Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern- Grand Bazaar

4.9 (205 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration3h - 4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

Skip the long lines to get inside the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cistern.

Att! Tickets provided but are extra to be paid to the guide while on tour. Please check the exclusions for the ticket prices.

Tick most of the top sites of old Istanbul off your travel bucket list with our specialized small group tour.

It is a fully-guided tour inside Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome and Grand bazar. ( on Sundays Grand bazaar is closed it will be substituted with Spice bazaar).

Along the way stop to hear the stories of the

Roman Hippodrome (including

Egyptian Obelisk, and

Serpent Column German Fountain ),

Million stone,

What's included

  • Profesional licensed English speaking guide
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Guiding inside the sites
  • Tickets will be provided in advance and there won't be time wasting in ticket lines
  • Lunch. Your guide will suggest you some local restaurants at the end of the tour for lunch.
  • Hotel pick up ( optional ). Please contact us if you need a pick up. +905342005565

What to expect

  1. Blue Mosque
    30m
    This is a 17 century active mosque and the most visited one in Turkey. Original name is Sultanahmet mosque. Blue is the name give because of the blue tiles used inside.
    * it was closed due to renovation for last 6 years but it is open now since April 21st.
  2. Hippodrome
    30m
    This is the base of the Roman hippodrome which was built in 4 century AD for chariot races. The monuments survived to present are Egyptian obelisk ( 1500 BC ) Serpent column ( 5th century BC ) , Constantine column ( 10 century AD).
  3. Basilica Cistern
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    This is a water reservoir which looks like an underground palace. Basilica Cistern one of the most impressive example of Roman architecture. Don't miss to walk to the end to see the gigantic Medusa heads turned upside down.
  4. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    45m · Admission ticket not included
    We visit this 6 century AD world heritage from inside. It is a unique building embrace two religion ( Islam and Christianity ) inside. You will see an unusual architecture, mosaics, chirography art, and your guide will give you information about its 1500 history, architecture and religion symbols.
  5. Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
    30m · Admission ticket included
    We will have a tea/coffee break at this local cafe where the locals get socialize with tea and coffee drinking and smoking shisha/hookah. This was a former religious school until 1930s.
    Drinks are included to the tour price.
  6. Grand Bazaar
    20m
    We will visit the Grand bazaar from inside where your guide will give you some tips on shopping. Tour will end nearby where you can come back for shopping.
    Please note that, Grand bazaar is closed on Sundays so it will be substituted with Spice bazaar. Additionally, both bazaars are closed on religious festivals twice a year and in those days it will be substituted with Arasta bazaar.
  7. Vezirhan Handmade Carpets & Klims
    30m
    This a great way to see and learn how the handmade Turkish carpets are made. It is a shop suited in a 500 years old Caravanserai ( ancient hotel ). What makes this place different than others is that they are not pushy on selling, trustworthy on the carpets quality and shipping for those who buy.
    This is an optional activity at the end of the tour so only those who are interested will join.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Travel to the Sultanahmet Tram Station. From the tram station walk down the hill on the right side of the road toward to the little mosque Firuz ağa . Take the first right onto the Hippodrome ( square ). You will see the green domed fountain in front of you.

End point

On Sunday, Grand bazaar is closed to the tour will end at the Spice Bazaar.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Kids age 6 + will be charged as adults
  • Kids 5 and lower years old free of charge and need have their ID or passport to prof their age.
  • Ladies need to bring a scarf to cover their hair while inside the Blue mosque and Hagai Sofia
  • Please wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for both women and men
  • Grand bazaar is close on Sundays, it will be substitute with Spice Bazaar
  • Grand Bazaar and Spice bazaars are closed on religious days, it will be substituted with Arasta Bazaar

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (205)
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