Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern- Grand Bazaar
Description
Skip the long lines to get inside the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cistern. Att! Tickets provided but are extra to be paid to the guide while on tour. Please check the exclusions for the ticket prices. Tick most of the top sites of old Istanbul off your travel bucket list with our specialized small group tour. It is a fully-guided tour inside Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome and Grand bazar. ( on Sundays Grand bazaar is closed it will be substituted with Spice bazaar). Along the way stop to hear the stories of the Roman Hippodrome (including Egyptian Obelisk, and Serpent Column German Fountain ), Million stone,
Tour Options
Itinerary
This is a 17 century active mosque and the most visited one in Turkey. Original name is Sultanahmet mosque. Blue is the name give because of the blue tiles used inside. * it was closed due to renovation for last 6 years but it is open now since April 21st.
This is the base of the Roman hippodrome which was built in 4 century AD for chariot races. The monuments survived to present are Egyptian obelisk ( 1500 BC ) Serpent column ( 5th century BC ) , Constantine column ( 10 century AD).
This is a water reservoir which looks like an underground palace. Basilica Cistern one of the most impressive example of Roman architecture. Don't miss to walk to the end to see the gigantic Medusa heads turned upside down.
We visit this 6 century AD world heritage from inside. It is a unique building embrace two religion ( Islam and Christianity ) inside. You will see an unusual architecture, mosaics, chirography art, and your guide will give you information about its 1500 history, architecture and religion symbols.
We will have a tea/coffee break at this local cafe where the locals get socialize with tea and coffee drinking and smoking shisha/hookah. This was a former religious school until 1930s. Drinks are included to the tour price.
We will visit the Grand bazaar from inside where your guide will give you some tips on shopping. Tour will end nearby where you can come back for shopping. Please note that, Grand bazaar is closed on Sundays so it will be substituted with Spice bazaar. Additionally, both bazaars are closed on religious festivals twice a year and in those days it will be substituted with Arasta bazaar.
This a great way to see and learn how the handmade Turkish carpets are made. It is a shop suited in a 500 years old Caravanserai ( ancient hotel ). What makes this place different than others is that they are not pushy on selling, trustworthy on the carpets quality and shipping for those who buy. This is an optional activity at the end of the tour so only those who are interested will join.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kids age 6 + will be charged as adults
- Kids 5 and lower years old free of charge and need have their ID or passport to prof their age.
- Ladies need to bring a scarf to cover their hair while inside the Blue mosque and Hagai Sofia
- Please wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for both women and men
- Grand bazaar is close on Sundays, it will be substitute with Spice Bazaar
- Grand Bazaar and Spice bazaars are closed on religious days, it will be substituted with Arasta Bazaar
Reviews(143)
Beyhan was our tour guide and she was amazing!! She is very knowledgeable about everything and her communication was fantastic!! 10/10!!
Our guide Beyhan was fantastic! She was very knowledgeable about each of the stops and even took us to see a demonstration of how traditional Turkish rugs were made. Furthermore she gave us a great recommendation for dinner which we’re looking forward to tonight! Highly recommended this tour!
Dear Heather, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Beyhan. She is truly passionate about sharing Istanbul’s rich history and culture, and we’re glad you enjoyed her insights at each stop, as well as the traditional Turkish rug weaving demonstration. We’re also happy that her dinner recommendation was helpful—we hope you had a fantastic meal! Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. It was our pleasure to show you around Istanbul, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
Great tour of Istanbul, Ömer was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of useful information. The 1/2 day was perfect for us with just enough time at each
Beyhan our guide texted us the night before to remind us to bring cash for repayment of the entrance fees. The entrance fees of $144 for two places seemed to be a little steep in addition to $120 for the two us for the tour. I know Tripadvisor has no input on entrance cost but just wanted you to be aware that your tour may not include the entrance cost and they will cost a little more than 10 –20 dollars or euros to get in.😉 It ended up being a private tour. 😊 In addition to the two mosques, cistron, she also took us to a carpet store to learn more about the process, as well as as a local tea/smoking parlor. She also showed us the Grand bizarre and allowed us to explore more on our own. She was a delight to be with and highly recommend her. She answered questions gave us more insight into the history as well as the local culture.
Omer from My Local Guide was extremely knowledgeable about all the locations visited on the tour - he has his masters in the Ottoman Empire and is a wealth of knowledge. The pace of the tour was appropriate for the hot day. He took us to the old section of the Grand Bazaar which has makers rather than just sellers which I found very interesting.
Our guide Omer was great both with historical facts and local knowledge and made for a very enjoyable morning. Would highly recommend
Omer was extremely knowledgeable and we gained great insight to the history of Istanbul and the various sites visited. One recommendation is that tickets should be all inclusive rather than having to exchange cash during the tour. Would recommend Omer as a guide.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Omer and that his knowledge helped bring Istanbul’s rich history to life. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the entrance tickets. We understand that having everything included would be more convenient. Due to the frequent changes in ticket prices, we’ve chosen to keep entrance fees separate to ensure guests always pay the official rates. We truly appreciate your understanding. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul in the future!
Omer was an awesome guide, engaging and knowledgeable about all the historic sites that are part of this tour. I highly recommend this company and especially Omer.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Ömer. His passion for Istanbul’s history and his engaging storytelling truly make every tour special, so we’re thrilled that his knowledge and enthusiasm stood out to you. Thank you for your kind recommendation of both our company and Ömer. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for another memorable experience in the future!
Visiting from the states. Awesome tour! Guide was very knowledgable with the history/culture of the city. Group was 4 people, so much more manageable and intimate. Timed everything perfectly around the prayer times. Would 100% recommend.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience during your visit from the United States. It’s great to know you enjoyed the small group setting, as we believe it creates a more personal and engaging experience for everyone. We’re especially pleased that you appreciated your guide’s knowledge of Istanbul’s history and culture, as well as the careful planning around prayer times to make the most of your visit. Thank you for your kind recommendation. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul on your next trip!
Perfect way to see the three major sites of Istanbul. Omer our guide was very knowledgeable and kept the interest of our 12 & 14 year old well. We got lucky we were the only ones on the tour. The half day tour was good timing for us and left with so much appreciation for the history and people of Turkey.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed your tour with Ömer. It’s especially rewarding to know that he was able to keep your 12 and 14-year-olds engaged while sharing the fascinating history of Istanbul. We believe history is best experienced through storytelling, and we’re so pleased your family left with a deeper appreciation for Turkey’s rich heritage and welcoming people. It sounds like having a private tour made the experience even more special, and we’re glad the half-day itinerary was the perfect fit for your schedule. Thank you for your kind recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for another memorable adventure in the future!
