PREMIER
ISTANBUL
Prior to your cruise
Explore Istanbul's Highlights in 2 nights
Explore Istanbul, the bustling metropolis of Türkiye prior to your cruise.
PRIVATE CUSTOM TOUR
Your Dates. Our Planning and Expertise.
DAY 1 - ARRIVE ISTANBUL, TURKEY
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We will meet you at the gate of the plane (with a sign reading your names) and you will be assisted during the passport formalities and escorted through the customs. And at the exit gate of the customs, Sightseeist’s licensed English speaking representative will meet you to escort you to your hotel.
DAY 2 - ISTANBUL
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Your private guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 9 am for your private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.
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Your private tour will start with a visit to Topkapi Palace - the main residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. Turks ruled most of Europe and the Middle East from here.
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Lunch will be served at one of Sightseeist’s recommended local restaurants close to the sights, at your own cost.
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Next visits will be to the Roman Hippodrome, the largest chariot race ground of the Byzantine Empire and Sultanahmet Mosque, Blue Mosque - the masterpiece of 17th century Ottoman Architecture, famous for its unique handmade Iznik tiles impressing the guests with their rich dominant blue colors and oriental patterns. They have become collectors’ items today, auctioned at celebrated houses like the Sotheby’s.
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Last, visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of handicrafts, gold and silver jewelry, carpets, rugs, antiques, tiles, leather, ceramics and souvenirs all sold in small shops next to each other.
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At the end of the tour, you will be escorted to your hotel.
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DAY 3 - ISTANBUL
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Your private guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 9 am for your private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.
Your private tour will start with a visit to the 6th century Underground Cistern- an impressive 9,800 square meter cistern capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water. The mystery of Dan Brown’s “Inferno is solved here. Perhaps the most unusual structure in Istanbul!
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Next you will then visit the World famous Hagia Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom, which is one of the most extraordinary constructions in the World.
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The last visit will be the Spice Market, a must-see for all first-time visitors to Istanbul, especially foodies.
Originally devoted to spices and herbs, it now sells a great variety of goods in 88 vaulted rooms. You enter from a large city square and see before you a lengthy, tunnel-like building with 19 stalls on each side. At the end, the 'tunnel' turns left 90 degrees where an even longer building stretches away, containing the other 50 stalls.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Galataport Istanbul cruise port to board on your ship with a stop for some baklava tasting.
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Experiences: Culture, History, Culinary & Arts
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Meals: None
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Recommended Ages : All Ages
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Activity Level: Moderate - Wheelchair Accessible
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Best Season: 12 months
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Times: 2 nights
BOOK NOW
To begin the reservation process click here to fill out the form and we will be in touch.
We will take care of everything for you.
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Figuring out all the particulars of a trip can be complicated.
Let us manage the details of your trip, while you focus on anticipation and excitement – the way it should be.
We take care of everything for you.
​
Figuring out all the particulars of a trip can be complicated.
Let us manage the details of your trip, while you focus on anticipation and excitement – the way it should be.
We're Here to Help
Our dedicated team is available to answer all your questions.
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Business Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8am – 7pm
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7/24 WhatsApp +90 (543) 128-9991
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Merkez Mah. Abide-i Hürriyet Caddesi Blackout A Blok Kat:1 Sisli, Istanbul / Turkey
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