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Guided tour

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

4.8 / 5

511 reviews

Activity provider:Walks In Europe
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Guided tour

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

Activity provider:Walks In Europe

4.8

511 reviews

Likely to sell out

From US$ 41.73 per person

Likely to sell out

Join a guided tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Enjoy an introduction to Sultanahmet and the Hippodrome as you witness local life with a guide.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, German
Private group available

Experience

Highlights
  • Experience the splendor and charm of Islamic architecture in the Blue Mosque
  • Admire the beauty of the world famous Hagia Sophia on a guided tour
  • Discover the history and culture of Ottoman and Byzantine Empires
  • Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to continue exploring Istanbul independently
  • See the Hippodrome and learn about its importance in the city's social and political life
Full description

Discover the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome on a private or shared guided walking tour in Istanbul. Admire the historic architecture and unique views of the city. Get an insider perspective of these must-see sights.

Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Blue Mosque, the most visited monument in Istanbul famous for its stunning blue tiles. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet. Witness the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Blue Mosque.

Afterward, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a stroll around the neighborhood. Walk through the Hippodrome, the social and political center of the city, and learn about the significance of the famous obelisks. Visit the Hagia Sophia and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.

Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns.

Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard.

Explore the Arasta Bazaar nestled right under the shadow of the Blue Mosque to understand 17th Century architecture of public buildings. It is a well-known but modest open-air market in the heart of Sultanahmet. Enjoy a last-minute tea break and hunt for gifts to take home.

End your tour in Sultanahmet Square with enough information and hints to help you be independent for the rest of your time in Istanbul.

Includes
  • Shared or private walking tour (depending on the option selected)
  • Professional local guide
  • Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia tour
  • Port pickup for cruise ship passengers (only ship details have been filled in)
  • Transportation to the meeting spot
  • Lunch

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Headscarf

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • Pickup at Galataport is available if you select the cruise ship option and provide ship details
  • All visitors must pass through airport-style security
  • You must remove your shoes before entering both landmarks
  • Nobody can skip the line at the mosques, though your guides will try to make it easier for your groups
  • Due to long lines, entry into Hagia Sophia is not guaranteed
  • Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic, so please leave early to make it on time for your tour. It is not possible to join the tour after it has started
  • Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are functioning mosques and could be closed last minute without notice
  • Women must carry a headscarf
Likely to sell out

From US$ 41.73 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
  • Give this as a gift

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 511 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.7/5

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Star rating:

Cem is an excellent tour guide with deep understanding of the background and history. He was able to tell us the history and stories in very interactive ways which immerse us into the culture and the location of the visits. Definitely one of the best tour guide in this trip of ours.

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May 22, 2023

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Great small group tour. You won’t be able to skip-the-line at either mosque, but our guide, Cigdem, knew how to time it so we had a short wait in both places. She’s knowledgeable, personable, and passionate about Istanbul’s culturally and history. Thoroughly enjoyed our tour with her and would recommend this tour to others who want to not only see these sites but gaun insight into their histories and evolution.

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May 13, 2023

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Tour was excellent. Melisa our guide provided lots of information. She went above and beyond. I liked how she engaged with everyone in the group. She was very knowledgeable and came prepared with pictures and explained the historical facts using the pics.

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May 3, 2023

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Product ID: 204412

  • Turkey
  • Marmara Region
  • Things to do in Istanbul
  • Hagia Sophia

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