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Istanbul Monuments Tour: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
4.7
148 Ratings
Fatih
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks on a small-group tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Explore the rich history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires with a knowledgeable guide.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Sultanahmet Square - Discover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks on this intimate walking tour. Meet your dedicated guide at a popular spot for traditional Turkish treats, where you can find restrooms and purchase water or snacks. Enjoy a picturesque walk around Sultanahmet and experience local life with a professional guide.
- Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque is Istanbul’s most frequented monument. Your tour begins in the Sultanahmet area, named after the mosque itself. Be awed by this grand imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I, the last of its grand scale. Relive its historical grandeur with a detailed guided tour of the Blue Mosque and its surrounding buildings. Afterwards, take in the stunning views of modern Istanbul from the courtyard and enjoy a leisurely walk around the neighborhood.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - Explore the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and see the most important site of the Greek Orthodox faith in Istanbul. Learn about its transformation into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Inside the Hagia Sophia, observe the coexistence of mosque and church elements. Marvel at the basilica’s magnificent dome, minarets, mosaics, paintings, and marble columns. Discover how the beautiful İznik tiles were added over time, the creation of the Virgin Mary mosaic, and why Ottoman sultans chose to be buried in the courtyard.
- Hippodrome - Stroll through the historic hippodrome of Constantinople and learn about the obelisks that decorate the square. Pause between major landmarks for the best views and understand the hippodrome’s significance during Byzantine times.
- Arasta Bazaar - Wander through the Arasta Bazaar, located in the shadow of the Blue Mosque, to appreciate 17th-century public architecture. This well-known yet modest open-air market is in the heart of Sultanhamet. Enjoy a final tea break and shop for souvenirs to take home.
What's Included
- 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
What's Not Included
- Transport to the meeting spot
Additional Information
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. 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. Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to continue exploring Istanbul independently.
- 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.
- Please note that wearing or displaying any specific religious symbols or attire is not permitted.
- 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.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Location
Ersoy Bufe
At Meydanı Caddesi
We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain. Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.”
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(148 Ratings)
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Mary_f
Oct 5, 2024
Must do tour - Our guide, Melissa, was amazing. She is so well versed on the history of the buildings, she provided us with helpful details, and her enthusiasm for the culture and history shines through. Great and informative tour.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_n
Oct 4, 2024
Great tour, tons of interesting history! - Mert was a wonderful, informative, and engaging guide who was able to answer our questions and deepen our understanding of Turkish history and culture while giving us the background of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. His love for Istanbul and history were obvious and made for a memorable tour. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Heather_w
Sep 30, 2024
Highly recommend - Fantastic tour armrest was an excellent guide with great insight and information. An absolutely must to get the most out of your visit to Istanbul.
Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Chloe_f
Sep 29, 2024
Blue mosque and Hagia Sofia tour - Tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, did a great job explaining everything and gave time for pictures.
Review provided by Viator
Aoife_c
Sep 29, 2024
Excellent tour guide Kaan and beautiful places to visit - Beautiful mosques and a definitive must see. Kaan was an excellent tour guide. Moved at a nice pace and he was very informative and interesting.
Review provided by Viator
John_h
Sep 29, 2024
Great Tour - Great Guide. - Great informative tour with Murat, very knowledgeable but kept it interesting and lively.
Value for money.
Review provided by Viator
Byron_k
Sep 29, 2024
Informative - Tour guide excellent and provided really good info. You could do a self tour, but if can manage it, this is the way to go.
Review provided by Viator
Emily_h
Sep 28, 2024
Best dual tour in Istanbul - We had an easy meeting spot in the park, then a great tour with Murat to both Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque with a break in between and a visit to Sultan Hammet park neighborhood. Murat knows his history and speaks awesome English for us Americans. Highly recommend to avoid lines and have a local guide!
Review provided by Viator
Ravinder_a
Oct 2, 2024
The guide Mr. Emre Tan was good, courteous and very informative. - The two locations. Both were historical and very impressive. The architecture and design was amazing!! Hagia Sophia should be better maintained without tampering with history. I think the authorities can afford to do so with the huge visitors collection.
Review provided by Viator
Geoffrey
Sep 28, 2024
Well the first part was ok then I lost the tour because we had a 15min break and the tour leader didn't go back to the starting - Not very satisfactory because I lost the tour leader for the second half of the tour.
My advice stick to the tour leader of you want to do the Blue mosque with j
Review provided by Tripadvisor
