Istanbul: Guided Tour of Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia with Tickets Included
Istanbul, Türkiye
Gallery Image
From $80.00per person
Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Experience a guided tour of Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, complete with entry tickets. Explore Sultanahmet and the Hippodrome, and immerse yourself in local life with a small group.

3 hours
Overview

Highlights:
  • Immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul on a guided walking tour
  • Discover the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with priority tickets
  • Learn about the history of the city as you explore the Hippodrome and obelisks
  • Admire the stunning architecture of the Blue Mosque and its beautiful blue tiles
  • See the harmonious blend of mosque and church architecture at the Hagia Sophia


Full description:
Embark on a small-group guided tour that takes you through the heart of Istanbul's rich history and iconic sites. With priority admission tickets included, effortlessly explore the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
Begin your journey in the lively Sultanahmet district, where you'll meet your expert guide at a convenient starting point.
Your first destination is the famed Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmet, this grand Ottoman mosque is a masterpiece of architecture. As your guide leads you through its fascinating history, you'll be immersed in the mosque's captivating atmosphere.
Pause to admire the panoramic views of modern Istanbul from the mosque's courtyard before meandering through the ancient streets. Discover the Hippodrome, once the vibrant social and political center of the city, and uncover the history behind its famous obelisks.
Next, proceed to the Hagia Sophia with pre-arranged tickets. Explore the remarkable evolution of this site from a Greek Orthodox cathedral to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Be awed by the harmonious blend of mosque and church architecture, featuring grand domes, towering minarets, and exquisite mosaics.
Continue your journey through the Hagia Sophia, where you'll learn about its ornate İznik tiles, the iconic Virgin Mary mosaic, and the intriguing tradition of sultans being buried in its courtyard.
The tour concludes in Sultanahmet Square, leaving you with a wealth of knowledge and insights to further explore Istanbul's enchanting streets on your own. Join us for an unforgettable experience through the historic heart of this magnificent city.

What to bring:
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Headscarf



Know before you go:
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved.
  • Be prepared for any weather conditions; bring a hat and sunscreen on sunny days.
  • Flash photography is not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
  • Backpacks, large bags, and large umbrellas are not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque for security reasons.
  • A headscarf is required for women when visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque.
  • Modest dress is required to enter the Blue Mosque; shorts and short skirts are not suitable.
  • The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship; visitors may need to wait outside during prayer times.
  • Children under 5 years old may find the walking challenging.
  • Not wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with mobility impairments.
  • Pregnant women should consider the amount of walking involved before booking.
Physical difficulty level:
Easy
Minimum age requirement:
6



What’s Included:
  • Priority admission tickets to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
  • Expert guide
  • Small-group tour for a more personalized experience
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities (optional)

What to itinerary
1

German Fountain

The German Fountain is a stunning neo-Byzantine style fountain gifted to the Ottoman Empire by the German Emperor Wilhelm II to commemorate his visit to Istanbul in 1898. Built in Germany and transported piece by piece to Istanbul, the octagonal domed structure is adorned with elegant columns, green bronze, and golden mosaics inside the dome.

2

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

One of the world’s greatest architectural wonders, Hagia Sophia is a must-see landmark in Istanbul. Originally constructed as a church in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I, it later became an imperial mosque, then a museum, and today it serves again as a mosque — a testament to the city’s rich and layered history.

3

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Once the social and sporting heart of ancient Constantinople, the Hippodrome was built in the 3rd century AD and expanded by Emperor Constantine. Originally a grand stadium for chariot races and public events, it could host up to 100,000 spectators.