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Iconic & Historic Istanbul in 2 Days

  • Iconic & Historic Istanbul in 2 Days
From 550
A two-day tour showcasing vibrant contemporary life as well as the city's iconic historic sites!
On the first day, cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul, where you'll enjoy the neighborhood of Uskudar. Next, head to the lively Kadikoy district, the trendy Moda neighborhood, and finish with a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace. On Day 2, enjoy the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, as well as the historic Hippodrome and lavish Topkapi Palace. After a delicious lunch, descend into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel with its stunning columns and ancient walls.

Energy Level

Duration

15.5 hours

Type

CULTURED

Accessible

No

Sustainable Tours

This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.

Shore Thing Highlights

  • Attend a traditional carpet presentation

  • Browse the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest spice markets in the world

  • Explore the lavish Topkapi Palace

  • Stroll the site of the former Hippodrome

  • Visit iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque

  • Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Ottoman sultans

  • Ascend to Çamlıca Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul

  • Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant

  • Walk down Bagdat Street, a popular shopping avenue

  • Stroll through the Moda neighborhood

  • Visit Kadikoy, a lively district known for its markets, art scene, and waterfront promenades

  • Cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul, enjoy the charming neighborhood of Uskudar

Need to know

  • Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing

  • Sailors should wear comfortable clothing; shoulders and knees should be covered to enter religious sites

  • Sailors should advise of any dietary restrictions or allergies to the ship on embarkation day prior to this Shore Thing

  • Please be aware that air conditioning may not be up to Sailors standards

  • This Shore Thing takes place over two days

  • Daytime temperatures can be very hot and humid — please prepare accordingly

  • The order of sites visited may vary

  • Some sections at Topkapi Palace might be closed to visitors due to ongoing restorations

  • This Shore Thing takes place over 2 days. 6.5 hours on day 1 and 9 hours on day 2

  • This Shore Thing is wheelchair accessible for collapsible wheelchairs and for Sailors who can navigate a few steps

  • Shoes must be removed to enter mosque(s). Shoe bags will be provided

  • Cash is recommended in the markets as credit cards may not be accepted

  • Female sailor​s should bring a scarf to cover their heads or will be provided with one before entering the mosque

  • Entrance to Blue Mosque may take longer than expected; expect queues at the entrance

  • The covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays therefore visits will consist of outside shops or may be replaced with the Spice Market

  • Traffic delays may occur when in the city of Istanbul

  • This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria

Experience shores the Virgin way

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    Peace of Mind

    Modify/cancel up to 48hrs before where applicable

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Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price. 

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.


Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
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