Istanbul Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour

4.6
(906 Reviews)

About this activity

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Duration: 3 hours
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$72 $66
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Experience Highlights

Embark on a guided tour of two of Istanbul's most iconic attractions on a walking tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The activity will last approximately 3 hours, during which you will learn about the history of Ottoman-era Istanbul from an expert guide.

Meet your guide (usually English-speaking, although German tours are occasionally available) at Ersoy Bufe, a small food kiosk right next to the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. Children up to 2 years old can go for free.

You will walk around the Sultanahmet district and have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the interior of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, with its majestic mosaics, paintings and gold-toned columns. You will also have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee during a visit to the local Arasta Bazaar.

  • Discover two of Istanbul's most famous sites with a guide who is an expert in local history and culture.
  • Marvel at the monuments of Sultanahmet Square.
  • Visit the iconic Blue Mosque and admire the beauty of the mosaics, domes and minarets.
  • Explore the impressive Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece combining Christian and Muslim elements.
  • Stroll through the Hippodrome and learn about the obelisks there.
  • Bargain and shop at the Arasta Bazaar near the Blue Mosque.

What’s included

  • Visit to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
  • Professional guide (in English or German)
  • Pre-booked tickets for Hagia Sophia

Select participants and date

Step by Step

Join this shared walking tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to experience the rich history and culture of Istanbul. Lasting approximately 3 hours, this exciting tour takes you on a fascinating journey through two of the city's most iconic attractions.

You'll begin by exploring the vibrant Sultanahmet district, where an expert guide will take you through the narrow streets and alleyways, revealing the history and daily life in Ottoman times.

Afterwards, you'll enter the majestic Hagia Sophia, where you'll admire the stunning mosaics, paintings and golden columns that adorn its interior. Learn about the history behind this ancient building, which has been a sacred site for both Christians and Muslims over the centuries.

Continue to the nearby Blue Mosque, another impressive monument that is one of Istanbul' s most famous tourist attractions . Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this beautiful structure was built in the early 17th century and features six minarets and an impressive central dome . Your guide will take you through its interior, highlighting the architectural and artistic features that make it so special.

After the tour, you'll have free time to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a tea or coffee during a visit to the local bazaar in Arasta Bazaar. Be sure to take photos and capture unforgettable memories of this exciting excursion in Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque is one of the largest and most impressive mosques in Istanbul and was built between 1609 and 1616. It is famous for its six minarets, its beautiful central dome and its intricate ceramic tiles in shades of blue and green, which give it its name.

Hagia Sophia, on the other hand, is an ancient Byzantine church that was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. It was originally built in the 6th century and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.

Reviews

4.6
· 906 Reviews
  • S
    S.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    This was one of the best sightseeing tours I have ever taken, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul.
  • S
    S.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    It was a great experience to be able to see these tourist attractions with a tour guide who spoke my language perfectly.
  • M
    M.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    A fabulous day. If you want to learn all about Istanbul, this is the tour for you. The guide is very knowledgeable about the city and you can see his passion for it. His presentation style is excellent and I learned a lot.
  • G
    G.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The guided tour was very organized and professional, and there was no waiting in line to enter the sites.
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