Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Tour with Optional Basilica Cistern

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4 to 5 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover the very best of Istanbul on this small-group highlights tour built for travelers who want an efficient, informative, and beautiful introduction to the city. Your licensed guide will lead you through two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks — Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque — while offering historical insights, cultural context, and insider knowledge.

For travelers who want to go even deeper, you can upgrade your tour to include the incredible Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan) — one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric and cinematic attractions.

This tour is designed for American travelers looking for:
- A time-efficient itinerary
- Skip-the-line convenience
- Expert English-speaking guides
- Small-group comfort
- Clear “optional upgrade” flexibility

Whether it’s your first time in Istanbul or a bucket-list visit, this is one of the top-rated ways to see the city’s must-see highlights.

What's Included

Walking Tour in the Old City
Admisson of Basilica Cistern ( If optinal selected)
Licensed English-Speaking Guide
Skip-the-Line Priority Access
Small-Group Experience (Max 20 Travelers)
Hagia Sophia Entry Ticket
Bottled water
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
German Fountain

Alman Cesmesi, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul - The German Fountain (Turkish: Alman Cesmesi); is a gazebo styled fountain in the northern end of the former Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square) in Istanbul and across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I.

End point
Grand Bazaar

The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 to 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Blue Mosque

    Blue Mosque / Sultanahmet Camii Built in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque is truly a magnificent masterpiece of architecture with amazingly delicate proportions for a building of such massive scale.The Blue Mosque in Istanbul offers shore excursions that provide tourists with the opportunity to explore the beautiful architecture and history of this iconic landmark. Whether it's admiring the stunning blue tiles or taking in the grandeur of the domes and minarets, a visit to the Blue Mosque is a must for anyone visiting Istanbul. With its convenient location near the shore, it's the perfect stop for those on a cruise or who want to make the most of their time in the city. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the magic of the Blue Mosque during your visit to Istanbul.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    Hagia Sophia Museum / Ayasofya / Santa Sofia Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, played a very important role in the Christian and Islamic World.. It has been chanched its regulation for non belivers visiters! with your ticket you will get headset provided by Mosque. when visiting Istanbul, one must make sure to include a shore excursion to the iconic Hagia Sophia. The historical significance and breathtaking architecture of this landmark make it a must-see for any visitor to the city. With Istanbul shore excursions, visitors can explore this ancient and stunning building while also experiencing the beauty of the city's shoreline. It is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Sultanahmet District

    The Hippodrome of Constantinople, romanized: Hippodromos tes Konstantinoupoleos; Latin: Circus Maximus Constantinopolitanus; Turkish: Hipodrom), was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square in Istanbul, Turkey, known as Sultanahmet Square (Turkish: Sultanahmet Meydani).

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Grand Bazaar

    Grand Bazaar / Kapali Carsi One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Private Trip Turkey

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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