 Yacht Fleet for your Private Yacht Tour in Istanbul.