Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour
Walk the historic heart of Istanbul with a guide who brings its landmarks to life
Istanbul's Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are the city's top sites to see, but with prayer times, long lines, and confusing rules, it’s easy to get it wrong. This tour gets it right. With pre-reserved tickets and a sharp local guide, you’ll dive into the drama behind the domes, from sultans and emperors to forbidden mosaics and religious power plays. It’s the smarter, smoother way to experience Istanbul’s most legendary sites.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Hagia Sofia
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Blue Mosque
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Sultanahmet market
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Hippodrome
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Max group size of 20
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Food & drinks
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Hotel pickup/drop-off
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Gratuities
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Ersoy Bufe
Exact location can be found on your voucher. -
2
Sultanahmet Square
Stand in the heart of old Istanbul where empires rose, sultans ruled, and history still echoes between the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. -
3
Blue Mosque
Step inside this 17th-century marvel, known for its six minarets and thousands of Iznik tiles in vibrant shades of blue and turquoise. -
4
Hagia Sofia
Enter a 1,500-year-old monument that served as church, mosque, and museum—now active again and layered with centuries of religious and political history. -
5
Hippodrome
Walk the site of ancient chariot races and imperial ceremonies, surrounded by Roman obelisks and tales of Byzantine spectacle. -
6
Arasta Bazaar
Stroll through this traditional market street, home to artisan crafts, textiles, and ceramics, just steps from the Blue Mosque’s rear courtyard.
Additional Information
Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Tour Full Description
Your 3-hour adventure includes:
Expert local guide
Guided walking tour of Sultanahmet neighborhood
Pre-reserved Hagia Sophia tickets
Insider stories of Ottoman and Byzantine history
Small-group experience for personalized attention
Snack, Stroll, Repeat
Kick things off by meeting your guide at a buzzing local spot, grab a quick snack or sip before diving into the lively streets of Sultanahmet. Wander, snap pics, and soak in the daily hustle of this historic neighborhood while your guide peppers in fun tidbits.
Mosques, Mosaics & Mind-Blowing Views
Step inside the Blue Mosque and let those iconic blue tiles and soaring minarets wow you. Then skip the lines at Hagia Sophia, where epic domes, dazzling mosaics, and a mashup of church and mosque artistry tell the city’s wild history. Don’t forget to look up: you’ll want to catch every jaw-dropping detail.
Squares, Secrets & Souvenir Hunting
Wrap up with a stroll through Sultanahmet Square and the legendary Hippodrome, then lose yourself in the Arasta Bazaar for a little gift-hunting or tea-sipping. Your guide’s full of quirky stories and secret spots that make Istanbul feel like your own playground.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Unfortunately, children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
Are tickets required for the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia?
Entry to the Blue Mosque is free. Skip-the-line access for the Hagia Sophia is included.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, or strollers.
Are there any security checks?
Yes! You’ll need to pass through airport-style security before entering the sites, so plan accordingly.
What should I wear or bring?
Modest clothing is required inside the mosques: shoulders and knees must be covered, and women should wear a headscarf when entering. Shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing attire are not permitted. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sunglasses, or a hat for the strolls.
Can I take photos?
Absolutely! Photos are encouraged, but please avoid capturing signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
Are there any closures I should know about?
Yes, sites may close unexpectedly due to high-level state visits, so your guide will help adjust the itinerary if needed.
