Skip-The-Line: City Highlights Tour W/Hagia Sophia&Blue Mosque

Exploring the iconic landmarks of Istanbul just got easier with the "Skip-The-Line: City Highlights Tour." This half-day excursion whisks visitors past long queues, allowing them to immerse in the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia and the architectural splendor of the Blue Mosque. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the small-group setting promises a personalized experience, delving into the rich history and culture that have defined this captivating city. From the historic Hippodrome to the vibrant Sultanahmet district, this tour offers a seamless opportunity to uncover Istanbul’s most treasured gems.

Key Points

• Compact, half-day tour exploring Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, with skip-the-line access.
• Small group size of 15 or fewer for an intimate, engaging experience led by a professional, English-speaking guide.
• Tour customized to the Sultanahmet district for efficient sightseeing, with pickup and drop-off at centrally located hotels or meeting points.
• Pricing starts from $35 per person, with additional fees for Hagia Sophia admission and optional tips for the guide.
• Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a moderate level of physical fitness required, and dress code guidelines for mosques.

Tour Overview

The City Highlights Tour offers a compact, half-day exploration of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

With a small group of 15 or fewer, you’ll enjoy an intimate atmosphere as a professional, English-speaking guide leads you through the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia.

Along the way, they’ll provide in-depth commentary on Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture.

The tour is customized to the Sultanahmet district, ensuring you make the most of your time.

Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned visitor, this tour provides an engaging, efficient way to discover Istanbul’s architectural gems and learn about its captivating past.

Highlights

A highlight of the City Highlights Tour is the opportunity to visit the iconic Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life.

Guests will marvel at the ancient Roman-era monuments and obelisks that dot the historic site.

Next, the tour explores the stunning Blue Mosque, known for its magnificent domed architecture and beautiful blue-hued tiles.

The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque now transformed into a museum.

With an expert guide providing insights, guests can enjoy Istanbul’s rich history and culture throughout this half-day exploration of the Sultanahmet district.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup service is available from centrally located Istanbul hotels or a designated meeting point. The meeting point is at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, located at Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul. The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar, Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul. Confirmation of the pickup time is required from the local provider before the tour date.

Meeting Point	Pickup Service	Tour Ends
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque	Available from central Istanbul hotels	Grand Bazaar
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul	Designated meeting point	Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour price starts from $35.00 per person, though it varies depending on the group size.

The price includes local taxes, pickup service, and a professional licensed English-speaking guide. Admission to Hagia Sophia is an additional $30 USD.

While tips for the guide are optional, personal expenses are excluded. Children under 8 years old can join the tour for free, but they’ll need to provide a passport for verification.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s located near public transportation.

Visitors should dress appropriately, with knees and shoulders covered when entering the mosques.

Accessibility and Requirements

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s located near public transportation.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required for the tour.

Dress code includes covering knees, head, and shoulders when entering the mosques. A light scarf is recommended for women.

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so the tour won’t include that stop on those days.

The tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable for a wide range of travelers, with clear guidelines to ensure an enjoyable and enriching experience exploring Istanbul’s iconic sites.

Reviews and Experiences

What do the reviews and experiences for this City Highlights Tour say?

Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides who bring Istanbul’s history and culture to life. However, some note distractions from the guides and suggest improvements in engaging children. The tour earns a 4.7 rating based on 21 reviews.

Key highlights include:

1. Visiting the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
2. Exploring the ancient Basilica Cistern.
3. Discovering the lively Grand Bazaar.
4. Enjoying a traditional Turkish meal.

Reviewers recommend this tour for its intimate atmosphere, beautiful sights, and engaging experiences.

Itinerary

Commencing with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, the City Highlights Tour guides participants through the city’s most renowned landmarks.

Guests will explore the serene Blue Mosque, taking in its stunning Byzantine architecture and intricate interior.

Next, the tour ventures to the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once thrilled crowds.

The knowledgeable guide shares captivating insights into Istanbul’s rich history and culture throughout the journey.

The half-day experience culminates with a visit to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, allowing travelers to enjoy the lively atmosphere and shop for local crafts.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks on the City Highlights Tour. This half-day excursion takes a small group of 15 or fewer through the historical Sultanahmet district.

Highlights include:

1. Visiting the Hippodrome, an ancient chariot-racing stadium.
2. Marveling at the architectural grandeur of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
3. Learning about Istanbul’s rich history and culture from a professional, English-speaking guide.
4. Ending the tour at the bustling Grand Bazaar, where travelers can explore the vibrant market.

The tour is accessible and requires a moderate fitness level. Proper dress is required for visits to the mosques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour. Within 24 hours, no refunds are provided. Customers should contact the local provider to make any changes or cancellations.

Are Audio Guides Available During the Tour?

Yes, the tour provides audio guides for participants. The audio guides allow visitors to explore the historical sites at their own pace and learn about the rich culture and history of Istanbul.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Mosques?

Visitors can take photographs inside the mosques, but they must follow the dress code of covering knees, shoulders, and head. Photography is generally allowed in the main prayer areas, though some restrictions may apply in certain sections.

Is There a Place to Store Luggage During the Tour?

The tour provides no storage for luggage. Guests are advised to travel light and leave large bags at their hotel. Small personal items can be carried during the tour, but large suitcases or bags are not permitted.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Mosques?

The dress code for visiting the mosques requires knees and shoulders to be covered. It’s recommended to bring a light scarf to cover one’s head when entering the mosques.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour offers an unparalleled experience in Istanbul. Skipping the lines at the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, travelers will explore the city’s captivating history and architecture with an expert guide. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making this the perfect way to discover Istanbul’s iconic landmarks efficiently and enjoyably.