Classical Istanbul
Energy Level
Duration
8 hours
Type
CULTURED
Accessible
No

Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Shore Thing Highlights
-
Optional Carpet Presentation with Turkish tea and insight into the ancient craft
-
Browse the shops of the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar
-
Lunch at a traditional restaurant, including tea, coffee, and two alcoholic beverages
-
Explore the courtyards of Topkapı Palace
-
Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, two iconic Istanbul religious structures
-
Visit the Hippodrome, once an arena for chariot racing
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
-
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
-
Daytime temperatures can be very hot and humid — please prepare accordingly
-
The order of sights visited may vary
-
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
-
Cash is recommended in the markets as credit cards may not be accepted
-
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
-
Traffic delays may occur when in the city of Istanbul
-
Entrance to Blue Mosque may take longer than expected; expect queues at the entrance
-
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
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
More shore things in Istanbul
Our Shore Things Policies
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.