Istanbul Exploration: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Guided Tour
4.8
16 Ratings
Fatih
Explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks on a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Learn about the city's rich history and enjoy a unique shopping experience.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque - Meaning Divine Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. Today’s Hagia Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in 537AD. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 481 years, In 1934, by the order of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, it was converted into a museum and has since been open to the visitors.
  • Blue Mosque - Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, it is located opposite the Hagia Sophia. Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Although it is officially named Sultanahmet Mosque,, the (nıck) name Blue Mosque was given to it by the visitors because of the amazing blue tiles decorating the interior walls.
  • Hippodrome of Constantinople - Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city whıch once could hold 100,000 spectators. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet surrounded by Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace, today it is home to The Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), The Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), The Constantine Column and German Fountain.
  • Grand Bazaar - One of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 60 streets and 5000 shops, where you will find in an authentic oriental atmosphere, all kind of gifts, leather clothing, rugs, antiques, jewelry, hand-woven fabrics etc…
What's Included
  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide
  • Local taxes included
  • Pick-up service from centrally located Istanbul hotels
What's Not Included
  • Tip to the Guide (optional)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Entry tickets to Hagia Sophia : 30 USD
Additional Information

Embark on a tailor-made, half-day, small group journey to the core of Sultanahmet. Discover Istanbul’s gems like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Gain insights about Byzantines, Ottomans, and contemporary Turks from your knowledgeable local guide. Immerse yourself in the centuries-old shopping experience at the Grand Bazaar. Stroll the historic hippodrome, and view the German Fountain and obelisk. The tour includes pick-up service and is conducted in English.

  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Location
Hagia Sophia
Ayasofya Meydanı
The meeting point with your tour guide is the front of the Hagia Sophia. Meeting time will be given by your tour guide 1 day before your tour departure
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(16 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Margaret_f
Jun 14, 2024
Istanbul Highlights Tour - What a fantastic tour facilitated by an excellent guide, AJ. We had a small group and she made our first visit to Istanbul so memorable. She knew her history very well. We visited Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. We then went to a carpet store where we could see a Turkish double-knot carpet being made. Very nice experience. We were offered free refreshments and educated in the carpet art. We did purchase 2 carpets and they are being shipped back to NY free of charge. Also went downstairs to an ancient sistern and learned some facts about the hippodrome which we walked through afterwards. Ate lunch at a local Turkish restaurant which AJ helped us to select. After eating we headed to the Grand Bazzar and then got the small shuttle back to our cruise ship. A note fir women wearing dresses…. Make sure your knees are covered and dress does not have any revealing slits. Also remember to bring a light scarf to cover your head and shoulders if exposed. Only has to be worn inside Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Guards take the dress code seriously. Head coverings not required anywhere else.
Review provided by Viator
Deesydney2015
Sep 15, 2023
Brilliant tour of two major sights - “Baris” was our tour guide for the morning tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. We were very happy with the tour, very knowledgeable and organised. He also took us around the area, and explained about the history of Istanbul, sent us some pics of the Hagia Sophia that was not in total view. Our final stop was Grand Bazzar. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable tour. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_p
Aug 1, 2023
Great experience - Korhan was the Best!! Loved the beautiful buildings, the grand bazaar and especially the Relax tea! It worked! The rug shop was amazing and your schooling payed off, you can really spin a mean Rug!! Good Job! Steve, Patricia & the boys
Review provided by Viator
Linda
Jul 26, 2023
Excellent tour of The blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia - Our guide communicated with us precisely and was at the pickup point as arranged. He spoke very well and had an excellent knowledge of the subject. He was very organized and managed all our requirements.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lori_m
Jun 1, 2023
Excellent tour! - This was an excellent your! We saw all the highlights and more! The tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Rey_c
Apr 28, 2023
Amazing - Wonderful excursion with a great guide. Ali was knowledgeable and thoughtful. Very beautiful experience. Thank you.
Review provided by Viator
Joseph_p
Jun 25, 2022
Great tour - Our tour guide, Aly did an incredible job explaining the history and culture during our tour. Would highly recommend requesting Aly if you are going to take this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Gailmcnabb_v
May 10, 2022
Great experience. Baris was an excellent guide! - Batis is a history major. He not only led us safely walking through the city? But we were able to learn about each site we visited.
Review provided by Viator
Chrissy_c
Sep 21, 2023
All the goods in one day! - The temples were very beautiful and I was thoroughly impressed with how many shopping options were in the bazaar.
Review provided by Viator
Michela_c
Jul 25, 2022
Good but not engaging for kids - The guide was probably knowledgeable enough. Unfortunately he did not make any effort to be interesting and involve the small kids that were part of the tour. My daughter who is super used to visits to Mosques, Museums, Synagogues, churches and palaces got bored after two hours of un-engaging explanations. Honestly I would suggest the tour go adults without kids
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 12 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today