Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Guided & Small-Group Tour

1. Blue Mosque
   45m
   Meet your professional guide at the designated meeting point or enjoy convenient pickup from centrally located hotels.
   
   Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks. Step inside to admire its graceful architecture, six distinctive minarets and beautiful interior featuring thousands of traditional blue Iznik tiles. Hear the story of Sultan Ahmed I and learn how this impressive mosque became one of the defining masterpieces of Classical Ottoman architecture.
2. Hippodrome
   45m
   Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of public life, ceremonies and sporting events in the Byzantine capital. As you walk through the square, discover the stories behind the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Column of Constantine. Your guide will explain how this remarkable area shaped daily life in ancient Constantinople.
3. 45m · Admission ticket not included
   Hagia Sophia, a monument that has stood at the heart of Istanbul for nearly 1,500 years. Built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, this architectural wonder has served as a church, mosque and museum before becoming a mosque again. Discover the extraordinary history behind its impressive architecture and learn how Byzantine and Ottoman influences have shaped the monument visitors see today.
4. Grand Bazaar
   45m
   Before reaching the Grand Bazaar enjoy a brief stop at a local shop an ideal opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs.
   
   Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most fascinating historic marketplaces. Before you begin exploring independently, your guide will introduce you to the bazaar’s history, traditions and importance to the city. Then enjoy free time to discover the Grand Bazaar at your own pace, wandering through its atmospheric covered lanes filled with shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, spices, leather goods, souvenirs and more.

Pickup details

Hotel pick-up from centrally located Istanbul hotels. Before the tour start time, each hotel there is a fixed pick up time.

• 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