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All Istanbul, Turkey excursions
Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel
Worry-Free
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ViatorShore Excursion

Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel

4.9542 reviews
6 hoursEnglish guide
From / guest
$45USD · taxes incl.
Worry-Free Guarantee
If your ship is delayed or misses Istanbul, Turkey, you’re fully refunded — and you’ll always make it back before sail-away.
// what to expect

Our tours have earned the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for 15 consecutive years (2009–2025) and we are the most reviewed tour operator for Istanbul, with over 2.000 excellent reviews. Tick off all of Istanbul’s must-see sights in one private guided tour: visit Hagia Sophia, the Underground Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar, all with an expert local guide. We ensure a seamless experience by arranging your tickets in advance—skip the long public lines at major attractions when you book with us. For Hagia Sophia and the Underground Cistern, tickets will be pre-purchased so you won’t have to queue. Please note: There is no skip-the-line option for the Blue Mosque, as all visitors must wait in the same entrance line. Save time, see more, and travel with one of Istanbul’s most trusted and acclaimed tour companies.

Private Sightseeing ToursWeather Dependent - Weather-ProofPort PickupPorts of Call ToursPrivate and LuxuryAdditional feesShore ExcursionsWorry-Free Shore ExcursionHistorical ToursExcellent QualityShort term availabilityConditional Booking QuestionsBus ToursHalf-day Tours
// good to know
Duration
6 hours
Operated by
Viator
Guarantee
Worry-Free
// Istanbul, Turkey information
// the details
Private Expert Local Guide
Private Driver
Private New Model Mercedes Van with AC
Private Pick up and Drop off at your Hotel or Cruise Port by Airconditioned New Model Vans
Local Payment: Entrance Fees and Lunch
Gratuities to the guide and driver
Basilica Cistern entrance fee
Hagia Sophia entrance fee
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please note that we are boutique small family run tour company and have limited guides, during the summer months and special holidays our tours do fill up quickly. We suggest you try to book as soon as you can, once your plans are firm.
  • ***Please note that we will arrange tickets without waiting at the public tickeet line, so you will skip long public ticket lines and save time.
  • While visiting a mosque in Istanbul, women need to cover their heads, shoulders, knees. You can carry your own scarf to cover your head but please note scarves are provided at the entrance of every mosque (available at a charge). If you are wearing leggings, tights or skirts, wraps will be provided at the entrance (available at a charge).
  • Men also need to cover the knees if the shorts or bermudas are over the knees.
  • *** WE ALSO DO PRIVATE EPHESUS SHORE EXCURSION. IF YOU BOOK YOUR PRIVATE EPHESUS SHORE EXCURSION WITH US AS WELL YOU WILL GET A SPECIAL PRICE FOR PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR. SO PLEASE MENTION IN THE NOTES IF YOU ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN PRIVATE EPHESUS SHORE EXCURSION.
  • The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, We will visit the Spice Market instead.
  • ***There are no skip the line for mosque visits (since mosques are not museums), so everybody has to wait at the line to enter.***
  • ***This is not a tour for those with mobility issues
  • ***** WE ACCOMMODATE MORE THAN 14 PEOPLE. If there are more than 14 people in your group, you can book it as 14 people then we can update the number of travelers by messages on viator.
  • Mosques are closed until 2.30pm on Fridays due to the Friday Services.
  • This is not a tour for those with mobility issues
6 hours

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

// operating schedule
Operates
Daily
Departure times
8:00 AM · 8:30 AM · 9:00 AM · 9:30 AM · 10:00 AM · 10:30 AM · 11:00 AM · 11:30 AM · 12:00 PM · 12:30 PM · 1:00 PM · 1:30 PM · 2:00 PM · 2:30 PM · 3:00 PM · 3:30 PM · 4:00 PM · 4:30 PM · 5:00 PM
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From $45 USD per guest · Worry-Free Guarantee
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