Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Guided & Small-Group Tour
Description
Uncover the highlights of Istanbul on this guided walking tour. Step back in time as you explore the city’s rich history and breathtaking architecture, visiting iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Old City and the vibrant Grand Bazaar. PICK UP POINT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS FRONT OF THE PORT BOSPHORUS HOTEL. OPPOSITE THE MAIN EXIT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS • Explore the rich history and significance of Istanbul at the Hagia Sophia. • Admire the Blue Mosque's exquisite handmade blue Iznik tiles and six majestic minarets. • Immerse in the lively ambiance of the Grand Bazaar as you meander through its bustling stalls. • Stroll through the historic Hippodrome, once a hub of culture, sport and politics. • Take in the sights of the German Fountain, Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine
Tour Options
Itinerary
The magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. Learn how this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and stands as the last great mosque of the Classical Ottoman period.
The heart of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome, once the city’s vibrant social and sporting center. Admire historical monuments including the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Column of Constantine.
Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox church. Discover the building’s rich history as it transitioned from church to mosque and later into a museum—standing as the world’s largest church for nearly a millennium
Before reaching the Grand Bazaar, enjoy a brief stop at a local shop—an ideal opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Then, gather in front of the Grand Bazaar’s main gate to hear fascinating insights about its rich history. Afterward, explore the Grand Bazaar at your own pace. Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the world’s oldest and largest covered market, with 65 bustling streets and over 4,000 shops offering everything from carpets and jewelry to spices, ceramics and more.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pick-up from centrally located Istanbul hotels. Before the tour start time, each hotel there is a fixed pick up time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites. Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt. Please bring a scarf to cover head.
- Hagia Sophia skip the Line entrance ticket: €25 and must be paid in cash.
- Even though you'll skip the ticket lines,the security checks at the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque are mandatory and cannot be bypassed.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.
- The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar.
- This is a shared transfer with Minibus or Midibus and pick up could be early or late. For each hotel there is a fixed pick-up time. before the tour starts time
Reviews(49)
Guia arrived 20 minutes after the schedule. There was no general reference in Spanish.
The tour starts at 9:00 AM. Meeting time is 8:45 AM. You're right, the guide arrived at 9:05 AM, we apologize for that. If you carefully read the tour details on the website, you will see that the tour is conducted in English. The website does not state that a Spanish tour guide or Spanish audio guide service will be provided.
Great tour, very knowledgable guide. Only down size was being to a leather/carpet/jewellery shop with a big sell
Pros: guide arrived on time. Guide was well informed and gave a lot of information at our different stops that would not be obvious without a guide. Ample time was given at our various stops. Guide gave well informed answers to all of our questions. Pros: Hagia Sophia entry cost was not included in the tour cost. Tour description included a stop at the Grand Bazaar; however, our last stop was at a department store with an unanticipated sales pitch. Clearly state Hagia Sophia entry is extra and eliminate the sales pitch stop and actually include the Bazaar portion as stated.
Great experience going over the history of Hagia Sophia, blue mosque, monuments in sultanahmet square, topkapi palace. I recommend Baki to anyone reading this
Good meeting instructions. Plenty of information and all questions answered. Nicely paced with free time when appropriate. A very enjoyable and informative tour.
Our tour Guide was very helpful and gave wonderful insight into the history of Turkey and Istanbul . He had an abundance of knowledge of the Mosques that we visited , as well as the Monuments that we encountered! I would highly recommend Baki as a wonderful guide and a kind and thoughtful person! Thank you Baki!
Baki was very good and personalized this tour for us a little as my friend had a bad knee. It was about 3 hours and we covered the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia initially. I wanted to see the Basillica Cistern so he helped us skip the line there also before leaving us! Excellent
A pleasurable small group tour. Picked up close to my hotel. The guide provided interesting commentary as we strolled round The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, ending at the Grand Bazzar.
Very friendly guide, with a lot of knowledge of history and religion. Too bad about the long lines everywhere, but he knew our iig at Nlauwe Mosque and the cisterns
It was a great experience. Our guide was friendly, knowlegeable and patient. He took care of us well, too. He gave good advice too.
