Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour


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From $42.56

31 reviews   (4.48)

Price varies by group size

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Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 3 hours

Departs: Istanbul, Istanbul

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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Overview

Join a small-group walking tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.
Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide.
Experience the splendor and charm of Islamic architecture in the Blue Mosque.
Discover the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to continue exploring Istanbul independently.


What's Included

3 hours walking tour at a relaxed pace

Expert guide for insider's knowledge of the city

Guided tour of Suleymaniye Mosque between 1 January - 1 April 2023 instead of the Blue Mosque

Small group tour for a more interactive experience

What's Not Included

Inside visit of the Blue Mosque between 1 January - 1 April 2023

Transport to the meeting spot


Traveler Information

  • INFANT: Age: 0 - 2
  • CHILD: Age: 3 - 8
  • ADULT: Age: 9 - 99

Additional Info

  • Blue Mosque is closed between 1 January - 1 April 2023. It will be replaced with the Suleymaniye Mosque
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • It is not possible to join our tours after they started
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are functioning mosques and they can be closed to visitors for any reason, even without pre-notice (for a high-level state visit, for example)
  • Blue Mosque is under restoration until the mid 2023
  • Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic. Give more time to get to the meeting spot than you may have planned
  • Nobody can skip the line at either of the mosques although our guides make it easier and more efficient because they do it every day.
  • Service animals allowed

Cancellation Policy

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

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

What To Expect

Sultanahmet Square
Check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on this small walking tour. Meet your dedicated guide at a hot spot for traditional Turkish delicacies, where there are restroom facilities and you can purchase water or snacks.
Enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet and witness the local life with a professional guide.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is the most visited monument in Istanbul. Your tour will start in the Sultanahmet neighborhood which takes its name from the mosque.

Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet the first and the last one built in this grand size. Witness the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Blue Mosque and its complementary buildings with a professional guide.

Afterwards, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood. 

60 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Mosque
Visit the Hagia Sophia and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul. Learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.

In the Hagia Sophia, see elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and marble columns. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard.

60 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome
Walk the famous hippodrome of Constantinople. Learn about the obelisks that adorn the square.
Take a break between two major monuments for the best views and learn about the significance of the hippodrome during the Byzantine times of the city.

• Admission Ticket Free

Arasta Bazaar
Explore the Arasta Bazaar nestled right under the shadow of the Blue Mosque to understand 17th Century architecture of public buildings. It is a well-known but modest open-air market in the heart of Sultanhamet.
Enjoy a last-minute tea break and hunt for gifts to take home.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free






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