No matter what cruise ship you arrive on, this is the perfect do-it-yourself shore excursion to experience the best things to do in Istanbul. This hop-on hop-off tour of Istanbul provides the perfect introduction to the fabled city that spans Asia and Europe. On this shore excursion, you will see how old meets new as you visit Istanbul's must-see historical sites. The nearest stop to the cruise port is Stop 1.

The only city in the world built on two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul stands on the shores of Bosphorus and guards the precious relics of the world-dominating empires of the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. The city is a fascinating link between the east and west, the past and the present.

Art treasures and architectural works will evoke your feelings of nostalgia. Modern day Istanbul boasts the best of both continents. With a colorful and vibrant history Istanbul today is vividly alive and offers you insight into variety of cultures. You’ll see Taksim Saquare, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, Old Pera, Edirnekapi and Kumkapi .

The hop-on hop-off bus tour is primarily a guided city tour on a double-decker bus, however you may hop-on and off at a few selected stops en route. Please see below for a full listing.

This excursion is located within a 20-minute walk to the cruise port, so you determine the time you return to your ship in Istanbul. Please allow yourself ample time to enjoy the excursion and ensure your timely return to the port. This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy

Schedule details

Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Departure Time:

9:30am to 4:00pm - Every 60 minutes

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Additional information

Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Inclusions:

• Air-conditioned double-decker bus
• Hop-on hop-off at Taksim Square, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, Old Pera, Edirnekapi and Kumkapi

Exclusions:

• Entrance fees
• Gratuities (optional)
• Port pickup and drop-off
  
• This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy
• Food and drinks

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Wheelchair accessible

Itinerary:

Sites seen on the European side include:

• Hagia Sophia (Hop-on Hop-off point)
• Blue Mosque
• Hippodrome
• Underground Cistern
• Gulhane Park
• Archaeological Museum
• Sirkeci Train Station for "Orient Express"
• Topkapi Palace
• Port of Bosphorus
• Boats to Asia and Princes' Islands
• Chamber of Commerce
• New Mosque
• Spice Bazaar
• Galata Bridge
• Women's Prison
• Galata Tower
• Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque
• Tophane (Cannon Factory)
• Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque
• Nusretiye Mosque
• Chamber of Shipping
• Academy of Fine Arts (1st Ottoman Parliament)
• Dolmabahce Mosque
• Dolmabahce Palace (Hop-on Hop-off point)
• Stadium
• Japanese and German Consulates
• Ataturk Cultural Center
• Taksim Square (Hop-on Hop-off point)
• Istiklal Street
• Tarlabasi Avenue
• Golden Horn
• Tuyap Exhibition Center
• Pera Palas Hotel (of Agatha Christie's)
• Old Pera (Hop-on Hop-off point)
• Ataturk Bridge
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Fatih Mosque
• Aqueduct of Valens
• Pantocrator
• Patriarchate of Fener
• Bulgarian (Metal) Church
• Ahrida Synagogue
• Jewish Hospital
• Justinian Palace
• Pierre Loti Cafe
• Eyup Sultan Mosque
• City Walls
• Egrikapi
• Edirnekapi (Hop-on Hop-off point)
• Topkapi
• Balikli Monastery
• Mevlanakapi
• Silivrikapi
• Abdi Ipekci Sports Halls
• Belgradkapi
• Yedikule Dungeons
• Golden Gate
• Byzantine Harbour
• Doors to Byzantium
• Yenikapi
• Fish Market
• Kumkapi (cloest Hop-on Hop-off point to cruise port)
• Catladikapi

Sites seen on the Asiatic side include:

• Princes' Islands
• Haydarpasa Train Station
• Selimiye Military Headquarters (Where Florence Nightingale was missioned)
• Leander Tower
• Tekfur Palace

Voucher Info:

You must present a paper voucher for this tour. We will email a link to access and print your voucher at the Lead Travelers email address. What's this?

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.