Unlock the secrets of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks at your own pace.
Hagia Sophia: The Eighth Wonder
Experience 1,500 years of transformation in one single space. This audio guide will lead you through the transition from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque, pointing out:
The Impossible Dome: Discover the engineering secrets that allow a 180-foot golden dome to appear as if it's floating.
A Sacred Blend: Learn why massive Islamic calligraphy discs hang alongside golden depictions of Jesus and Mary.
The Blue Mosque: An Ottoman Masterpiece
Step into the ultimate architectural challenge. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I to rival the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, this mosque is a symphony of light and color:
20,000 İznik Tiles: Get the story behind the handmade ceramic tiles that give the mosque its famous blue glow.
The Six Minaret Scandal: Hear the legendary tale of how the mosque’s unique design once caused a stir in the Islamic world.
What's included
Hagia Sophia "skip the line" tickets
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) - entrance is free
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) audio guide
Hagia Sophia audio guide
Security check cannot be bypassed
In-person tour guide
What to expect
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1h · Admission ticket included
The Golden Dome: A 6th-century architectural masterpiece that appears to float magically overhead, defying gravity at 180 feet in the air.
A Sacred Dialogue of Symbols: Islamic calligraphy discs (the largest in the Islamic world) hanging side-by-side with original Christian mosaics, illustrating Istanbul's dramatic transition from Constantinople.
Imperial Artifacts: The massive, ancient alabaster jars from Pergamon, the intricate Lustration Urns, and the historic Emperor's Door where Byzantine rulers once entered.
The Upper Galleries: Stunning, up-close vantage points of the golden mosaics (including the famous Deësis mosaic) and a panoramic view of the grand nave below.
Blue Mosque
45m · Admission ticket included
The Six-Minaret Skyline: A striking exterior feat—being one of the few mosques in the world to feature six towering minarets, designed to rival the grandest architecture of its time.
The Blue Interior: A luminous space adorned with over 20,000 handmade İznik ceramic tiles featuring intricate floral motifs, illuminated by 260 stained-glass windows.
The Grand Courtyard: The sweeping, monumental forecourt—the largest of all Ottoman mosques—offering the perfect frame for photos of the cascading central domes.
The Ancient Hippodrome: Right outside the mosque gates, guests will see remnants of Byzantine history, including the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk and the bronze Serpent Column.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye
