Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Old City Private Tour

Istanbul’s iconic landmarks come to life on this private tour. Visitors can explore the stunning Blue Mosque, the majestic Hagia Sophia, and the captivating Old City with a 5-star licensed guide. The experience offers insight into Islamic culture and architecture, leaving guests with a deeper understanding of this vibrant city’s history. With convenient transportation and fast-track access, the tour promises an immersive journey through Istanbul’s most renowned sites.

Key Points

• This private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the historic Old City.
• Guests can choose from various tour options ranging from 2 to 5.5 hours, allowing flexibility to customize their experience.
• The tour includes fast-track access to Hagia Sophia, enabling participants to skip the long queues.
• Private transportation with pickup and drop-off at accommodation is available for the longer tour options.
• Knowledgeable, licensed guides provide insights into Islamic culture, history, and architecture throughout the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is titled "Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Old City Private Tour" and is priced from $194.75 per person.

Set out on a private tour of Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Old City at the cost of $194.75 per person.

The tour duration ranges from 2 to 5.5 hours and is available in several languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Pickup from accommodation in Istanbul is optional, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include visiting the Blue Mosque, exploring Sultanahmet Square, and accessing Hagia Sophia with fast-track tickets for the longer tour options.

A 5-star licensed guide provides insights into Islamic culture, history, and architecture.

Tour Highlights

Highlights of the tour include visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Guests will explore Sultanahmet Square and the Historic Areas of Istanbul, learning about Islamic culture, history, and architecture from a 5-Star Licensed Guide. For the 4- and 5.5-hour options, visitors enjoy fast track access to Hagia Sophia. The tour also uncovers the secrets of the Old City, including palaces, monuments, and obelisks.

| Tour Highlight | Description |

|—————-|————-|

| Blue Mosque | Iconic Ottoman mosque |

| Sultanahmet Square | Historic center of Istanbul |

| Hagia Sophia | Iconic Byzantine basilica |

| Old City | Palaces, monuments, obelisks |

Itinerary Options

Depending on the duration selected, the tour offers different itinerary options.

The 2-hour tour focuses on visiting the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square.

The 3.5-hour option includes a 1.5-hour round-trip transfer and a 2-hour tour of the Blue Mosque and Old City.

The 4-hour tour covers both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, with fast track access to Hagia Sophia.

The longest, 5.5-hour tour provides private transfers and a 4-hour tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Old City.

Each option allows visitors to explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and enjoy the city’s rich history and culture.

Transportation Details

For the 3.5- and 5.5-hour tour options, private transfers are available, which include pickup and drop-off at the customer’s accommodation. The vehicle types offered are a standard car (sedan) for 1-4 people, and a van or bus for groups of 5 or more. The estimated transfer time is 1.5 hours round-trip, depending on the hotel location and traffic conditions.

| Vehicle Type | Group Size |

|————–|————|

| Standard Car | 1-4 people |

| Van/Bus | 5+ people |

The meeting point for the tour is in front of the World Heritage Center Hotel in the Fatih district of Istanbul.

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Important Information

The meeting point for the tour is in front of the World Heritage Center Hotel in the Fatih district of Istanbul.

The meeting point for the tour is in front of the World Heritage Center Hotel in the Fatih district of Istanbul.

Modest attire is required; headscarves for women are available on-site. Entry into sites may be restricted during prayer times.

The tours are kept small, with 1-25 guests per guide. Larger groups can book additional guides.

All visitors must undergo security checks; fast-track tickets don’t bypass the security lines.

The guides will ensure guests are aware of and follow the local etiquette and rules throughout the tour.

Visiting the Blue Mosque

Although the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, visitors must adhere to certain etiquette when entering this sacred space. Modest attire, including a headscarf for women, is required.

Visitors must undergo security checks and may be restricted from entry during prayer times.

Once inside, guests can admire the mosque’s stunning architecture, including:

• The impressive central dome

• The towering minarets

• The intricate calligraphy and tilework

• The beautiful stained-glass windows

• The serene atmosphere of this revered place of worship

Guided tours provide deeper insights into the mosque’s history and significance within Islamic culture.

Exploring Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, the magnificent centerpiece of Istanbul’s skyline, has captivated visitors for centuries.

This former Byzantine church-turned-mosque-turned-museum is a testament to the city’s rich history.

The tour includes fast-track access, allowing you to bypass the queues and learn about its grandeur immediately.

Inside, you’ll be awed by the towering dome, intricate mosaics, and Byzantine architecture.

Your knowledgeable guide will share the fascinating stories behind Hagia Sophia‘s transformation over the centuries, shedding light on its complex religious and political history.

This iconic landmark is a must-see for any visitor to Istanbul.

Discovering the Old City

Beyond the magnificence of Hagia Sophia, the Old City of Istanbul beckons with its captivating history and cultural richness.

The Old City of Istanbul beckons with its captivating history and cultural richness beyond the magnificence of Hagia Sophia.

Guests will explore:

• Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of the city

• Obelisks and monuments that have witnessed centuries of Turkish history

• Ornate palaces, including the Topkapi Palace, once the imperial residence

• Bustling markets and bazaars, where the sights, sounds, and scents of the East come alive

• Ancient city walls and fortifications that have protected Istanbul for millennia

The private guide will share the secrets and stories of this enchanting neighborhood, immersing guests in the rich heritage of the Old City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Religious Sites?

Photos are generally allowed inside the religious sites, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disturbing any religious activities or services. Modest attire is required, and photography may be restricted during prayer times.

Do I Need to Pay for the Tour Guide’s Entry Tickets?

The tour guide’s entry tickets are typically included in the tour price. However, it’s always best to confirm this with the tour operator to avoid any unexpected costs on the day of the tour.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for Each Site?

The recommended time allocation for each site varies based on the tour option selected. The 2-hour tour focuses solely on the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square, while the longer 4- and 5.5-hour tours include additional sites like Hagia Sophia.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour offers flexible itinerary options ranging from 2 to 5.5 hours. Travelers can customize the tour to visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and explore the Old City based on their interests and time constraints.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Sites?

The dress code requires modest attire. Women must cover their heads with headscarves, which are available on-site. Entry is restricted during prayer times, and visitors must undergo security checks before entering the sites.

The Sum Up

The "Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Old City Private Tour" offers an immersive experience of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. Guests can explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the old city with fast-track access, led by a licensed guide who provides insights into the city’s rich history and culture. Private transfers are available for longer tour options, making this an accessible and comprehensive way to discover the wonders of Istanbul.

You can check availability for your dates here: