Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul

Istanbul
December 01, 2023
Our Shore excursion was lovely. Everything was fine - our guide was charming, knowledgeable and extremely accommodating. I would definitely use Shore Excursions because of this enjoyable experience. Our guide was on time and really looked after each and every one of us.
Reviewer: Doreen Mallon
5 Stars
Exclusive Wonders of Instanbul
November 27, 2023
When I booked with Shore Excursions sent by my travel agent, I thought it was part of the cruise ship excursions, I didn't realize they were independent of the ship. This turned out to be happy accident. My husband and I loved all the excursions. They were smaller than the ship's excursions and more economical. This allowed the opportunity for more personalized service and the ability to ask more questions and dive deeper into the tour without feeling like you were holding people up. The logistics alone of herding larger groups means less time for meaningful discussions with the guide. Our guide was terrific, knowledgeable and personable.
Reviewer: Laurie MacDonald
5 Stars
Exclusive Wonders of Istanbuhl
November 27, 2023
Our tour of Istanbuhl was amazing! Our guide was the best ever! We visited 2 famous Mosques and learned so much about them. We stopped at a Turkish Wholesale Rug company and had snacks and learned how Turkish rugs are made and the different types of materials used to create these magnificent rugs of all sizes. We learned how long it takes for these handmade rugs to be made. We also had free time in the Grand Bazaar. Overall, a superior tour.
Reviewer: Deborah Parson
5 Stars
Istanbul
November 07, 2023
Very complete tour of the city and mosques
Reviewer: Nicholas Angiolillo
5 Stars
Good
November 04, 2023
It was an informative tour.
Reviewer: Ray and Kim
4 Stars
Mosques and Grand Bazaar Day
November 04, 2023
We had an excellent tour guide named Gurl (something) who was organized, friendly, and knowledgable about his history. We had to wait a while to enter the Blue Mosque, but it was beautiful to see, if not very crowded with fellow tourists. We then walked for about 15 minutes to enter the famous Grand Bazaar, which was very large and very crowded. For me, being inside for about 20 minutes was enough. If you enjoy shopping and don't mind crowds, this is for you. Then we walked back to see the church across the way from the Blue Mosque, which was also quite beautiful and crowded. I enjoyed the day, and I was glad to have seen two magnificient structures.
Reviewer: Robert Gold
4 Stars
WONDERFUL!
October 30, 2023
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and did a terrific job of explaining everything that we saw.
Reviewer: Brenda Warner
5 Stars
Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul
October 18, 2023
Istanbul is a great place to visit. Our tour guide was knowledgeable in answering all of our questions. She took care of us by making sure no one would cut the lines at both the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.
Reviewer: Pinky P
5 Stars
Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul
October 17, 2023
great tour guide impresive
Reviewer: Angelo D’amico
5 Stars
Small group 15-20
October 07, 2023
Met some lovely people that were also on the other excursions we took .
Reviewer: Teresa Holland
5 Stars
Great Way to Explore
September 27, 2023
Guide was courteous and helpful. Great way to get an overview.
Reviewer: Cheryl
5 Stars
Good tour!
September 26, 2023
This tour was interesting and informative. It offered nice highlights of Istanbul. Our tour guide was very good! Despite the long lines to get into the Mosques, we had plenty of time inside to enjoy their breath taking beauty. We enjoyed this tour and recommend it.
Reviewer: Cindy
5 Stars
Istanbul
September 01, 2023
I really enjoyed this excursion. Our tour guide was locally born and raised, so he had amazing insights. His English was excellent and he made the tour fun. The Blue Mosque and Hage Sophia were both amazing.
Reviewer: Lynn
5 Stars
Fantastic tour!
August 25, 2023
This was a fantastic tour that included all the highlights of Istanbul with an informative and helpful guide. The pickup at the port was extremely easy and the tour bus dropped us back to the port at the end of the tour.
Reviewer: Dani
5 Stars
Excellent tour!
August 13, 2023
You could tell that our guide loved the city - as it was and as it is. I especially enjoyed his informative review of the Hagia Sophia. I was also glad he encouraged us to visit the Grand Bazaar during our free time. We had one of the best hamburgers we've ever tasted.
