Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Tickets

Get to know Istanbul through three landmarks in its historic Old Town. Begin in Sultanahmet Square, where your expert guide traces the city’s story from Byzantine Constantinople to the Ottoman capital.

Visit Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and see how Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy share the same space. At the Blue Mosque, admire the İznik tiles and learn how the mosque continues to serve as a place of worship. Walk through the former Hippodrome, where the surviving obelisks mark the site of Byzantine chariot races and imperial ceremonies. The small-group format gives you time to look closely and ask questions along the way.

Arriving by cruise ship? Choose the Galataport meeting option. Your guide will meet you at the port and accompany you by tram to Sultanahmet. The tram fare to the Old Town is included with this option.

What’s included

• Headsets for clear audio throughout the visit
• 2.5 hours walking tour at a relaxed pace
• For cruise ship arrivals, tram ride to old town is included
• For cruise ship arrivals, Galata Port start point is available
• Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
• Expert local guide with in-depth knowledge of Ottoman history
• Guided tour for the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia

Good to know

• 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)
• Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic. Give more time to get to the meeting spot than you may have planned
• Tickets to both sites are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
• It is not possible to join the tour after it has started due to strict admission regulations.
• Women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
• 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.
• 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available 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.
• Hagia Sophia is currently undergoing restoration, which may temporarily affect visibility in some areas. These works are carried out independently of the tour.
• Starting from Galata Port, includes a tram ride with your guide

Cancellation

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