Istanbul Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Tour with Tickets

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Recommended by 98% of reviewers

Badge of Excellence | Istanbul, Turkey

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3 hours (approx.)

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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

Entrance fees
Professional guide

Transfer
Food and drinks

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

German Fountain

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sultanahmet District

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Mosque

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Hippodrome

The current Hippodrome traces the course of the ancient race track, though the actual remains are still underground. The square contains the Obelisk of Theodosius, a pink, Egyptian-made granite column that was brought to Istanbul in the fourth century and is one of the oldest monuments in the city. Also here are a spiralled obelisk that came from the temple of Apollo, the Walled Obelisk, and the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm in the early 20th century.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Mosque

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Blue Mosque

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Tour with Tickets?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025