Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace & Grand Bazaar Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Non smoking
History
Istanbul, a city straddling two continents, has been a cultural and political hub for over 2,000 years, serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace, all located in the historic Sultanahmet area, reflect the city’s layered past, from its Christian roots to its Islamic prominence.
The Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine Constantinople, and the Grand Bazaar, established in 1461, highlight Istanbul’s evolution as a center of trade, culture, and power. These sites collectively showcase the city’s rich architectural and historical legacy.
Highlights
- Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famed for its stunning blue tiles.
- Explore Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine and Ottoman history.
- Tour Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.
- Wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets.
- Discover the historic Hippodrome, the heart of ancient Constantinople.
Full Description
Embark on an 8-hour guided tour through Istanbul’s historic core, beginning with a visit to the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square, the social and political center of Byzantine Constantinople. Surrounded by landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, this open-air museum sets the stage for a journey through centuries of history.
Next, explore the Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. Designed by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, its intricate blue tiles and grand domes make it a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Continue to Hagia Sophia, constructed in 537 by Emperor Justinian I, later a mosque, museum, and mosque again in 2020, showcasing its unparalleled architectural and cultural significance.
Conclude your tour at Topkapı Palace, the Ottoman sultans’ residence from 1478, filled with sacred relics and royal treasures, followed by the Grand Bazaar, a bustling market founded in 1461. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in a vibrant maze of shops selling gold, spices, and handicrafts, before being dropped off at your hotel or meeting point.
Why Choose This Experience?
This tour offers a deep dive into Istanbul’s rich history, combining iconic landmarks with expert commentary from a licensed guide. With skip-the-line access, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a included lunch, it ensures a seamless and immersive experience through the city’s most significant sites.
Perfect for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors, this tour blends ancient architecture, cultural insights, and the lively atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. It’s an ideal way to capture Istanbul’s essence in a single, well-organized day.
What’s Included
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (on the European side)
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Entry/Admission to the Hippodrome
- Entry/Admission to the Blue Mosque
- Entry/Admission to the Grand Bazaar
Itinerary
- Hippodrome: Visit Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of Constantinople.
- Blue Mosque: Tour the iconic mosque with its stunning blue tiles.
- Hagia Sophia: Explore this architectural marvel with a rich history.
- Topkapı Palace: Discover the Ottoman suExplore Istanbul, Turkey, on a comprehensive tour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Grand Bazaar. Discover stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture while visiting the city’s most iconic landmarks with an expert guide.
ltans’ residence and treasures. - Grand Bazaar: Wander through one of the world’s oldest covered markets.
Pricing
From $79 per person
Meeting Point
Pickup is available from hotels on the European side in areas with free shuttle service. Alternatively, meet at a designated point in Sultanahmet. Confirm the exact pickup location and time with the tour operator when booking.
How to Get There
- Arrange hotel pickup with the tour operator for European-side hotels.
- Use the T1 tram line to reach Sultanahmet for the meeting point.
- Be ready at your hotel lobby or meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup.
- Contact the operator for specific pickup details if staying outside the designated areas.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites.
- A scarf or shawl for women to cover shoulders or hair at religious sites.
Know Before You Go
- Wear modest clothing, as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are active mosques.
- Bring a scarf or shawl for women to cover shoulders or hair at religious sites.
- The tour involves moderate walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Entry to Topkapı Palace may require additional fees for certain sections (e.g., Harem).
- Check availability for starting times, as schedules may vary.
Reviews
- We had a wonderful day thanks to our guide’s engaging narration. It’s also exciting to see so many magnificent historical monuments together. I highly recommend it.
- The tour was perfectly paced, and our guide brought Istanbul’s history to life. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were breathtaking, and the Grand Bazaar was a vibrant end to the day. A must-do for history lovers!
- Our guide was knowledgeable and made every stop fascinating. Topkapı Palace was a highlight with its stunning artifacts, and the bazaar was a fun cultural experience. This tour exceeded all expectations!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the duration of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace & Grand Bazaar Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting with a morning pickup from your hotel on the European side or a designated meeting point in Sultanahmet and ending with a drop-off at the same location. The itinerary includes visits to the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Grand Bazaar, with a break for lunch. The schedule is designed to cover Istanbul’s key historical sites while ensuring comfort and time for exploration. Check specific start times when booking to plan your day. Contact the operator for any scheduling or pickup clarifications to ensure a seamless experience.
Are entrance fees included for all sites on the tour?
The tour includes entrance fees to the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. However, entry to certain sections of Topkapı Palace, such as the Harem, may require additional fees, payable on-site. Hagia Sophia’s entrance is generally covered, but confirm with the operator, as policies may vary. The tour price also includes lunch, a licensed guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Always verify inclusions when booking to avoid surprises, and contact the operator for details on any extra costs for specific areas within the sites.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves moderate walking across uneven surfaces, particularly at the Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia have steps and crowded areas, and Topkapı Palace has some inaccessible sections. While the tour is not fully wheelchair-accessible, the operator may offer accommodations if notified in advance. Contact the tour provider early to discuss specific mobility needs and explore possible adjustments. Comfortable shoes and early communication are key to ensuring a manageable experience.
What should I wear for the tour?
Wear comfortable walking shoes due to moderate walking on uneven surfaces at the Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. Modest clothing is required for the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, as they are active mosques; this means covering shoulders and knees for all, and women should bring a scarf or shawl to cover their hair. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for Istanbul’s climate, and a hat or sunscreen is useful for outdoor areas. Dressing appropriately ensures respect for religious sites and comfort during the 8-hour tour. Check with the operator for specific dress code guidelines.
Can I cancel or change my booking if plans change?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly. The reserve-now-pay-later option allows you to secure your spot without immediate payment, ideal for flexible travel planning. To modify your booking or confirm cancellation policies, contact the tour operator directly as soon as possible to avoid any issues. Check availability for new dates if rescheduling, and review terms during booking for clarity. Keep the operator’s contact details handy for quick communication regarding changes or questions about the process.
