About the Port
Istanbul spans two continents, its skyline of minarets and domes rising along the Bosphorus strait that divides Europe from Asia. Centuries of imperial rule—Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman—have left behind grand mosques, palaces, and bazaars that still define the old city. Wandering its historic quarters reveals layers of history at every turn, from Byzantine churches turned mosques to Ottoman courtyards built for sultans.
At the heart of the old city, Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into centuries of imperial life, including the private chambers of the harem. Nearby, covered markets and narrow streets invite unhurried exploration on foot, with much of the historic peninsula easily reached from the port. Istanbul rewards travelers with a rare sense of two worlds meeting, its call to prayer and church bells echoing across a skyline shaped by empires.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Istanbul.
Enter the Hagia Sophia
Stand beneath the vast dome of this former Byzantine cathedral and Ottoman mosque, its walls layered with mosaics and calligraphy spanning centuries. A short walk from Topkapi Palace, it anchors the historic peninsula.
Explore the Grand Bazaar
Lose an hour or two amid thousands of stalls selling carpets, spices, lanterns, and gold in one of the world's oldest covered markets. Haggling is expected, and it's an easy walk from the old city's main sights.
Cross the Bosphorus by Ferry
Hop a short public ferry between the European and Asian shores for sweeping views of palaces, mosques, and waterfront mansions. It's an inexpensive, unhurried way to feel the city's two-continent identity firsthand.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Istanbul sailings and Pavlus pricing.
Cruises That Visit Istanbul
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaBella | 12 | $7,723 | |
| Aug 15, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaBella | 12 | $7,723 | |
| Aug 17, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Regatta | 10 | $2,720 | |
| Aug 17, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Ascent | 11 | $1,833 | |
| Aug 18, 2026 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Sea | 7 | $4,399 | |
| Aug 21, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaBella | 20 | $11,068 | |
| Aug 21, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaBella | 12 | $7,923 | |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Sea | 7 | $3,699 | |
| Aug 27, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Sirena | 14 | $7,949 | |
| Aug 28, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Viva | 10 | $1,869 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaVerde | 12 | $10,823 | |
| Sep 4, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaVerde | 20 | $15,668 | |
| Sep 4, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaVerde | 12 | $8,724 | |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Viva | 9 | $1,412 | |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Infinity | 10 | $3,510 | |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Ascent | 11 | $3,613 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaBella | 12 | $7,924 | |
| Sep 14, 2026 | Cunard | Queen Victoria | 14 | $1,489 | |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Princess | Enchanted Princess | 21 | $4,413 | |
| Sep 16, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Viva | 10 | $1,609 |
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