Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern- Grand Bazaar
from $59.16
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Overview
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,
3 hours
Meet at the start point (no pickup)
Travel to the Sultanahmet Tram Station. From the tram station walk down the hill on the right side of the road toward to the little mosque Firuz ağa . Take the first right onto the Hippodrome ( square ). You…
Itinerary
- 1Blue Mosque
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.
- 2Hippodrome
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).
- 3Basilica Cistern
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.
- 4Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
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.
- 5Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
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.
- 6Grand Bazaar
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.
- 7Vezirhan Handmade Carpets & Klims
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.
What's included
- Profesional licensed English speaking guide
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Guiding inside the sites
Not included
- Tickets will be provided in advance and there won't be time wasting in ticket lines
- Lunch. Your guide will suggest you some local restaurants at the end of the tour for lunch.
- Hotel pick up
Good to know
- 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
