Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

Check out Istanbul's greatest Islamic monument on this small walking tour. Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, at a hot spot for traditional Turkish delicacies where you can purchase water or snacks. Then let your guide lead you to the Blue Mosque, the most visited monument in Istanbul. 

Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet. Witness the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Blue Mosque and its complimentary buildings with a professional guide. Afterward, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood. 

Walk through the Hippodrome, the social and political center of the city, and learn about the significance of the famous obelisks. Visit the Hagia Sophia with skip-the-line tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.

On this 3-hour tour, you’ll skip the lines and explore the museum with a licensed guide. In the interiors of each building, you’ll 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, columns, and mosaic gallery. 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.