Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join a small-group walking tour of the two most famous monuments in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.
Benefit from pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
Option to meet your guide in Galata port if you are on a cruise ship
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.
Available options
English Tour from Sultanahmet
Meeting point is Sultanahmet: Choose this option to meet your guide at Ersoy Bufe kiosk in Sultanahmet Square (Old Town)<br/>Small group tour<br/>Language of the tour: English<br/>Starting point:<br/>Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
English Tour from Galataport
Meeting point is Galataport: If you are on a cruise ship, choose this option to meet your guide at Galataport Clock Tower Square<br/>Small group tour<br/>Language of the tour: English<br/>Starting point:<br/>Galataport Clock Tower Square, Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
German Tour from Galataport
Meeting point at Galataport: Choose this option if you are on a cruise ship and will meet your guide at Galataport Clock Tower Square<br/>Small group tour<br/>Language of the tour: German<br/>Starting point:<br/>Galataport Clock Tower Square, Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Larger Group up to 24 People
Shared group: Choose this option for an affordable price, offering a larger group capacity of up to 24 people.<br/>Meeting point is Sultanahmet : You will meet your guide at Ersoy Bufe kiosk in Sultanahmet Square (Old Town)<br/>Language of the tour: English<br/>Starting point:<br/>Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
German Tour from Sultanahmet
Meeting point is Sultanahmet: Choose this option to meet your guide at Ersoy Bufe kiosk in Sultanahmet Square (Old Town)<br/>Small group tour<br/>Language of the tour: German<br/>Starting point:<br/>Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
What's included
2.5 hours walking tour at a relaxed pace
Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
Small group tour for a more interactive experience
Expert guide for insider's knowledge of the city
Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
Guided tour for the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
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.
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Stop 3
Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets 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.
4
Stop 4
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.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
End your Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia tour with your guide’s final insights and practical tips for the rest of your trip. With expert commentary and skip-the-line access, this tour offers a perfect introduction to Istanbul’s timeless landmarks.
What's not included
Transport to the meeting spot
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
328 reviews
5★
296
4★
16
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4
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5
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7
Tripadvisor
4.8
135 reviews
5★
122
4★
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Important information
Service animals allowed
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)
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.
Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic. Give more time to get to the meeting spot than you may have planned
Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Meeting point
CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE ON A CRUISE SHIP ONLY!
We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe."
Important notes
Please meet your guide and join the tour. Your voucher is not an admission ticket.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
