Discover the Byzantine Empire on this tour through treasures like the Chora Church and Hagia Sophia.

Get a highlights tour of Istanbul featuring some of the shining gems of Byzantium. Journey through Byzantine history with a visit to the Chora Church's breathtaking mosaics, and the famous Hagia Sophia. Then stroll the Grand Bazaar, and witness an optional carpet presentation accompanied by traditional Turkish tea and coffee.

Energy Level

Duration

4.75 Hours

Type

CULTURED

Accessible

Sustainable Tours

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

Shore Thing Highlights

Optional Carpet Presentation, accompanied by traditional Turkish tea and coffee, providing insight into this ancient craft
Wander through the labyrinth of shops in the Grand Bazaar where you can find everything from textiles to jewelry
Marvel at the iconic Hagia Sophia
Visit Chora Church, renowned for its breathtaking mosaics and frescoes that depict biblical scenes with unparalleled artistry

Need to know

Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
Please be aware that air conditioning may not be up to Sailors standards
This Shore Thing involves long periods walking and standing on cobblestones, uneven terrain and steps; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
The order of sites visited may vary
Daytime temperatures can be very hot and humid — please prepare accordingly
Shoes must be removed to enter mosque(s). Shoe bags will be provided
Female sailors should bring a scarf to cover their heads or will be provided with one before entering the mosque
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
Cash is recommended in the markets as credit cards may not be accepted
Traffic delays may occur when in the city of Istanbul
Approximately 1 hour in the Grand Bazaar
This Shore Thing operator has received a third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria

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Ship will wait for you in the event of a delay
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Convenience of one location to shop for your calls

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.

Byzantine Treasures of Istanbul

Discover the Byzantine Empire on this tour through treasures like the Chora Church and Hagia Sophia.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know

Experience shores the Virgin way

Our Shore Things Policies