Hagia Sophia: Monday :(

[BeachBum1007]

I will be visiting Istanbul next July on the NCL Spirit. I was saddened to learn that Hagia Sophia will be closed since it is a Monday. However, I have read that certain tours will take you, even if they are closed to the public. Is this true and which company is it? I would hate to miss this awesome place if I don't have to. We were planning on doing the rest of the sites DIY.

 

Thanks!!

[KirkNC]

I believe those tours are restricted to the cruise ships, what a great reason for them to stop there on a Monday :rolleyes:.

[UKBayern]

On Mondays, you can only visit using a ship sponsored tour.

[RBB]

Our cruise will be in Istanbul on Tuesday, when the Topkapi palace is supposed to be closed. Several ship sponsored cruises say they will visit Topkapi, but don't say anything about having special access on Tuesday when it is closed to tourists. Does anyone know if ship tours are admitted on Tuesday, as they apparently are to the Hagia Sophia on Mondays? Thanks.

 

Rick

[cruisemom42]

Our cruise will be in Istanbul on Tuesday, when the Topkapi palace is supposed to be closed. Several ship sponsored cruises say they will visit Topkapi, but don't say anything about having special access on Tuesday when it is closed to tourists. Does anyone know if ship tours are admitted on Tuesday, as they apparently are to the Hagia Sophia on Mondays? Thanks.

 

Rick

 

Yes, ship tours can get into Topkapi on Tuesdays as well as Haghia Sophia on Mondays. The Turkish government seems very interested in promoting tourism. :)

[Cornishpastyman1]

If you are unlucky with either I made these from a visit in July

 

Topkapi Palace and Harem

Hagia Sophia

 

It's no sort real substitute for not going to them, but maybe better than nothing if you miss one. All the best, Tony

[ConnieInNewJersey]

If you are unlucky with either I made these from a visit in July

 

Topkapi Palace and Harem

Hagia Sophia

 

It's no sort real substitute for not going to them, but maybe better than nothing if you miss one. All the best, Tony

 

Awesome film. Thank you!!

[RBB]

Yes, ship tours can get into Topkapi on Tuesdays as well as Haghia Sophia on Mondays. The Turkish government seems very interested in promoting tourism. :)

 

Thanks for this information. I will be cruising to Istanbul in April, & had signed on with a private tour, disappointed about missing Topkapi. I just switched to a ship sponsored tour that will include Topkapi, so I am happy.

 

Rick

[wantocruisemore]

Just double checked my itinerary. I was thinking about switching tours but realized it will be Wednesday when our ship docks in Istanbul. All sites ok on a Weds?

 

We have Izmir on Tues. so hopefully that will not impact.

[Lady Anna & Sir Troy]

You will be good for Sultanahmet area for Wednesday touring (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Cistern, etc.) Mosques are always open except for prayer time, then you just wait until prayer is done.

[Hlitner]

This thread brings up a related topic. We always advise those planning European cruises to pay particular attention to port days of the week, as well as times in the ports, when selecting their specific cruise. You will often find that a different cruise, or ship, will give you better access to various sites. Choosing a cruise and/or ship before considering these issues can lead to extreme disappointment.

 

Hank

[maryann ns]

I totally agree with Hank. Dare I add that some cruise lines seem to try to skimp or port costs and/or gain from selling more excursions by the way they plan their itineraries?

 

Check very carefully.