Your Istanbul Shore Excursions
When you book excursions through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Istanbul
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 44.00
Istanbul
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 24.75
Istanbul
Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit
Duration: 2 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 6.60
Istanbul
ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks FullDay Private Guided City Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 142.50
Istanbul
Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 66.75
Istanbul
Istanbul Highlights Private Tour: Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 - 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 65.10
Istanbul
Skip-the-Line Istanbul: Private Tour from Cruise Ship & Hotel
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From GBP 210.00
Istanbul
All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 16 - 20 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 132.00
Istanbul
Istanbul Sunset Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus with Transfers
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 45.00
Istanbul
Guided Bosphorus & Black Sea Cruise – 4 Stops from Istanbul
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 96.80
Istanbul
Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Layover Flight. Transfer incl.
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From GBP 131.25
Istanbul
Istanbul Shore Excursion: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From GBP 71.25
Istanbul
Private Guided Istanbul Day Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 71.25
Istanbul
Private & Mini Group 7-8 Hours Guided Excursion from Cruise Port
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From GBP 74.25
Istanbul
Istanbul City Tour and Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Lunch
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 83.60
Istanbul
Private and guided Istanbul food tour - Taste of Istanbul
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 180.00
Istanbul
Historical Istanbul Old City Tour from Hotels & Cruise Port
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From GBP 62.08
About your MSC Cruises cruise on MSC Lirica
Make the most of your upcoming MSC Cruises sailing aboard the MSC Lirica with high-quality, top-rated tours and experiences matched to your exact itinerary.
After departing Istanbul on 21 Jan 2026, MSC Lirica will take you and your travel party to remarkable destinations - and FindMyExcursions is here to help you experience more in each port.
We've partnered with the world’s largest tour marketplaces, including Viator, to offer a curated selection of excursions that go beyond what’s available in your MSC Cruises planner. Our intelligent matching system analyses your port times and schedule to recommend only the best-rated, time-compatible experiences — so you can relax, explore, and get back to the ship with confidence.
From scenic adventures and cultural immersions to foodie tours and historical walks, each excursion is selected because it's highly-rated by previous users, and tailored to fit the time you actually have ashore. With convenient port pick-up and drop-off included in most experiences — and a “Worry-Free Shore Excursion” policy available on selected tours — you’ll enjoy a seamless, stress-free outing every time you step off the ship.
Best of all, our selection often includes more variety — and better value — than the limited options offered directly by your cruise line.
Let FindMyExcursions turn your MSC Cruises cruise aboard the MSC Lirica into a truly unforgettable journey. Start browsing now and discover the excursions that will take your trip to the next level — port by port.
About Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents—Europe and Asia—making it a unique cultural crossroads steeped in history. Formerly known as Constantinople, this city was once the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today, it’s a vibrant metropolis where ancient palaces and mosques sit beside sleek office towers and buzzing cafés. Cruise visitors will likely begin in the Old City, home to treasures like the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as the bustling Grand Bazaar. But the magic of Istanbul lies in its contrasts—traditional markets thrive alongside modern malls, and historic minarets echo the call to prayer as night owls return from lively bars. With a dynamic arts scene, youthful energy, and famously warm hospitality, Istanbul is as enchanting as it is energetic. It’s a city that welcomes you wholeheartedly and offers a captivating blend of the old and the new.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the ‘Worry-Free Shore Excursion’ on some of the excursions?
Viator’s Worry-Free Shore Excursion policy means that if your tour runs late and you miss your ship, they’ll arrange transport to the next port at no additional cost to you. This offer applies only to shore excursions specifically marked with the ‘Worry-Free’ badge on Viator. When you use FindMyExcursions, we help match you with these eligible tours where available, so you can book with confidence knowing you're covered if unexpected delays occur.
Why choose FindMyExcursions?
FindMyExcursions is designed by cruise travellers for cruise travellers. Here’s what sets us apart:
- •We match your itinerary to top-rated excursions from Viator, one of the most trusted global tour platforms.
- •We filter by time-in-port, so you only see tours that fit your schedule.
- •Many tours offer port pick-up and drop-off, removing the guesswork.
- •We highlight tours with excellent reviews, local expertise, and clear cancellation policies.
- •You book direct with Viator, benefiting from their trusted payment platform and customer service.
In short, we make discovering and booking cruise-compatible tours easier, safer, and more tailored to your plans.
What are the risks of booking with third-party providers?
When you book excursions independently (i.e., outside of the cruise line), you’re responsible for managing your time ashore. If you miss the ship’s departure, the cruise will not wait, and you’ll have to make your own way to the next port.
That’s why FindMyExcursions only features tours that fit within your port timings, with enough buffer to get you back in good time. Many also offer port pick-up/drop-off for added convenience and peace of mind. You get all the flexibility of third-party booking, with smart, cruise-specific filtering built in.
Will I get a refund if the ship doesn’t dock or our itinerary changes?
If your ship is unable to dock or your itinerary changes at short notice, most tour providers on Viator offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. However, cancellations within 24 hours usually aren't refundable. We recommend checking each tour’s cancellation policy before booking, as they can vary. Also, having comprehensive cruise travel insurance is key. Some policies may cover missed ports or excursions, but this usually depends on the circumstances and how much notice the cruise line provided. We’re not qualified to offer legal or financial advice so always check the fine print of your policy or speak to your insurer for specifics.