Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
Join a small-group walking tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Benefit from pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia Option to meet your guide in Galata port if you are on a cruise ship Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide. Experience the splendor and charm of Islamic architecture in the Blue Mosque. Discover the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
Options
Group Tour 24 People - English
Choose this option for an affordable price, offering a larger group capacity of up to 24 people.
Starting point:
Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
What's included in Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Sultanahmet Square
Check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on this small walking tour. Meet your dedicated guide at a hot spot for traditional Turkish delicacies, where there are restroom facilities and you can purchase water or snacks. Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is the most visited monument in Istanbul. Your tour will start in the Sultanahmet neighborhood which takes its name from the mosque. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet the first and the last one built in this grand size. Witness the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Blue Mosque and its complementary buildings with a professional guide. Afterwards, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul. Learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. In the Hagia Sophia, see 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 marble 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.
Inclusions
- Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
- 3 hours walking tour at a relaxed pace
- Small group tour for a more interactive experience
- Expert guide for insider's knowledge of the city
- Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
- Guided tour for the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia
- Transport to the meeting spot
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are functioning mosques and they can be closed to visitors for any reason, even without pre-notice (for a high-level state visit, for example)
- Nobody can skip the line at either of the mosques although our guides make it easier and more efficient because they do it every day.
- Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic. Give more time to get to the meeting spot than you may have planned
- Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
- You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
- Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
- Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
- Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE ON A CRUISE SHIP ONLY! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe."
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Please meet your guide and join the tour. Your voucher is not an admission ticket.