Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line
Overview
Make the most of your time in Istanbul with this exceptional private tour of the city’s historic Old Town, designed exclusively for cruise guests. Choose between a half-day or full-day experience to suit your schedule and interests.
Explore Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks—including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern—with skip-the-line access, so you can spend more time discovering and less time waiting.
For those opting for a full-day tour, you have the option to enhance your experience by adding a visit to the Topkapi Palace or enjoying a scenic Bosphorus boat tour.
Your knowledgeable guide will meet you directly at the cruise port and accompany you throughout the tour, sharing fascinating insights and stories that bring Istanbul’s rich history to life. Midway through, enjoy a refreshing break with a complimentary Turkish tea or coffee at a local café.
At the end of your day, your guide will escort you back to the cruise pier.
What's Included
- Snacks Borek or Simit with tea or Turkish coffee
- Skipping the ticket lines ( Not including entry tickets )
- We will take tram from port to old city ( fastest way to reach old city )
- Private walking tour with an official tour guide
- Food and drinks are not mentioned in the inclusion part
- Gratuities
- If you have full day with Topkapi Palace, entry fee is 2750 TL pp
- Basilica Cistern
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
Meeting and Pickup
Our guides will be waiting for you at the individual exit, holding a sign with your name on it.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Hagia Sophia
45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Basilica Cistern
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Blue Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hippodrome
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Grand Bazaar Jewelers
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
TopkapI Palace
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- At the Blue Mosque, no one has the right to skip the lines.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and our guide can show another bazaar instead.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Half day tour is available on Tuesdays or will be replaced with Bosphorus Tour for full day tours
- On Religious Fests; Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
- Blue Mosque open after 2 pm on Fridays.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-23067P7
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 102 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
- Snacks. Borek or Simit with tea or Turkish coffee.
- Skipping the ticket lines ( Not including entry tickets ).
- We will take tram from port to old city ( fastest way to reach old city ).
- Private walking tour with an official tour guide.
- Food and drinks are not mentioned in the inclusion part.
- Gratuities.
- if you have full day with Topkapi Palace, entry fee is 2750 TL pp.
- Basilica Cistern.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Highlights from Cruise Pier with Skip-the-Ticket-Line will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- SnacksBorek or Simit with tea or Turkish coffee
- Skipping the ticket lines ( Not including entry tickets )
- We will take tram from port to old city ( fastest way to reach old city )
- Private walking tour with an official tour guide
- Food and drinks are not mentioned in the inclusion part
- Gratuities
- If you have full day with Topkapi Palace, entry fee is 2750 TL pp
- Basilica Cistern
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- At the Blue Mosque, no one has the right to skip the lines.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and our guide can show another bazaar instead.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Half day tour is available on Tuesdays or will be replaced with Bosphorus Tour for full day tours
- On Religious Fests; Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are closed.
- Blue Mosque open after 2 pm on Fridays.
