Istanbul Highlights Tour: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Old City

Istanbul, Turkey
Duration4h - 5h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 30 travelers

Overview

Discover the timeless beauty of Istanbul on a guided tour of the city's most iconic landmarks, where centuries of history, culture, and architecture come together. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as both a cathedral and a mosque, and admire the elegant Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and stunning hand-painted blue Iznik tiles.

Continue to the historic Hippodrome Square, once the social and political center of the Byzantine Empire, where you'll see landmarks including the German Fountain, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Serpent Column. Then immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops offering Turkish carpets, ceramics, spices

Led by a professional local guide, you'll uncover fascinating stories, hidden details, and centuries of Ottoman and Byzantine history while exploring Istanbul's UNESCO-listed Old City

What's included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia (25 EUR)

What to expect

  1. Blue Mosque
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Travelers on this tour will visit the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), located in the historic Sultanahmet district at At Meydani Cad. No:7, Istanbul 34122, Türkiye. Known for its breathtaking domes, elegant minarets, and stunning blue Iznik tiles, the mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Visitors will admire its grand courtyard, peaceful prayer hall, and rich history as one of the most important religious sites in the city.
  2. German Fountain
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Travelers will see the German Fountain, an ornate neo-Byzantine style fountain located in Hippodrome Square, Istanbul 34122, Türkiye. This historical monument, a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Sultan, is a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Adorned with golden mosaics inside its domed canopy, the fountain stands as a striking landmark in the heart of Sultanahmet, offering travelers both a cultural and architectural highlight during their city tour.
  3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Travelers will visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Ayasofya Camii), located at Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, Istanbul 34122, Türkiye. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Hagia Sophia has served as a Byzantine cathedral, an Ottoman mosque, and now stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural and religious history. Visitors will be amazed by its massive dome, intricate mosaics, marble pillars, and breathtaking blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture that makes it a must-see highlight of any Istanbul tour.
  4. Grand Bazaar
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Travelers will explore the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), located at Kalpakçılar Cad., Sorguçlu Han No:22, Beyazıt Mah., Istanbul 34126, Türkiye. As one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar is a vibrant maze of over 4,000 shops selling everything from handmade carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles to spices and souvenirs. Visitors will experience the lively atmosphere, colorful stalls, and centuries-old trading tradition that make this marketplace a must-see cultural highlight in Istanbul.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

meet at German fountain. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure.
departure time: 8:40AM.

End point

This tour concludes at the Grand Bazaar, and kindly note that there will be no provision for transportation back to the hotel.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Total Tour duration includes transportation time
  • Free for children aged 0-5
  • Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Mosque closed on Friday due to Prayer
  • On Mondays, the visit to Hagia Sophia is replaced with the Underground (Basilica) Cistern
  • On Friday mornings, the Blue Mosque will not entered and instead replaced with a visit to Little Hagia Sophia (St. Sergius and Bacchus)

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$250.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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