Eastern Med

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ISTANBUL

ABOUT THIS PORT

Straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is bisected by the Bosphorus Strait that separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul was once Constantinople, and it was actually Byzantium even before that. Throughout its history Istanbul has been an important place, serving as the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and at one point it was the richest city in Europe. In 1453 the city was captured and made the new capital of the Ottoman Empire. It was during this period that this largely Christian city was transformed into an Islamic center.https://maps.google.com/maps?q=istanbul%20cruise%20terminal&t=m&z=10&output=embed&iwloc=near

PORT ISTANBUL

Istanbul is the only city in the world situated on two continents. West of the city is Europe, the eastern side is Asia. Both continents are separated by the Bosphorus river, the strait that connects the Black Sea and the Seas of Marmara.

Istanbul cruise terminal is located in the European part of the city near the Galata Bridge. Ships dock at the Yolcu Salonu or Passenger Terminal in Karakoy, in one of the oldest and most historical districts of Istanbul Turkey.

Currently, due to construction work to develop the new Galataport cruise ship area, some ships dock at the Salipazari docks so it is better to check upfront.

There is a wide selection of well-known chain hotels represented such as Wyndham, Radisson, Swissotel, Hilton, Best Western, and Ramada as well as Turkish run hotels. Hotels in the district of Sultan Achmet Camii will place you right in the middle of the city’s prime tourist area. Major sightseeing spots such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar are within walking distance.

The Beyoglu district of Istanbul, north of the Golden Horn waterway, is closer to the cruise port area. It’s linked to the Old City via the Galata and Umkapani Bridges. Beyoglu is one of the most vibrant areas of the city with many fashion boutiques, bars, restaurants, and 4 and 5-star hotels. Taksim Square is located in the center of this modern and lively part of Istanbul.

CRUISE PASSENGER TERMINAL – PIERS

Ships tied up at the Istanbul cruise terminal in Karaköy which is located on the European side of central Istanbul Turkey, at the point where the Golden Horn flows into the Bosphorus waterway near the Galata Tower. Yolcu Salonu’s passenger terminal is capable to accommodate four cruise ships. If there are more ships, they will use the Salipazari Pier. It’s a major cruise and ferry port. Several major cruise lines sail from the Port of Karakoy such as MSC Cruises, Crystal, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn Cruises  , and Azamara.

From the pier, you can take a taxi to Sultanahmet Square, which is a 10-minute ride away. We give you the best possible and the latest information on different Istanbul hotels. Look for a cheaper hotel or stay in one of the luxurious 5 stars Istanbul hotels. All accommodation is situated within close distance of the departure terminal for cruises out of Istanbul in Turkey.

note: The Karakoy Yolcu Salonu cruise ship passenger terminal, has been closed, and now all ships use the Salipazari docks. Currently, the whole area is under construction to develop the new Galataport cruise ship reception area.

AIRPORT AND TRANSPORT

Istanbul Airport (IATA: IST, ICAO: LTFM) (Turkish: İstanbul Havalimanı) is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of the city.

How far is Istanbul New Airport from the city center? 

The airport is located around 38km from the city center of Istanbul. The route in its early days will be subject to heavy traffic before the metro is operational, so expect the journey to take at least 45 minutes but probably way longer.

Originally Istanbul Airport was announced to be fully operational by 1st January 2019, and Atatürk Airport was going to stop serving commercial flights. However, recently the authorities decided to postpone the transition for the second time already.

CURRENCY AND LANGUAGE

Since the 1st of January 2009, the official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). This currency supplanted the New Turkish Lira, which was instituted in 2005 and that, following four years of use, changed the name.

Turkish is the official language of Turkey, uniting not just its citizens, but also a diaspora of Turkish-speaking peoples throughout Asia.

TIPS FOR ISTANBUL

Straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is bisected by the Bosphorus Strait that separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul was once Constantinople, and it was actually Byzantium even before that. Throughout its history Istanbul has been an important place, serving as the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and at one point it was the richest city in Europe. In 1453 the city was captured and made the new capital of the Ottoman Empire. It was during this period that this largely Christian city was transformed into an Islamic center. Contact our cruise experts for help planning a cruise to Istanbul, Turkey. Featured below are a few of our favorite experiences for the cruise port of Istanbul, Turkey:

• Visit the Grand Bazaar, a giant commercial shopping center with 4,000 shops, restaurants, and teahouses, along with mosques and inns. Here you can find jewelry, rugs, and locally-produced yarns. 
• See the expansive porcelain collection, along with the throne room and clothing is worn by the former Ottoman empires, when you visit Topkapi Palace. This palace built in the 15^th century is brimming with riches. 
• Attend a Dance of Colours Performance where you’ll be treated to 10 dances from different regions in Turkey, including the whirling dervishes and Sufi music. 
• Explore the Haghia Sofia, once considered to be the greatest Christian church, which was built in 537. When the Ottomans took over, the church was converted to a mosque and now this famous landmark is a museum. Inside you’ll find intricate mosaics. 
• Relax at a hammam, or Turkish bath, where you can choose to just enjoy the sauna or indulge in a massage. There are several hammams all over the city.

Credits for above information: https://www.cruisetcetera.com/cruise-port-istanbul/