Shore Excursion Details

Istanbul By Land & Sea

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul By Land & Sea

DETAILS

  • 81/2
    hrs Estimate Duration
  • Meal
  • Shopping

Experience Istanbul both by land and sea. Begin with a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait, you’ll delight in a mixture of past and present sites including unforgettable castles, towering minarets and world famous modern luxury hotels. You’ll continue to the Old City by bus to visit the Blue Mosque, designed by architect Mehmet Aga to rival the Hagia Sofia. This is one of the most famous religious buildings in the world. Its interior walls are adorned with beautiful bluish green tiles which gives the mosque its name. On another side of the square is the Hippodrome and its remnants - the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine and Constantine Columns.


Continue your walk through this bustling square to reach the majestic Hagia Sophia, now a museum and the most important Byzantine monument in the world. The intricate mosaics that adorn its ceilings and walls are of immeasurable artistic and historic value. Next visit one of the most colorful sites in Istanbul – the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part briefly. Then visit the open and modern section, where you’ll enjoy local snacks and a presentation of carpets, leather or jewelry, followed by time for shopping. A stop for lunch is scheduled during the tour to enjoy a Turkish style meal.


Need to Know:

Note: Expect differences in tour durations due to traffic conditions. Participants are required to remove their shoes in order to enter the Blue Mosque. As this tour visits a place of worship, please dress respectfully: no bare shoulders or exposed knees. Should the Blue Mosque be closed to visitors due to religious festivities, you’ll visit another historical mosque. On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar closes and only the shops of the outer bazaar remain open, therefore the visit to the Grand Bazaar may be replaced with the Spice Bazaar. The 'Gallery' section of Hagia Sophia is not included. The boat trip is operated depending on weather conditions. Drinks are available on the boat for purchase. There is approximately 1 mile of walking over uneven surfaces and some inclines and steps on this tour. Your Turkish lunch includes water; additional drinks are available at an extra charge. Tour is not offered on day one of Norwegian Jade winter sailings.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Scenic & City Tours

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve physical exertion for extended periods of time; can involve uneven or steep terrain or swimming in a light current. Recommended only for physically fit and adventurous travelers.
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