Istanbul Guided Best Tour ; Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Basilica
Description
Experience the Timeless Treasures of Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome 1. The Blue Mosque Step into a world of architectural marvels as you visit the stunning Blue Mosque. With its magnificent domes, intricate tilework, and a peaceful ambiance, this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture will leave you in awe. 2. Hagia Sophia Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Istanbul's rich and diverse heritage. This awe-inspiring structure has served as both a church and a mosque, and today it stands as a museum showcasing its remarkable history. 3. Hippodrome Our guide will transport you to ancient Constantinople as you admire the Egyptian obelisk, serpentine column, and Theodosius Column 4. Basilica Cistern It features 336 marble columns, many repurposed from earlier Roman buildings, creating a striking and mysterious atmosphere.
Tour Options
Itinerary
In this area, with our guide, our guests will be able to see the Egyptian obelisk, serpentine column, Theodosius Column, and the German Fountain, along with many other aspects.
Enter the mosque with your professional guide. Admire one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture and the famous blue Iznik tiles. Learn about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam, and Istanbul’s rich cultural history.
Admire the breathtaking exterior of this world-famous monument. Hear captivating stories of its nearly 2,000 years of history, from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire and modern Istanbul.
Skip-the-line tickets provide quick access underground. Discover the mysterious atmosphere of this ancient water reservoir. Walk among the columns, observe Byzantine architecture, and see the legendary Medusa heads inspired by Greek mythology. Your guide will share insights into its history and legends. (The Basilica Cistern may undergo renovations after April 24. In such a case, your guided visit will be conducted at either the Theodosius Cistern or the 1001 Columnsselam)
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Non-English speaking visitors can choose to receive their tickets separetely along with an audio guide in the language they prefer, rather than joining the group for a guided tour in English.
- The included tickets allow you to skip the ticket line of both Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, but it is not possible to skip the security line. The security line at Hagia Sophia can take up to 60 minutes in high season. The security check at Basilica Cistern can take up to 30 minutes
- This Hagia Sophia ticket gives you access to the Visiting Area and Upper Gallery, not the prayer area
- Not Allowed(Shorts, Short skirts,Sleeveless shirts)
- What To Bring (Scarf,Headscarf, Comfortable Shoes)
- The Basilica Cistern may undergo renovations after April 24. In such a case, your guided visit will be conducted at either the Theodosius Cistern or the 1001 Columnsselam
- Guests with mobility difficulties may find this tour unsuitable
Reviews(5)
Fantastic tour led by Ali, who was very knowledgable and considerate. The pace of the tour was well suited to our group.
We had a really good tour guide, we moved quite quickly which was great so there wasn't too much hanging around. Well worth a visit but the Basilica was the best.
Terrible, terrible, we had to leave the tour. Our guide didn’t know anything, We had to started listening other tours in order to understand. It was a bad experience for everyone from the beginning. Guide didn’t know what was included, we bought cistern, blue mosque and Hagga Sophia. He didn’t took us to the basilica cistern because “It is only water” he really didn’t know anything about history. Don’t waste your money ey and time. I recommend to talk with any guide outside of the historical places, to get a feeling of their knowledge and to book directly with them. We lost our money.
Driver was punctual! Great outing and the guide was quite knowledgeable. I enjoyed the visit to the Blue mosque and Hagia Sofia although I didn’t enter the latter. I actually enjoyed the fashion show and I eventually succumbed to pressure to buy a couple of things in the shop given that one could bargain. I wasn’t happy that my bill was arbitrarily inflated by 150 TL for a box of local pastries - I should have paid more attention. I thoroughly enjoyed the bazaar atmosphere 😊 and the enjoyed the haggling and bargaining. Honestly, I just love Istanbul and this tour helped us see the old city for a good price. Thanks to the tour company !!!
Our guide, Omar was great. He went above and beyond to accommodate everyone, even though some members were rude, made unreasonable requests, or didn't listen to what he just told us! He made the experience worthwhile.