Reviewer: Karla and Jim McElroy
5 Stars
Amazing Experience
August 07, 2023
We had a wonderful experience on this Turkey excursion and a huge thank you to Unal for being an awesome guide. He explained everything so well and we learnt so much and it was very informative. Highly recommended! Thanks again Unal! Noordman Family
Reviewer: Jenny
5 Stars
Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul
July 20, 2023
Very informative session. Our travel guide Sinan was awesome and knowledgable, as well as funny, so the time on the tour was very interesting and well spent. I would recommend this excursion to everyone.
Reviewer: Vesna
5 Stars
Great guide!
July 07, 2023
We really enjoyed Sinan as our guide! He was funny and interesting! He reassured us when we saw long lines at Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. They moved quickly. He personally showed us how people pray and what the symbolism means. A good tour day!!
Reviewer: Varda Sauer
5 Stars
Istanbul
July 02, 2023
Guide was knowledgeable. We had very nice visit to Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Enough time in Grand Bazaar to have a taste of it. Many other tours I read about did not have adequate time at the mosques, but we had a great visit and learned a lot about them. Highly recommend this tour.
Reviewer: Gary H
5 Stars
Best Tour
June 14, 2023
Excellent tour, tour guide was very knowledgeable, answered all questions, he made this to be a great day.
Reviewer: Anthony Pianoforte
5 Stars
Two of the top three must-sees in Istanbul
May 24, 2023
This tour was the highlight of our time in Istanbul. Everything is in close proximity, and we had plenty of time in both The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with gorgeous views and historical and cultural insights from our knowledgeable guide. The Grand Bazaar is a short walk away through an interesting neighborhood. We recommend this tour. Please note the dress requirements before leaving home so that you are prepared for entrance to the mosques.
Reviewer: Gay Leonard
5 Stars
Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul
September 18, 2022
My husband and I were VERY impressed with your selection of excursions and the prices. Not to mention the small group format. It felt personal and intimate. Our guide, Fatma, was wonderful in Istanbul. She met us by name and provided excellent history and information on every part of the tour. Fatma was friendly, energetic and pleasant. What a pleasure to have been lead by her. As this was our first visit to Istanbul, we did the most popular spots/mosques. If we return again, we'll choose a more out of the way itinerary, in order to see and learn more about the city.
Reviewer: Elizabeth Ivany
5 Stars
Wonderful Istanbul
June 18, 2022
Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, making sure to answer everyone’s questions. He was very kind and helpful to an older couple who found the amount of walking to be more challenging then expected. We knew in advance about having to have shoulders and knees covered from the tour description but it should have also included that women would require a head covering. Overall, a very informative excursion!
Reviewer: Laurie Jonas
4 Stars
Istanbul
June 09, 2022
Our tour guide was excellent! His English was great! He was very engaging with our group. Well prepared on our tour. Would love to have another tour with this guide. Overall, Istanbul was a little less enjoyable for us as it was extremely crowded. The Mosque we visited required we take our shoes off and we were ever grateful we wore socks as the carpet in the Mosque was excessively dirty and soiled. The carpet shop was nice. We spent too much time there and did not get to visit the spice market but this was our fault.
Reviewer: Janet Salmon
4 Stars
I would use Shore excursion,s group again.
May 19, 2016
We enjoyed the tour.The tour guide in Istanbul was fantastic his name was Selcuk Ersan
Reviewer: Cathy
5 Stars
Best Guide!
May 04, 2016
Selcuk was the best guide of our 7 shore excursions! Knowledgable about history, culture, architecture and religion he delivered a fabulous tour with limited time. He gave us an option of less time at the Grand Baazar and added a stop at the Spice Market. Perfect. We stayed on schedule without feeling rushed. Thank you!
Reviewer: Singinglu
5 Stars
Excellent
April 10, 2016
Great way to see the main sights and get free time.
Reviewer: Phil - conquering every country
5 Stars
Istanbul was Fabulous
April 06, 2016
Very impressed with Shore Excursions Group. Better pricing than the cruise line. Highly organized, friendly, and returned to the ship on-time. The excursion itinerary was exceptional including all the highlights we wanted to experience.
Reviewer: Ann the Cruiser
5 Stars
We reviceved a private guide
December 29, 2015
Four of our family were on a cruise and this tour was the only one booked as not cruise ship operated tour. We were thinking a big group like cruise ship tour, however we were the only guests in this tour and we received like a private guide. It was very nice.
Reviewer: Atsuko
5 Stars
Highly recommend
December 12, 2015
Our guide took us out on tour even though we were the only two people booked for that trip ,now that's what I call good service.
