Istanbul ~ Touring ~ April 11th

[smatazz]

My husband and I will be traveling on the April 2nd sailing of the Mariner from Barcelona to Istanbul. Since the boat arrives in Istanbul at 2 pm, the excursions available through Regent are limited. I imagine this is due to time constraints. None of the featured options include both the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia. We signed up for the "Byzantine Highlights of Istanbul" tour but are now considering the possibility of making arrangements for a private tour in order to cover more territory. Anyone experience either the "Byzantine Highlights" tour in the past? Or, suggestions on a private tour company, etc.? Many Thanks!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

If you have the whole afternoon, with overnight on the ship, you could just walk up and take the tram over to the old quarter and do the sights yourself. I'm sure you'll also get suggestions for private guides as well.

[mj_holiday]

Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque are practically next to each other. You will no be able to enter the Blue Mosque during prayer times so you need to be aware of that. Do not know the prayer times, but there are more calls to prayer on the weekends.

[Linda VH]

We used Sea Song in Istanbul - our guide was a professor of Turkish history and was wonderful!

[smatazz]

Thank you for your responses. I am going to take look into going it alone (distance and modes of transportation), as well as Sea Song. Much appreciated!