Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Sultanahmet Tour
At a glance
Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Sultanahmet Tour is a 3h small-group experience in Istanbul, Turkey, operated by Tourmania. Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 657 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $85.68 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Professional guide, Entrance fees.
Highlights
- Rated 4.8/5 by 657 travellers
- Small group of up to 12 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 3h
- Group
- Small group, up to 12 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Begin your journey in the lively Sultanah met district, where you'll meet your expert guide at a convenient starting point. Your first stop is the famed Blue Mosque, renowned for stunning blue tiles.
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.
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, exquisite mosaics.
Continue your journey through the Hagia Sophia, where you'll learn about its ornate Iznik tiles, the iconic Virgin Mary mosaic, and the intriguing tradition of sultans being buried in its courtyard.
What's included
What's included
- Professional guide
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Transfer
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 15m
Situated at the northern end of the famous hippodrome known as Sultanahmet Square, the German Fountain (also known as the Kaiser William Fountain) was built in 1898 to commemorate the German Emperor’s visit to Istanbul. Designed in a Neo-Byzantine style by a team of German and Italian architects, the fountain survives today as a testament to Germany and Turkey’s longstanding friendship.
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Stop 2 · 15m
With buildings dating from the early Byzantine through the late Ottoman periods, the bustling Sultanahmet District is thick with historical and religious attractions. Behold the breathtaking Hagia Sophia Museum, witness the opulent lives of sultans at Topkapi Palace, go underground to explore the Basilica Cistern, experience the active Blue Mosque and its intricate tile work, shop for the perfect souvenir at the Grand Bazaar, and imagine horse racing at the site of the ancient Hippodrome.
Most guided tours of the Sultanahmet District visit all of the six main sites, and often allow you to skip the long lines. Opt for private or group tours of various lengths to suit your travel style and schedule. -
Stop 3 · 1h
Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) magnificent Hagia Sophia is a riot of swooping domes and mismatched minarets added throughout its long life. The lofty interior is a soaring sequence of domed and arched spaces, centering on the shell-like apse and the massive dome, which seems to float unsupported and gives the church its amazing sense of space. Work continues to uncover the golden Christian mosaics and colorful frescoes from the Byzantine era, which were plastered over by the Ottomans.
Tours often allow you to skip the long lines with a guide, and many Istanbul excursions combine the Hagia Sophia Museum with other sights in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood, including the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and Basilica Cistern. -
Stop 4 · 1h
The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s top attractions and offers the opportunity to visit an active place of worship in the historical Sultanahmet neighborhood. Stroll through the airy courtyard and pause to soak up the atmosphere inside the mosque’s vast and curvaceous interior under cascading domes.
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Stop 5 · 15m
Home to some of Istanbul’s most recognizable attractions, the Sultanahmet District is an ideal place to explore the city’s complex history. With the rose-colored Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) sitting across from the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and down the street from the energetic Grand Bazaar, this neighborhood packs in a wealth of culture.
Meeting point
Our guide will hold flag with our company name logo.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please arrive at the meeting point on time. If you are more than 5 minutes late, the guide will not be able to wait. For the sake of the tour’s atmosphere and flow, we cannot allow late arrivals to join once the tour has started.
- Please be aware that once the tour begins, the guide will be fully focused on leading the group and cannot answer phone calls or assist latecomers.
- Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you on the tour!
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Sultanahmet Tour take?
The experience lasts about 3h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $85.68 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Professional guide; Entrance fees.
Where does it start?
Our guide will hold flag with our company name logo.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 657 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Istanbul.
