Istanbul Landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern
Experience Istanbul’s cultural treasures on a compact, expertly guided tour. Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia’s mosaics, marvel at the Blue Mosque’s stunning İznik tiles, and descend into the Basilica Cistern’s mysterious underground chambers. Walk the historic Hippodrome where chariot races once roared. Perfect for travelers short on time, this small-group tour offers rich historical insights with multilingual guides, ensuring a seamless journey through Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
Options
Group Tour English & Turkish
English Guide: Bilingual English- and Turkish-speaking Professional Licensed Tour Guide
What's included in Istanbul Landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Hippodrome
Start your journey at the German Fountain, learning about the ancient Hippodrome’s vibrant role as the center of Byzantine social and sporting life.
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
Step into one of the world’s architectural wonders. Admire glittering mosaics, towering domes, and hear stories of its evolution from cathedral to mosque to museum and back.
Visit this iconic mosque, celebrated for its harmonious design and more than 20,000 hand-painted blue İznik tiles that create a serene atmosphere.
Inclusions
- Bilingual English- and Turkish-speaking Professional Licensed Tour Guide (in selected language)
- Entrance fees - Hagia Sophia
- Entrance fees - Basilica Cistern
- Food or beverages
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Please look for a guide wearing a TripGuru shirt or holding a TripGuru sign.
End Points
- The last spot will be Basilica Cistern, where the tour guide will kindly dismiss the guests, giving suggestions on what to do, what to eat and how to spend the best stay in Istanbul.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
What should you bring Scarf or clothes to cover the shoulders, knees, and head at the mosque Camera Hat/umbrella Sunscreen Sunglasses Comfortable shoes Bug spray Cash (for personal expenses) Entrance fees are not included; please bring cash for tickets. Important note: Tickets for the Basilica Cistern (TRY 1500) must be paid in Turkish Lira. Please bring cash in this currency to purchase the tickets and avoid delays in the itinerary. The tour involves moderate walking; dress comfortably. Hotel pick-up/drop-off is not included. Languages available: English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Important Information: Punctuality:Kindly be at your meeting point at least 10 minutes before the stated meeting time. Traffic:If you are headed to the meeting point, we would like to stress that heavy traffic in the morning is expected, and can vary greatly when compared to the travel time stated in navigation apps (e.g. Google Maps, Waze, etc.). Please make sure to consider leaving with enough time to reach your destination. Dress Code:Clothes revealing the shoulders, underarms, back, and knees are not allowed in some sites on this tour; Kindly bring a scarf/sweater to cover up or wear clothes that fit the dress code. Itinerary:As this tour includes visits to religious temples, the itinerary may be adjusted, extended, or shortened due to changes in prayer times throughout the year.