Reviewer: Jane
5 Stars
Insight into Istanbul
November 23, 2015
The Grand Bazaar is amazing. Wish we had spent more time there. Early October is the time to travel there, not overcrowded with tourists. No long waits to enter the Blue Mosque.
Reviewer: Travelin' Nate
5 Stars
Very relaxing
November 11, 2015
I didn't like the people behave I'm not a believer of their tradition
Reviewer: Juan
4 Stars
Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul
November 11, 2015
Lack of French-speaking guide
Reviewer: Bolabas
4 Stars
Wonderful Istanbul
November 06, 2015
We really enjoyed this tour by spending extra hours at the Grand Bazaar (and went back to the cruise ship on our own), which was worth it.
Reviewer: SeaPro
5 Stars
Beautiful Turkey
September 08, 2015
Great Excursion.
Reviewer: Debbie & Rey
5 Stars
Excellent Value tour
September 07, 2015
Everything went exactly to plan, they were waiting on the dock for us, pickup was quick and painless. Our guide was personable and knowledgeable. He was able to give us an in depth understanding of each attraction whilst retaining an approachable demeanour.
Reviewer: Saxier1
5 Stars
Excellent, compact trip
September 02, 2015
Good for people who only want short trip. Would rather have not done Grand Bazaar and done another location or mosque instead . Good guide. Only us (5 ) and another couple , so not crowded.
Reviewer: Clare
4 Stars
Fabulous
August 22, 2015
Our guide was very informative and also gave us plenty of free time to explore the grand bazaar .with our small group we were able to move quickly and easily through the queue lines
Reviewer: Greg
5 Stars
Good Overview of Historic Sites
August 10, 2015
We had a good local guide who not only knew about the history of the places we visited, us insight into current culture in Turkey. He talked about current economics, cost of living, and family structures on the bus while we were in transit. It was a bargain price to hit the top 3 attractions in Istanbul. Beware of taxi driver scams in Turkey. Others from our ship had bad stories to tell.
Reviewer: Carolyn
4 Stars
History of Istanbul
July 13, 2015
Our tour guide was Kenan, he was very businesslike and much into facts and delivered a good history lesson. Women make sure you have a shawl to cover your head, wear long pants/long skirt and shoulders covered, and men wear long shorts/pants in order to enter the Blue Mosque. Didn't go to the carpet demonstration and used the extra time for the Grand Bazaar which was very crowded.
Reviewer: Mary G
4 Stars
Exclusive Wonders of Istanbul
July 08, 2015
The tour guide and the tour programmes are great. It is well-organized.
Reviewer: Pin
5 Stars
wonderfully done tour
June 16, 2015
A great way to see the blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the bazaar in Istanbul with commentary on the history as well. Our guide was excellent, and even though there were traffic problems he obviously knew the city well, directing the van driver up small roads to different areas. the blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are not to be missed experiences! Make sure to walk to the second floor of Hagia Sophia for the view of the church and to see more fabulous mosaics. And of course, booking thru shore excursions provides a smaller group (we might have had 10 people in a nice AC van) and is much cheaper than thru the cruise line.
Reviewer: Molson
4 Stars
Excellent tour
June 10, 2015
We were rapt to discover our guide & driver waiting for us when we got off the ship. We had a Minibus to ourselves & the guide was fantastic. Created our tour to our specifications. A great time.
Reviewer: Rob
4 Stars
Tour Istanbul
January 15, 2015
Enjoyed tours. You should add the sewer system on the tour.
Reviewer: none
5 Stars
An Interesting Blend of East and West
December 13, 2014
Really saw a lot here! The guide was excellent, he was knowledgeable.
Reviewer: Millersan
4 Stars
We enjoyed this tour.
November 03, 2014
Bus was clean and comfortable. Guide was easy t understand.
Reviewer: Cruiser
4 Stars
Highlights of Istanbul in a few hours
October 13, 2014
Plans with a friend fell through and was able to book additional tour while on cruise with only 2day notice -expedited charge was reasonable- as I had enjoyed all the other tours with Shore Excursions
Reviewer: Beard more girl
4 Stars
More like ""Overview of Istanbul"".
October 09, 2014
Waiting in lines and inside the Mosque was a little too long. More time at the Barzarr and better directions to get to the Barzarr.
