Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Small Group Guided Tour
Sultanahmet District, Istanbul
Explore the heart of Istanbul on a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Learn about the history of the city as you visit the Hippodrome and see the obelisks.
Highlights
- Explore Istanbul's history on a guided walking tour with priority access to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque with skip-the-line tickets
- Learn about the Hippodrome and its historic obelisks
- Admire the Blue Mosque’s distinctive blue tiles and Ottoman architecture
- See the architectural blend of mosque and church at the Hagia Sophia
Description
This small-group guided tour takes you through Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, showcasing its most significant landmarks. Priority admission tickets are included for the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, allowing you to avoid long queues.
Meet your expert guide at the starting point and begin with the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet and famous for its intricate blue tilework. Learn about the mosque’s history and architectural details as you explore its interior and courtyard, where views of Istanbul unfold.
Next, walk to the Hippodrome, the ancient social and political center of Byzantium, and discover the stories behind its famous obelisks.
Proceed to the Hagia Sophia with pre-arranged tickets. Explore its transformation from a Greek Orthodox cathedral to an Ottoman mosque, appreciating the unique combination of religious architectural styles, grand domes, and mosaics. Your guide will highlight important features including İznik tiles, the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the sultans’ burial site in the courtyard.
The tour ends at Sultanahmet Square, providing a solid foundation for further independent exploration of Istanbul.
Includes
- Priority admission tickets to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque (if option selected)
- Expert guide
- Small-group tour for a personalized experience
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
Important Information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; moderate walking is required
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sunny weather
- Flash photography is prohibited inside the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Backpacks, large bags, and umbrellas are not allowed inside for security reasons
- Women must wear a headscarf to enter the Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Modest dress is mandatory for the Blue Mosque; shorts and short skirts are not suitable
- The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship; visitors may wait outside during prayer times
- The tour is not suitable for children under 5 due to walking distances
- Not wheelchair accessible or recommended for guests with mobility limitations
- Pregnant women should consider the walking involved before booking
- Please arrive on time; guides cannot wait for guests arriving more than 5 minutes late
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
