Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace Tour
Explore Istanbul's history with a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Enjoy breathtaking architecture, expert guides, and timeless stories on this unforgettable journey through the city’s vibrant past.
Overview
Immerse yourself in Istanbul's rich history with a guided tour of three iconic landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Expert guides, breathtaking architecture, and timeless stories await on this unforgettable journey through the heart of the city’s vibrant past.
Begin your journey with a visit to the majestic Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most celebrated architectural masterpieces. Originally built as a church, later converted into a mosque, and now a museum, its stunning dome, mosaics, and intricate details reflect centuries of history. Marvel at its awe-inspiring blend of Byzantine and Ottoman art as your guide shares fascinating stories about its construction and transformations over time.
Next, step into the enchanting Blue Mosque, an iconic symbol of Istanbul. Known for its six minarets and striking blue Iznik tiles, this mosque is a functioning place of worship and a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Learn about the mosque’s cultural and spiritual significance as you wander through its grand courtyards and serene interiors, soaking in its timeless beauty.
Delve into the lavish world of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of sultans. Walk through its ornate halls and tranquil gardens, and discover priceless artifacts, including the Imperial Treasury and sacred relics. Your guide will bring the palace to life with tales of royal intrigue, power, and luxury, giving you a glimpse into the lives of Ottoman rulers.
This guided tour ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights while your guide takes care of logistics. The itinerary is carefully designed to provide ample time at each site for exploration, photography, and learning. A well-timed break ensures you stay refreshed during the day, making this tour suitable for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
One of the standout features of this tour is the expertise of the guides, who provide engaging commentary and little-known facts about each site. Their passion and knowledge enhance your experience, making history come alive as you walk through these legendary landmarks.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Meet your professional guide at the designated meeting point in Istanbul’s historic district. A brief introduction and overview of the tour set the stage for the day.
Discover the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO site with a massive dome, stunning mosaics, and centuries-old architecture, as your guide shares its fascinating Byzantine and Ottoman history.
Walk to the stunning Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and dazzling blue Iznik tiles. Learn about its history and importance as one of the most iconic Ottoman mosques.
Explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once a Byzantine social hub. Marvel at the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the ornate German Fountain.
Take a break and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant offering traditional Turkish cuisine. Recommendations will be provided by your guide.
Step into Topkapi Palace, the grand home of Ottoman sultans. Explore lush gardens, the Imperial Treasury, and Sacred Relics as your guide shares tales of royal life and historical intrigue.
End the tour at Sultanahmet Square, where you can ask your guide for recommendations or take time to explore nearby attractions on your own.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Explore the architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
- ● Learn the fascinating history and stories from expert local guides.
- ● Enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul’s historic peninsula.
- ● Skip-the-line access for a hassle-free experience.
- ● Discover the grandeur of Ottoman and Byzantine history in one tour.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Private guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, and Topkapi Palace
- Visit to the Basilica Cistern
- Guide Service
- Optional transfer
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off optıonal
- Meals
- Ayasofya: (25 euro)
- Topkapı Sarayı:1500 TL)
- Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı): Entrance fee applies (900 TL)
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with back problems
- ●People with motion sickness
- ●Wheelchair users
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
- ●Pets
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●This tour involves a significant amount of walking, so it’s recommended for individuals with moderate fitness levels.
- ●While suitable for all ages, younger children might find it less engaging due to the historical focus.
- ●Additionally, queues may be present during peak hours, but skip-the-line privileges ensure minimal wait times.
Know Before You Go
- ●Entrance fees are not included and must be paid on-site.
- ●Modest attire is mandatory for visiting religious sites; scarves are provided at some locations but bringing your own is recommended.
- ●Expect security checks at the entrance of landmarks.
- ●The tour starts promptly, so arriving on time is essential to ensure a smooth experience.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Steven Mills - United States of America
20 May
I took this tour with my mother, and it was a wonderful way to explore Istanbul's rich history. We loved visiting the Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque was equally impressive, and we spent a lot of time soaking in the serenity of the place. Our guide was wonderful, very knowledgeable, and really brought...