Reviewer: Barb
4 Stars
Great value vs the tour offered onboard
October 06, 2014
Will certainly utilize Shore Excursions again!!
Reviewer: Lee
5 Stars
CrewsOnly shore excursion experience
September 23, 2014
We are very happy about CrewsOnly excursion services, we will use it again. The tour guide always wait for us at pier and friendly. The bus were comfortable and enough room. The program is right length. This is the first time we booked thru CrewsOnly, we definitely will book thru them again and tell the friends. Thanks
Reviewer: Po the gold
5 Stars
Very good!
August 29, 2014
The tour guide was waiting as we got off the ship. It was a very fun and informative excursion. We returned with plenty of time to board.
Reviewer: NCLCRUISER
5 Stars
Stunning sites at a great price
July 29, 2014
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and all the other sites on the way. Selcuk was an exceptional guide, well educated, knowledgeable about Turkish history, with a strong command of English. He clearly enjoys leading tours. If you take the optional carpet demonstration, be prepared for a mild sales job at the end.
Reviewer: Eric
5 Stars
Great tour, great price!
July 15, 2014
This was a great tour! And you can't beat the price! Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We got to see all the highlights of Istanbul. My only complaint was that this tour was not any smaller than the tours through our cruise ship (we filled a large tour bus), but considering that the price was much less than it would have been through the cruise, we were happy to be on this tour.
Reviewer: jlc83
4 Stars
Truly Wonderful
July 03, 2014
Istanbul's Shore Excursion Group tour was one of the best tours we have taken (ever). Istanbul is a remarkable city by itself, but our tour guide truly made it an even better experience. He was kind and patient with our questions at the end of the tour, and provided a perfect balance of talking and explaining and giving us choices to see Istanbul on our own.
Reviewer: TheSaint
5 Stars
Incredible city!
June 26, 2014
Wonderfully friendly & educated guide..spoke excellent English and was super knowledgeable!! AMazing city and was a good variety of places to see ..ONLY downside were the annoying sales people in the street but that had nothing to do with tour guides...beyond pushy and put a damper on visit
Reviewer: LeslieC
5 Stars
Fantastic experiecne
June 21, 2014
our tour guide made this excursion an excellent trip to remember. He is extremely knowledgeable and personable, as well as patient and polite. The tour was not time constrained and he made sure we got what we wanted out of each visit. I would have liked to have had the tour include a stop for refreshments along the way. Unal Aydin, our tour guide directed us personally to the market where he said goodbye, and then we strolled around and found our way to food and drink. He went above and beyond to ensure that we understood everything he was telling us. He answered all questions to the best of his ability and was at all times friendly, patient, polite with a good sense of culture outside of his own.
Reviewer: Jan
4 Stars
Excellent guide and transportation
May 23, 2014
Very impressed with the service and excellent guide
Reviewer: Jim
5 Stars
Wonderful time exploring the Mosques
May 23, 2014
Very enjoyable and informative. Our guide was very happy to share information with us and answer any questions we had. We learned a lot about Islam and the history of Istanbul. Would have liked to have a tour that included the Topaki Palace.
Reviewer: pink Peone
5 Stars
Definitely the best Excursion ever!!!
May 14, 2014
Our guide had perfect English, was very informed about all aspects of the religions and had studied Istanbul history through English & Greek. I asked for his card and would definitely use him again. Brilliant.
Reviewer: Noeleen & P√°draig Redmond
5 Stars
Wonderful sites!!!
April 08, 2014
Would have enjoyed a meal of the local cuisine along with the excursion.
Reviewer: Toni
4 Stars
Great Tour!
March 31, 2014
This was an outstanding overview tour of Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque were stunning. The Grand Bazaar was very entertaining and interesting. The guide we had was excellent and spoke perfect English. We felt extremely safe and comfortable during our entire tour. Excellent tour!
Reviewer: Glenn from Tx
5 Stars
would buy again
February 07, 2014
cheaper than joining in cruise
Reviewer: Like to cruise
4 Stars
Great Excursion in Istanbul
February 04, 2014
This trip was everything it was promised to be. Smaller group than the ship's excursion, but lower price. Excellent guide. He was personable and spoke good English. I enjoyed everything we did. Istanbul was interesting and fun.
Reviewer: Liz
5 Stars
Punctual, informative without overload!
