Istanbul Small-Group Walking Tour of Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia with Tickets
by Walks In Europe
Choose from 5 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€78Overview
Istanbul features two of its most important monuments, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, both located in the historic Sultanahmet district. This small-group walking tour lasts about two and a half hours and includes skip-the-line tickets for Hagia Sophia. The tour begins at Sultanahmet Square, where the guide explains the city’s history as both Constantinople and Istanbul. The group then visits the Blue Mosque, learning about its Ottoman architecture, symbolism, and continuing role as a mosque. There is time to explore the mosque’s courtyard and nearby streets. Next, the tour proceeds to Hagia Sophia. With pre-reserved tickets, participants enter to view the building’s unique blend of Christian and Islamic features, including the basilica dome, minarets, mosaics, and İznik tiles. The guide describes the site's conversion from church to mosque and points out notable details such as the Virgin Mary mosaic and Ottoman sultans’ tombs in the courtyard. Between these two sites, the group walks through the Hippodrome area to learn about its role in Byzantine public life and the obelisks that stand there. The pace is relaxed to allow for questions and a clear understanding of the sites. The tour is led by an expert guide who provides detailed commentary throughout.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Sultanahmet Square
The tour starts in Sultanahmet Square, the historic center of Istanbul’s Old Town. The guide introduces the layered history of the city here, setting the context for the visit. The square is surrounded by major monuments and serves as the starting point for the walking tour. Skip-the-line tickets and expert guidance are provided to facilitate access to the main sites.
15 min
Blue Mosque
The group visits the Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the most visited monument in Istanbul. Built by Sultan Ahmed I, it is the last major imperial mosque constructed on this scale. The guide explains the mosque’s architecture, the symbolism behind its design, and its current use as an active place of worship. Visitors have time to explore the spacious courtyard and observe daily life in the surrounding neighborhood.
60 min
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Using pre-reserved tickets, the tour enters Hagia Sophia, an important monument to both Greek Orthodox and Ottoman history. The guide describes its transition from a Byzantine church to an Ottoman mosque. Inside, participants see the large basilica dome, minarets, mosaics, paintings, marble columns, and İznik tiles added over centuries. The tour highlights the Virgin Mary mosaic and points out the tombs of Ottoman sultans located in the courtyard.
60 min
Hippodrome
Between the two major monuments, the group walks through the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The guide explains its function as a center for public events during Byzantine times and the importance of the obelisks that decorate the square. This stop offers a break and views of the area before continuing the tour.
15 min
Meeting point
CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE ON A CRUISE SHIP ONLY! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe."
End point
CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE ON A CRUISE SHIP ONLY! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe."
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Istanbul Small-Group Walking Tour of Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia with Tickets
by Walks In Europe
Choose from 5 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€78Overview
Istanbul features two of its most important monuments, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, both located in the historic Sultanahmet district. This small-group walking tour lasts about two and a half hours and includes skip-the-line tickets for Hagia Sophia. The tour begins at Sultanahmet Square, where the guide explains the city’s history as both Constantinople and Istanbul. The group then visits the Blue Mosque, learning about its Ottoman architecture, symbolism, and continuing role as a mosque. There is time to explore the mosque’s courtyard and nearby streets. Next, the tour proceeds to Hagia Sophia. With pre-reserved tickets, participants enter to view the building’s unique blend of Christian and Islamic features, including the basilica dome, minarets, mosaics, and İznik tiles. The guide describes the site's conversion from church to mosque and points out notable details such as the Virgin Mary mosaic and Ottoman sultans’ tombs in the courtyard. Between these two sites, the group walks through the Hippodrome area to learn about its role in Byzantine public life and the obelisks that stand there. The pace is relaxed to allow for questions and a clear understanding of the sites. The tour is led by an expert guide who provides detailed commentary throughout.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Sultanahmet Square
The tour starts in Sultanahmet Square, the historic center of Istanbul’s Old Town. The guide introduces the layered history of the city here, setting the context for the visit. The square is surrounded by major monuments and serves as the starting point for the walking tour. Skip-the-line tickets and expert guidance are provided to facilitate access to the main sites.
15 min
Blue Mosque
The group visits the Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the most visited monument in Istanbul. Built by Sultan Ahmed I, it is the last major imperial mosque constructed on this scale. The guide explains the mosque’s architecture, the symbolism behind its design, and its current use as an active place of worship. Visitors have time to explore the spacious courtyard and observe daily life in the surrounding neighborhood.
60 min
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Using pre-reserved tickets, the tour enters Hagia Sophia, an important monument to both Greek Orthodox and Ottoman history. The guide describes its transition from a Byzantine church to an Ottoman mosque. Inside, participants see the large basilica dome, minarets, mosaics, paintings, marble columns, and İznik tiles added over centuries. The tour highlights the Virgin Mary mosaic and points out the tombs of Ottoman sultans located in the courtyard.
60 min
Hippodrome
Between the two major monuments, the group walks through the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The guide explains its function as a center for public events during Byzantine times and the importance of the obelisks that decorate the square. This stop offers a break and views of the area before continuing the tour.
15 min
Meeting point
CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE ON A CRUISE SHIP ONLY! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe."
End point
CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE ON A CRUISE SHIP ONLY! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe."
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.