See Istanbul's iconic landmarks and take in its natural beauty on this versatile tour.

Begin the day with a luxurious cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, complete with a full Turkish buffet breakfast. Then head to the Blue Mosque, known for its blue tiles and intricate architectural details, before heading to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Then enjoy an optional carpet presentation where you’ll discover the artistry of Turkish carpets. Finish your day at the spice market, where you can explore Istanbul's spices and local delicacies.

Energy Level

Duration

6.75 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

Shop the vibrant Spice Market
Optional carpet presentation, where you'll discover the artistry of Turkish carpets
Visit the Grand Bazaar and shop the range of goods, from textiles to jewelry
Visit the Blue Mosque and marvel at its intricate details and historic significance
Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait

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
Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
Sailors should wear comfortable clothes; shoulders and knees need to be covered to enter religious sites
Any dietary restrictions should be provided to the ship on the day of embarkation
This Shore Thing involves long periods walking and standing on cobblestones, uneven terrain and steps; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Female sailors should bring a scarf to cover their heads or will be provided with one before entering the mosque
Shoes must be removed to enter mosque(s). Shoe bags will be provided
Traffic delays may occur when in the city of Istanbul
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
This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria

Experience shores the Virgin way

Local & Immersive Tours
Authentic experiences curated with local operators
A Sustainable Cause
Select tour bookings to help social charities
Peace of Mind
Modify/cancel up to 48hrs before where applicable
Priority Debark in Port
Be first ashore in all our ports of call
Safe and Insured
Our partners are licensed and insured
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs, all-inclusive Shore Thing prices
Expert Travel Support
Pre-voyage to onboard assistance, always there
Stress-Free Returns
Ship will wait for you in the event of a delay
Convenient Collection
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.

Breakfast Cruise, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar

See Istanbul's iconic landmarks and take in its natural beauty on this versatile tour.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know

Experience shores the Virgin way

Our Shore Things Policies