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

Overview

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.

Pickup Information

If you like to join this private tour from the Galata Port (Istanbul's only Cruise Port) Please follow these instructions: After you aboard the cruise ship please follow the City Center sign and you will see your private guide holding a sign with your name on it at the city center sign exit. If you use lift please press the ''G'' level, that will take you to the City Center Exit. Please type ''Galataport Istanbul'' when you choose the pick up location while booking the tour if you are traveling by cruise ship. Also please dont forget to write the name of your ship in the notes box.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

Inclusion

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

Exclusion

Local Payment: Entrance Fees and Lunch

Gratuities to the guide and driver

Basilica Cistern entrance fee

Hagia Sophia entrance fee

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

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

Additional Info

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