Details About Istanbul

Destinations » Mediterranean » Mediterranean - Eastern » Istanbul


Istanbul is not only where Europe meets Asia; it's where history, built upon empire after empire, meets modern-day commercialism. Explore Old Istanbul's mosques, hippodromes and opulent palaces. Discover remnants of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Test your bargaining savvy with the merchants at the Grand Bazaar and visit the awe-inspiring Ayasofya (Church of Holy Wisdom). Istanbul is the perfect place to step far back in time and admire incredible cultural accomplishments. Don't forget your camera!
Right Now
51°F
04n
broken clouds
94%
Moderate breeze North-northeast
Sunday, 11/15/2026
04n
56°F / 50
overcast clouds
Monday, 11/16/2026
02n
59°F / 49
few clouds
Tuesday, 11/17/2026
04n
60°F / 51
broken clouds
Wednesday, 11/18/2026
03n
65°F / 57
scattered clouds
Thursday, 11/19/2026
04n
66°F / 66
broken clouds

Attractions

Journey to Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood to experience the astounding Ayasofya (also know as the Church of Holy Wisdom or the Hagia Sophia), an incredible example of Byzantine architecture. The original cathedral was completed in A.D. 537, using columns and marble from other temples around the empire. Earthquakes, crusaders and successive rulers have all left their mark on the Ayasofya. The original mosaics, which were once plastered over, have been gloriously restored. Simply put, this is a sight you will always remember.

Activities

Equally affecting is the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), a grand, bulbous monument to Islam. With 260 stained glass windows, six minarets and liberal use of decorative tile, the Blue Mosque is an amazing visual adventure. Take a tour of Dolmabahçe Palace and see how the sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived.

Shopping

Turkey's leather goods are some of the best in Europe. You can purchase customized leather items for far less money here than at home. Carpet shops are abundant, so make sure you shop around. You may find the best prices outside of Istanbul. Visit the Grand Bazaar, with its thousands of shops, selling everything from brass, copper and jewelry to textiles, leather, carpets, and more. Prices are generally flexible, so be ready to bargain.

Currency

The Lira (TRL) is the official currency of Turkey.

 
Click red-star to view sailings.
Cruise Line 2026
Nov		 Dec 2027
Jan		 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Azamara -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star -- -- -- -- red-star
Celebrity Cruises - Ocean -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star -- red-star red-star red-star --
Costa Cruises -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star
Cunard Line -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star -- -- -- red-star red-star
Emerald Cruises -- -- -- -- -- red-star -- -- red-star -- red-star red-star
Emerald Yacht Cruises -- -- -- -- -- red-star -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star
Explora Journeys red-star -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star -- red-star red-star
Four Seasons Yachts -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star -- -- -- red-star --
Holland America Line -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star -- -- -- red-star red-star
MSC Cruises red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star
Norwegian Cruise Line -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star
Oceania Cruises -- -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star
Ponant -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star
Princess Cruises -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star
Regent Seven Seas Cruises red-star -- red-star -- -- red-star -- -- red-star -- red-star red-star
Royal Caribbean International -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star
Scenic Cruises -- -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star red-star -- -- -- red-star
Sea Cloud Cruises -- -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star -- -- --
Seabourn -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star -- red-star red-star red-star red-star
Silversea Cruises -- -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star -- -- red-star red-star
Star Clippers -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star red-star red-star -- --
Tauck Cruise -- -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star -- -- -- --
Viking Ocean Cruises red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star red-star -- red-star -- red-star red-star
Virgin Voyages -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- red-star -- -- --
Windstar Cruises -- -- -- -- -- red-star red-star -- -- red-star red-star red-star