Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
346 Reviews
4.89 out of 5 stars Based on 346 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Istanbul, Turkey
150 to 180 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
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.
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
- Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
- Guided tour for the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia
- Expert guide for insider's knowledge of the city
- Transport to the meeting spot
Meeting Location
Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Sultanahmet Square
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Blue Mosque
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.
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
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.
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Hippodrome
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.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Arasta Bazaar
Explore the Arasta Bazaar nestled right under the shadow of the Blue Mosque to understand 17th Century architecture of public buildings. It is a well-known but modest open-air market in the heart of Sultanhamet.
Enjoy a last-minute tea break and hunt for gifts to take home.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-51192P70
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.89
346 reviews
Average 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 346 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
323
4 stars
15
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 star
3
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour?
A:Apr 2025
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).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is 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.
- Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia.
- Guided tour for the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.
- Expert guide for insider's knowledge of the city.
The following is NOT included:
- Transport to the meeting spot.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What'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
- Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
- Guided tour for the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia
- Expert guide for insider's knowledge of the city
- Transport to the meeting spot
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
