Meet your local guide at the Galataport right after your ship has docked and join your private or small group tour to see the top sites in Istanbul in a full day. Start with a short tram ride from the dock to the old town of Sultanahmet to begin your walking tour, avoiding sitting on a bus in traffic to maximize your time. Enjoy a scenic stroll through Sultanahmet Square and witness the local life with a professional guide. Visit the inspiring Hagia Sophia and avoid the long lines with your local guide. Witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul. Learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Check out the Blue Mosque to see the architecture and learn the basics of Islam in a very relevant setting. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman mosque and enjoy a comprehensive guided tour. Visit the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood. Continue your journey to Topkapi Palace where you’ll avoid the very long line with your skip-the-line tickets. Walk the palace grounds, gardens, and courtyards on a guided tour to understand the glory of the Ottomans. Visit the palace complex of low buildings, pavilions, kiosks, and courtyards. Enjoy walking the outer terraced gardens where flowerbeds blaze with tulips of many colors, and climb the high terrace to admire the view over the Golden Horn. Take a break at a local restaurant to sample delicious Turkish meals for lunch (not included in the price) and learn about one of the most famous cuisines in the world. Afterward, walk through the old town to the Grand Bazaar. Follow your expert guide as they talk about the bazaar’s intricate geography and swarming passageways. Benefit from local knowledge on the oldest shops, exotic goods, and talented craftsmen in the area. Go beyond the standard carpet showrooms and get your hands on vintage and rare pieces available for small group tours. Relax on richly decorated bedspreads, and browse the suzani and Ottoman caftans in silk, cotton, and velvet. You may choose to end the tour here and spend free time in the Grand Bazaar or follow your guide back to the dock.