Istanbul: Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar with Live Guide

Uncover the highlights of Istanbul on this guided Orientation & Walking Tour. Step back in time as you explore the city’s rich history and breathtaking architecture, visiting iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the vibrant Grand Bazaar.  

• Discover the fascinating history of Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
• Admire the Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets.
• Wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, home to thousands of shops and traditional crafts.
• Explore the historic Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine social, political and sporting life.
• See remarkable landmarks including the German Fountain, Serpentine Column and Column of Constantine.

  Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul.   Begin your tour at the magnificent Blue Mosque visit, famous for its beautiful Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. Discover its fascinating history and learn about its importance as one of the finest examples of Classical Ottoman architecture.   Continue to the historic Hippodrome, once the center of social and sporting life in Constantinople. See remarkable monuments including the German Fountain, Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and Column of Constantine.   Marvel at Hagia Sophia from the outside—a breathtaking 6th-century architectural masterpiece built by Emperor Justinian. Uncover its rich history and the evolving roles it has held across the centuries as your guide brings its storied past to life. If you decide to go inside, your guide will secure skip-the-line tickets and accompany you through the monument.   Before arriving at the Grand Bazaar, stop briefly at a local shop for an opportunity to discover traditional Turkish products and souvenirs. Then, learn about the history of the Grand Bazaar before exploring its vibrant streets at your own pace. Browse thousands of shops offering carpets, jewelry, spices, ceramics, handicrafts and more.

• Operational throughout the year, excluding Fridays. 
• Please dress modestly when entering sacred sites: long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended. Remember to bring a scarf to cover your head.
• Your pick-up time will be communicated to you after we receive your booking. Note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.
• Starting January 2024, the main saloon of the Hagia Sophia Mosque is closed for tourist visits. However, after the tour, you can visit the mosque for an additional fee of 25 Euros. To bypass the ticket line, pay the entrance fee in Turkish Lira directly to your guide in cash.

Hotel pick-up

• Pick-up is available from hotels in Sisli, Osmanbey, Harbiye, Taksim, Findikli, Karakoy, Tepebasi, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Kadirga, Beyazit, Laleli, Aksaray, Yenikapi, Findikzade, and Topkapi areas (if option selected).
• Please note that this is a shared transfer, and pick-up times may vary. Each hotel has a fixed pick-up time. Ensure you are in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
• Upon confirmation, we will notify you of the specific pick-up time. The transfer is shared and conducted with a Minibus or Midibus.

Accessibility:  

• Stroller accessible
• Suitable for most travelers
• Proximity to public transportation

Your tickets/vouchers can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and are valid only for the date/time selected