Istanbul Tour: Half-day Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar TourCity, Historical and Theme Tours

Tour Altinkum

Overview

Embark on a captivating half-day guided Istanbul tour that unveils the breathtaking beauty of two architectural masterpieces – the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Immerse yourself in the rich history and intricate craftsmanship of these iconic landmarks, marveling at their awe-inspiring design and cultural significance.

Afterward, delve into the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, an expansive covered market that showcases the city's spirit of commerce and craftsmanship. Lose yourself in the maze of shops, savoring the sensory delights of this bustling marketplace, and discover treasures that will forever remind you of the enchanting allure of Istanbul.

Highlights

◾Discover Istanbul's architectural treasures - Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
◾Gain insights into the captivating history of Byzantines, Ottomans, and modern Turks with an expert local guide.
◾Immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping experience at the historic Grand Bazaar.
◾Stroll through the historical hippodrome, witnessing the iconic German Fountain and Obelisk.

About this Experience

✔ Health & safety measures apply
✔ Best-in-class experience
✔ No booking fees

DURATION: 4 hours
STARTING TIME: 8.30 am
MEETING POINT: At your centrally located Istanbul Hotels (Sultanahmet, Besiktas, Taksim, Sisli, etc) Please tell us your accommodation during the booking
LANGUAGES: English
MOBILE TICKET: Use your phone or print your ticket
OPENING SEASONS: All year round
WHO CAN COME: Istanbul tour is suitable for any age group. A distance of about 1 km will be covered during this tour

Description - What to expect

Begin your Istanbul tour with a convenient pick-up from your centrally located hotel and set off to explore the magnificent architectural gem of Hagia Sophia. Constructed by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, this iconic structure served as the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. With a history spanning over a millennium, it functioned as a church for 916 years and a mosque for 481 years. In 1934, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ordered its conversion into a museum, granting access to visitors from around the world.

Continue your journey through Istanbul with a visit to the historic Hippodrome, commissioned by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD. Once the bustling civil center of the city, it could accommodate an impressive 100,000 spectators during its prime. Today, nestled in the heart of Sultanahmet and surrounded by architectural marvels like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome is home to notable structures such as the Egyptian Obelisk (Dikilitaş), the Serpentine Column (Burma sütun), the Constantine Column, and the German Fountain.

Next, venture to the renowned Blue Mosque, an architectural masterpiece built by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in 1616. Standing opposite Hagia Sophia, it has become one of the most famous landmarks of the old city, with its distinctive six minarets and magnificent dome. While officially named the Sultanahmet Mosque, its nickname, the Blue Mosque, was bestowed by visitors enchanted by the stunning blue tiles adorning its interior walls.

Conclude your Istanbul tour with a visit to the remarkable Grand Bazaar, a sprawling covered market boasting over 60 streets and more than 5,000 shops. Immerse yourself in the authentic oriental atmosphere as you peruse a diverse array of goods, including leather clothing, rugs, antiques, jewelry, hand-woven fabrics, and much more. Experience the vibrant energy of this bustling marketplace, where you can find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your Istanbul adventure.

What's included, what's not

✔ English Speaking Guide
✔ All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
✔ Transfer service from/to Istanbul Hotels (centrally located)
✔ Land transportation by air-conditioned non-smoking vehicle
✖ Admission fees to attractions
✖ Beverages during the tour

Free Cancellation

Free cancellation is available for this Istanbul tour up to 48 hours before the start of the experience

Departure and Return

Departure Time: 08:30 am
Return: 13:00

Good to know - practical information

◾Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays so your visit, in this case, will be restricted to the garden outside
◾Please note Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
◾In case you are traveling with children you will need to have their passports with you
◾The admission fee to Hagia Sophia is 30 USD. Free entry for children under the age of 8. Please note that the tour guide will have pre-paid skip-the-line tickets to avoid long ticket queues. The cost of used entry tickets can be paid to your guide in cash dollar, euro, or Turkish lira at tours.