Istanbul: Guided Tour of Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Old Town with Tickets

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Istanbul: Guided Tour of Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Old Town with Tickets
Istanbul, Turkiye

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

Offered in: English

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
  • 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 most iconic landmarks. With priority admission tickets included, enjoy a smooth and insightful visit to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Begin your journey in the lively Sultanahmet district, where you’ll meet your expert guide at a convenient starting point. Your first stop is the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue İznik tiles and elegant six minarets. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmet, this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture comes to life as your guide shares its history, symbolism, and role in daily worship. Take time to admire the impressive courtyard and enjoy views of the surrounding historic quarter before strolling through the atmospheric streets of Sultanahmet. Along the way, your guide will provide context about Istanbul’s layered past and architectural heritage. Next, continue to the legendary Hagia Sophia with pre-arranged tickets. Discover its extraordinary transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an imperial mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the breathtaking harmony of Christian and Islamic elements, including its massive dome, mosaics, minarets, and marble columns. Inside, learn about the intricate İznik tiles, the famous Virgin Mary mosaic, and the fascinating tradition of Ottoman sultans being buried in the outer courtyard. The tour concludes in Sultanahmet Square, leaving you perfectly positioned to continue exploring Istanbul’s historic Old Town at your own pace, enriched with stories and insights from your guide.

What's Included

  • Expert guide
  • Priority admission tickets to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
  • Small-group tour for a more personalized experience
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
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.

$70.00per person

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

Itinerary
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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.

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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.

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The historic heart of Istanbul, Sultanahmet is home to the city’s most iconic landmarks and centuries of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history.

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An iconic symbol of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is famous for its six minarets and stunning interior adorned with thousands of hand-painted İznik blue tiles. Built in the early 17th century, it remains an active mosque and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.

Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
German Fountain, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
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