Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Old City Private Tour

Highlights

• Visit the beautiful Blue Mosque with a 5-Star Licensed Guide
• Learn about the history, culture and architecture of the Ottoman Emprire
• Discover the Historic Areas of Istanbul & top attractions of Sultanahmet Square
• Enjoy fast track access to Hagia Sophia Mosque (4- and 5,5-hour options only)
• Car transfers with pickup and drop-off service (3,5- and 5,5-hour options only)

Description

Visit tge Blue Mosque, the last great mosque of the classical period of Ottoman architecture, on an exclusive tour of Istanbul’s Old City with a Licensed Private Guide. Discover the history and secrets surrounding the imperial mosque of Sultan Ahmed I and learn about its architect, Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa. Explore the Historic Areas of Istanbul in Sultanahmet Square!

Book a 2-hour tour to visit the iconic Blue Mosque with a Licensed Guide and find out why it is one of the most visited attractions in Istanbul. The glorious Blue Mosque stands proudly in front of Hagia Sophia, on the site of the old Grand Palace of Constantinople. You can admire its iconic exterior in all its glory while wandering around Sultanahmet Square and SultanAhmet Park, and see also the nearby palaces, monuments, fountains and obelisks. The Old City of Istanbul is soaked in history so there are many great stories, legends and secrets to be discovered here.

As you enter the Blue Mosque, you will be astonished by its overwhelming size, majesty and splendor. The interior is extensively covered with handmade İznik style ceramic tiles, featuring 200 stained glass windows and a finely carved and sculpted marble mihrab. Your Expert Guide will explain in detail all of the elements and their cultural value, and also provide useful information about Islamic customs and traditions. It will be an unforgettable experience, especially if it is your first time visiting a functioning mosque.

Choose the 3,5-hour option to book a 1,5-hour round-trip transfer with a 2-hour private tour of the Blue Mosque and Old City. There are many ways to travel in Istanbul but nothing beats the comfort of a private vehicle. We will arrange a clean, air-conditioned car, van or minibus. The estimated 1,5-hour round-trip transfer includes both pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, making it easier to get to the meeting point from any location in Istanbul. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with an experienced driver and a private vehicle.

Book a longer 4-hour tour to visit 2 of the most important imperial mosques in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. We provide fast track tickets to Hagia Sophia, so you will skip the long line at the ticket office. Visit Istanbul's top-rated tourist attraction and learn about Hagia Sophia’s Byzantine heritage and its influence on Ottoman mosque architecture. Discover an awe-inspiring space that seamlessly blends Christian and Islamic elements, and find out why Hagia Sophia was one of the top candidates for the New 7 Wonders of the World!

Choose the 5,5-hour option to book private transfers with a 4-hour tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Old City. Save time and effort with a convenient pickup and drop-off service and easily reach the meeting point on time. Enjoy the comfort of private transportation with pickup and drop-off service.

Includes

Private Tour of the Blue Mosque, Old City and Hagia Sophia Mosque (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
5-Star Licensed Guide who fluent in the language of your choice
Fast track tickets to Blue Mosque (all options)
Fast track tickets to Hagia Sophia (4- and 4,5-hour options only)
2-way private transport with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (3,5- and 5,5-hour options only)

Excludes

Fast track tickets to Hagia Sophia (in 2- and 3,5-hour options)
2-way private transport with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 2- and 4-hour options)

Important Information

• Check your email the day before the tour for important information from Rosotravel, your tour operator. Have a special request? Let us know! The itinerary depends on the selected option. Mosque visitors must undergo security checks and follow proper etiquette, including wearing a modest attire (headscarves for women are available on-site). Women are allowed only in the visitors’ area. Entry is restricted during prayer (5x a day). Fast-track tickets let you skip the line at the ticket office but not at the security and entrance. For a personalized experience, we keep our private groups small (1-25 guests per guide). Larger groups can book additional guides with us. 3- and 5-hour options: The 1,5-hour transfer time (2-way) is estimated, depending on the location of your hotel/accommodation and traffic. We will arrange a standard car (sedan) for 1-4 people, or a van/bus for groups of 5+ people. You can book a 5-people tour for a larger vehicle.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund