Explore two of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Hipodrom on a guided tour. Learn about the history of these two religious sites and their significance to the city.
Meet your guide and head to the Hagia Sophia, originally built as a cathedral by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD. Learn about its history and how it was converted into a mosque in 1453 after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.
Hear how it became a museum in 1935 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's reforms, before being reverted to a mosque in 2020. Continue to the Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I.
The Basilica Cistern, located in the historic heart of Istanbul, is one of the most impressive and atmospheric structures of the Byzantine Empire. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this vast underground water reservoir once supplied water to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings.
Admire the stunning blue tiles that give the mosque its name. See the large central dome surrounded by smaller domes and six minarets. Learn about the mosque's history and how it is still an active mosque today.
English-speaking tour guide
Blue Mosque tour
Hipodrom tour
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Skip-the-line entry to the Blue Mosque
Scarf and body cover at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Tickets for Basilica Cistern(extra 40 Euro each)
Tickets for Hagia Sophia (extra 30 euro each)
Gratuities
Food and drinks
- Dress code is modest - no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.
- The Blue Mosque is closed to tourists during prayer times. During these times, visitors will be given a tour of the exterior.
- The Hagia Sophia is now a functioning mosque, and visitors are required to remove their shoes upon entry. Women are also required to cover their heads.
- Large bags or backpacks are not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
- Flash photography is not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.
- Comfortable shoes
- Head covering or kippah
- Camera
- Water
Admire the stunning architecture of the Blue Mosque
Explore the fascinating journey of the Hagia Sophia
Learn about the history of the Basilica Cistern