We meet you at Galataport, show you Istanbul on a private tour planned around your time in port, and bring you back to your ship.
A few steps from Galataport, you're in a city more than 2,600 years old. To help you make the most of your short time in port, we bring Istanbul's must-see sights together in a single route.
AD 537For almost a thousand years it was the largest church in the world. Today you can see Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy side by side.
336 columnsBuilt in the 6th century, it holds 336 columns and two Medusa heads.
20,000+ tilesIt faces Hagia Sophia across the square where two empires meet.
About 400 yearsWith its Harem, its Treasury and courtyards overlooking the Bosphorus.
Two continentsThe Bosphorus divides Istanbul between two continents. You can see both in a single day.
60+ streetsA city within the city, where carpet, jewelry, ceramic and textile artisans have worked for centuries.
1348Built by the Genoese, the tower is just minutes from the port.
2,600+ yearsOne city, three names, capital of two empires. This is exactly where your ship docks.
Send us your ship's name, your date in Istanbul and your hours in port. We'll reply with the right tour and a price.
Most popular tour7–8 hours
Galataport → Hippodrome → Blue Mosque → Hagia Sophia → Basilica Cistern → Hagia Irene → Topkapı Palace → Galataport
Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays. The route is adjusted accordingly.
Classic IstanbulAbout 7 hours
Food & city life7–8 hours
Galataport → Karaköy → Eminönü and the Spice Bazaar → traditional restaurant → Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. An alternative market route is planned.
Food & city life7–8 hours
Evening program3–4 hours
Galataport → Bosphorus-view restaurant → Galataport
Non-alcoholic options are available. Ideal for ships staying overnight in port.
Faith & heritage7–8 hours
Galataport → Theodosian Walls → Chora → Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener → Zeyrek
The program may vary with visiting and service hours.
Faith & heritage8–9 hours
Galataport → Galata → Balat → Hasköy → Ortaköy → Kuzguncuk
Weekdays only. Passport details must be sent in advance for synagogue visits.
Day trip by air1 day
Istanbul → Cappadocia (by air) → Göreme → Devrent → Paşabağ → Avanos → Istanbul
For ships staying overnight in Istanbul. Flights are scheduled around the program. Domestic airfare is not included.
Tell us what you'd like to see and your ship's arrival and departure times. We'll combine tours into a day planned just for you.
Oktogon TravelOktogon is a TÜRSAB-licensed tour operator founded in Beyoğlu, the same district as Galataport. We don't treat Istanbul as a checklist. We tell the story that connects Byzantium and the Ottomans. The team that plans your tour is the same team that runs it on the ground.
Friendly service is our principle. Your special needs are our priority.The Oktogon Travel way
Sultanahmet, Topkapı, the Bosphorus and Pera
Bazaars, neighborhoods and dinner on the Bosphorus
Byzantine mosaics, the Patriarchate and synagogues
Custom programs for cruise groups
Our licensed guides share expert knowledge of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul.
TÜRSAB license A-4392. Bank and supplier references are available on request.
We build the route around your ship's arrival and departure times and plan ahead for museum closing days.
For centuries Istanbul was one of the great centers of the Christian world, and it remains a city where different faiths live side by side. Our faith and heritage tours let you explore these layers with a specialist guide.
Tap a place to see the tours that cover it.
We put together guided programs with private vehicles for groups of friends on the same ship, families and tour leaders.
We know every hour in port counts. We plan the program around your ship's schedule, meet you at the port and bring you back to it.
Message us on WhatsApp or fill in the form. All we need is your ship's name, your date in Istanbul, your hours in port and the number of travelers.
We send a route that fits your hours, with the price per person and what's included. If needed, we adjust it for museum closing days.
Your guide meets you at Galataport and you spend the day touring by private vehicle. The tour ends back at the port before your ship departs.
Your quote spells out exactly what's included, so there are no surprises during the day.
Inclusions vary by tour and are listed in your quote. Personal expenses and shopping are not included.
Can't find your answer here? Message us directly.
We plan your tour around your ship's arrival and departure times and leave plenty of time to get back to the port. Just share your ship's name and schedule when you book.
The meeting point and time are included in your booking confirmation. Your guide will meet you at Galataport. If you prefer, we can also pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul.
Yes. Tell us how long you'll be in port and we'll shorten the route to focus on the highlights. For ships staying overnight, we also offer a dinner program by the Bosphorus.
Our tours are private or VIP small-group. We don't run crowded coach tours.
Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces on Mondays, and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays. We adjust the route in advance to suit your port day.
Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is required, and women are expected to cover their hair. Bringing a scarf is all you need.
Our tours are guided in English. If you need another language, mention it in your request and we'll let you know what's available.
Yes. We travel by private vehicle and shorten the walking sections when needed. Just let us know your needs when you book.
Send us your ship's name, your date in Istanbul and what you'd like to see. We'll reply with a custom route and quote.
Our team will get back to you shortly with a program tailored to you.