December 06, 2013
I was apprehensive about purchasing a tour outside the cruise ship, but, I was pleasantly surprised with Shore Excursions Group. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the Muslim culture. Although not rated as exciting, it was pleasant and met our needs.
Reviewer: Diane
4 Stars
Well Done Sensiive to Group needs.
November 28, 2013
The use of earphones were outstanding much better than yelling in a large crowd. Very knowlegeable guide. sensitive and helpful
Reviewer: ted
5 Stars
Very Exclusive
November 26, 2013
It was my first visit to Istanbul and Turkey. I left with a wonderful new appreciation for the city, country, culture,religion and people. Our tour guide spoke superior English and was passionate about sharing his love for his culture with us. He met us at the ship, quickly boarded the bus and was very organized in setting a schedule that allowed us to see highlight of the city and gave us free time at the spice market. I've traveled with many groups and Shore excurions has definitely hired educated and delightful local young people who truly want to meet other people and share their passion for their countries. I highly recommend this company.
Reviewer: Cool Gram
5 Stars
Great Pre-cruise Activity
October 21, 2013
Since you pretty much have to arrive the night before this is an excellent way to spend your day before boarding the cruise ship... was also used by folks leaving the ship. Saw the sights that Istanbul for which is famous along with some excellent information on the history on what we were seeing. You can stay across the street from the cruise port at Nidya Hotel and leave your bags there or take them on the bus with you. Tour startws and ends on the pier in front of the ship.
Reviewer: eelliot
5 Stars
overview of Istanbul
October 06, 2013
The guide had excellent depth of knowledge
Reviewer: CCKS
4 Stars
So many interesting things!
September 15, 2013
The guide provided a great overview of the sites and Turkish culture in general. Lots of crowds, so felt a little rushed. The guide gave us some great ideas of where to eat and things to do when we elected to stay in town rather than take the bus back to the ship.
Reviewer: Pete
4 Stars
Instanbul
August 21, 2013
Guide was informed and able to present info in interesting manner. Gave enough info for us to be informed, but not too much to make it boring. Good timing for each site. Not too interested in tour group personally, but enough to give us a good tour.
Reviewer: Mona
4 Stars
Only way to see Istanbul for newbies!
July 30, 2013
Our guide Unal was the best. He was able to see the long wait lines and make a time adjustment to our tour so we weren't waiting and waiting. We saw everything we wanted, had time for lunch and shopping at the Grand Bazaar. My husband and I loved Turkey and we will be back. Thanks Unal for a great day! Rick and Yvonne
Reviewer: R & Y
5 Stars
Beautiful Istanbul!
June 20, 2013
Wish I would have had more time to shop at the bazaar! It's amazing!
Reviewer: Ms. Nelson the Nurse
4 Stars
Turkish delight
June 09, 2013
The tour bus was comfortable, we weren't rushed, and in between sights, we were able to stop for refreshments. Our guide, Tolga was young, friendly and informative.
Reviewer: Dennis
5 Stars
Belly dancing an ancient art
June 04, 2013
The place was so just a tourist place The show was good
Reviewer: Cookinwine
4 Stars
Excellent excursion
January 07, 2013
Our guide was excellent and covered all topics well. It was well organized and the guide had a sign so we were able to locate him easily just outside the port area. This was our first tour with Shore Excursions but will not be our last!!
Reviewer: Baamkat
5 Stars
Very well organised and operated
November 19, 2012
Very pleased with professionally run excursion from provision of water on coach, inclusion of attraction entry tickets together with a knowledgeable and polite guide.
Reviewer: Stef
5 Stars
beautiful place
November 12, 2012
great tour guide and interesting place to visit. I would like to go back sometime.
Reviewer: karenfaye
5 Stars
Very fun and great value
November 09, 2012
Great way to see the city in 1/2 a day.
Reviewer: Toll booth Rob
5 Stars
A very good tour of Istanbul
October 19, 2012
A very good tour of a marvellous city. Our guide took us to a very nice restaurant for lunch and gave good hints at bargaining in the bazzar
Reviewer: Woburnci
4 Stars
Guide wonderful-breathtaking Istanbul
June 28, 2012
This was a great excursion, largely because of John, our guide. He was thorough and very accomodating of our questions and requests. Istanbul is a beautiful city and he really presented it well. Use of the headphones kept everyone keyed in all the time to what he was saying and close together, in spite of the large crowds.
Reviewer: Gigi
5 Stars