Guided tour

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

Activity provider: Walks In Europe
Guided tour

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

Activity provider: Walks In Europe
Save up to 15%

From US$ 57.47 US$ 48.85 per person

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
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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)
  • Local guide
  • Blue Mosque guided tour (replaced with Suleymaniye Mosque until April 22, 2023)
  • Port pickup for cruise ship passengers, only if they provide ship details
  • 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

  • The Blue Mosque is closed from January 1, 2023 to April 22, 2023. The visit will be replaced with a guided tour of Suleymaniye Mosque
  • You can only be picked up if you 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 either of the mosques, though your guides will make try to make it easier for you
  • 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
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 377 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.7/5

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This was a great way to explore some of Istanbuls many mosques! Our tour guide was lovely, very knowledgable and spoke clear fluent English. He taught us a lot about Istanbul and even recommended some additional places to visit which were great! Can’t recommend this tour enough!

March 30, 2023

Our tour guide, Sabih, did a wonderful job and was extremely knowledgeable. At each of the places we went to he presented a variety of historical stories and a wealth of knowledge while keeping the tour at a very good pace. He pointed out many details about each of the buildings in ways that made things memorable and that made the tour far superior to other similar tours I have taken in the past. Additionally, I myself was a history major and I naturally had many questions for him about his various stories and the various parts of each building. He answered each of my questions with an abundance of additional facts and even more wonderful historical anecdotes. I would highly recomend this tour.

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March 30, 2023

This experience is one of a kind and highly recommend for all. The people you meet and see while on the tour represent all walks of life. It's true that Istanbul is the meeting place of the world. Many thanks to the host of the trip who brought along blue plastic bags to carry our shoes while inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque and mentioned the mosaic of The Son of Mary that was near exit. You have my deepest thanks and appreciation. Apologies that I forgot your name brother.

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March 30, 2023

Product ID: 204412