Shore Excursion: Istanbul Hidden Highlights Private Tour
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Shore Excursion: Istanbul Hidden Highlights Private Tour
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Shore Excursion: Istanbul Hidden Highlights Private Tour

5 h
Private
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Kariye Museum (The Chora Church), Kariye Cami Sk. No: 8 Fatih, Istanbul 34087 Turkey

Meet your private guide at Istanbul cruise port and board your private, air-conditioned minivan. As you head for the European side of the city, listen to enlightening facts about this Asian-European metropolis that, as Constantinople, was the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires.

Your first stop is the Chora Church, also called the Kariye Museum, in the Fatih district. Originally built in the 5th century, before being rebuilt between the 11th and 14th centuries, this Byzantine gem is adorned with magnificent mosaics and frescoes. Head inside to marvel at the gold 14th-century masterpieces, including those on the domes depicting Christ’s genealogy and Mary with the baby Jesus.

Continue to the city's Sultanahmet area and Basilica Cistern. Descend into this underground, 6th-century water facility and discover how it once brought water into Istanbul before being shut down and forgotten for centuries. Explore the illuminated, pillar-packed interior and see the Roman-era Medusa heads that the cistern's Byzantine builders regarded merely as rubble and used as bases for two pillars.

Continue to the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, in the Eminönü district. With your guide, delve into this colorful labyrinth of stalls that was first established in 1664. Absorb the heady aromas of the nut, spice, oil and sweets stalls, and perhaps bargain for baskets, jewelry and other souvenirs with help from your guide.

Afterward, return to your minivan and drive back to the cruise port, where your tour ends.

Please note: The Chora Church is closed on Wednesdays. If your tour falls on a Wednesday, the Hagia Sophia Museum will be visited instead.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:

We will ensure your timely return to Istanbul cruise port for this activity.

Duration: 5 hours

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Included
  • Port pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Professional guide
  • Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy
Not included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Entry/Admission - Kariye Museum (The Chora Church)
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
  • It is highly recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
100%
Cultural
65%
Aquatic
35%
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