Read More
Jeremy Wiggins - United States of America
21 May
As a history buff, this tour was exactly what I was looking for. Hagia Sophia was truly breathtaking, and hearing about its history and how it has changed over the centuries was fascinating. Topkapi Palace was like stepping into a completely different world. Our guide was meticulous and made the ent...
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 Reviews
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20 May
I took this tour with my mother, and it was a wonderful way to explore Istanbul's rich history. We loved visiting the Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque was equally impressive, and we spent a lot of time soaking in the serenity of the place. Our guide was wonderful, very knowledgeable, and really brought the history of the sites to life. Topkapi Palace, with its stunning gardens and engaging stories about the sultans, was the perfect ending. It was a very fast paced tour, not rushed, but still very comprehensive. This is a must-see for anyone looking to delve into the history of Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
21 May
As a history buff, this tour was exactly what I was looking for. Hagia Sophia was truly breathtaking, and hearing about its history and how it has changed over the centuries was fascinating. Topkapi Palace was like stepping into a completely different world. Our guide was meticulous and made the entire experience unforgettable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to see Istanbul's best historical sites
Helpful? Yes
22 May
I took this tour alone and loved every minute of it. The Hagia Sophia was stunning. I spent a lot of time admiring the intricate mosaics and its grandeur. The Blue Mosque was peaceful, and its architecture was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Topkapi Palace had so many beautiful and fascinating works, and I enjoyed learning about the lives of the sultans. Our guide was friendly, approachable, and very knowledgeable.
Helpful? Yes
23 May
My girlfriend and I had a wonderful time on this tour. We were able to experience some of Istanbul's most famous landmarks with a wonderful guide who made history truly interesting. The Hagia Sophia was our favorite. It's a powerful place with so many layers of history. The Blue Mosque was magnificent, and Topkapi Palace felt like we'd stepped back in time. We also had a nice break in between, giving us time to relax and explore all the incredible sights. If you're looking to truly understand Istanbul's history, this tour is perfect.
Helpful? Yes
24 May
This was a wonderful family tour. My wife and I brought our young children, and they loved how attentive the guide was. The Hagia Sophia was a real highlight for all of us. Its sheer size and history were truly impressive. The Blue Mosque was peaceful and offered a moment of reflection. Topkapi Palace, with all its grandeur and historical treasures, was like something out of a fairy tale. Our guide was especially excellent at keeping the children engaged, which can be difficult at times. Overall, we really enjoyed the experience and learned a lot.
Helpful? Yes
25 May
I went with a group of friends, and this tour truly exceeded our expectations. The Hagia Sophia was much larger than I imagined and truly captivating. The Blue Mosque was incredibly tranquil, and it was wonderful to learn more about its significance. Topkapi Palace was impressive, and the artifacts there gave us a glimpse into the luxurious lives of the Ottoman sultans. Our guide was friendly and attentive, and I loved how they brought history to life. If you're looking to see some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, this tour is for you.
Helpful? Yes
26 May
I'd been to Istanbul several times before, but this was the first time I delved into its history on a guided tour. It was absolutely worth it. Hagia Sophia's blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture was mind blowing, and I hadn't known so much about the Blue Mosque until this tour. Topkapi Palace was full of surprises, especially the treasures and stories of the royal family. The pace was perfect, not rushed at all, and our guide was excellent. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul for the first time or wanting to learn more about its history.
Helpful? Yes
27 May
My wife and I took this tour during our trip to Istanbul and had a wonderful time. Hagia Sophia was much more beautiful than we expected, and the history behind it was fascinating. Our guide was wonderful, offering so much interesting information that we would never have learned otherwise. Topkapi Palace was the real highlight for me. Those royal treasures and the stories behind them were incredible. The downside was that it was a bit crowded everywhere.
Helpful? Yes
28 May
I took this tour with my family, and it was a great way to see some of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. We were truly impressed by the Hagia Sophia. Topkapi Palace felt like we'd stepped back in time. We found the tour a bit long. Overall, it was a very informative and enjoyable day.
Helpful? Yes
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