Highlights of Istanbul Accessible Shore Excursion

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Highlights of Istanbul Accessible Shore Excursion by Tram

Whereas the full-day accessible tour by tram mentioned above can only be done on the weekends due to the crowded weekday rush-hour, this half-day Istanbul accessible shore excursion can be done during the week.

After visiting 4 of the most famous sights in Istanbul, you can either head back to the cruise dock with your tour guide or explore the city on your own.

Important note:
– This tour can be done any day of the week because it starts at 10 am and returns to the ship by 2 pm which avoids the crowded trams during rush hours on weekdays

Tour Highlights

– Blue Mosque (exterior only)
– Hagia Sophia (exterior only)

– Hagia Sophia History Museum
– Basilica Cistern

Accessibility Details

The Half Day Accessible Shore Excursion by Tram has a 4 Star Sage Accessibility Rating because it uses a pubic tram with a wheelchair ramp that is suitable for heavy electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. It also involves step-free routes between the tourist attractions, and the tour guide can push manual wheelchair users. It did not receive a higher accessibility rating because there are cobblestones and hills on the tour route (they are found almost everywhere in Istanbul).

After you depart your cruise ship, you’ll pass through the red buildings shown in the photo on the left. The Half Day Accessible Shore Excursion by Tram starts with your professionally-licensed tour guide greeting you at the Istanbul cruise terminal exit (shown in the photo on the right).

Your guide will escort you to the Istanbul tram line where there is a ramp leading to flat access onto the tram. Your tram ticket is included in the price of your tour.

The entrance to the Hagia Sophia ia on the left side of this picture. There is level access. This ramp leads down into the building.

Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern (also known as the Underground Cistern) is one of the most unique attractions you’ll see on this Istanbul accessible shore excursion. This 6th century water storage cistern was fed by a 19 km long aqueduct, and it can hold 80,000 cubic meters of water. The ceiling is supported by 336 nine meter tall columns. Your accessible Basilica Cistern tour avoids the 52 steps at the entrance and includes permission to use the wheelchair lift at the exit (shown in the photos below).

Tour Details

Tour duration: 5 hours
Cost: €475 1-2 people, €525 for 3-4 people, €575 for 5-6 people, €625 for 7-8 people.

* 50 euro off if booked as part of an accessible cruise & excursions package.
* 20 euro off if booked as part of an accessible Istanbul travel package.
Days of the week the tour is offered: Every day except Monday (when the Hagia Sophia is closed)
Meet-up time: 10 am
Meet-up place: Cruise dock or accessible hotel lobby
Maximum number of people on tour: Up to 8 people can travel comfortably on the tram. Larger groups may have difficulty staying together.

Tram Tickets: Not Included. €2.50 per person. Price subject to change. We will purchase your tickets.
Entrance tickets: Not included. Some entrance tickets are free for disabled visitors if they have an ID card from their home country stating the percent of their disability.

To review our cancellation policy, please click: HERE. Tours run rain or shine.
Not included: Entrance tickets, snacks/meals, and gratuities.

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