Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque City Highlights Tour

Horizon, our guide, was extremely helpful he patiently shared the historical background of both mosques, then led us to the bazaar and offered practical advice on things to do around the city and how to get around efficiently. I would definitely recommend his services.

Helpful? Yes

There was quite a bit of walking involved, but it gave us a great opportunity to take in the main sights of the city

Helpful? Yes

We had a great time on the tour. Our guide had an impressive understanding of Istanbul’s history and was able to respond to every question with confidence. His English was excellent, so communication was smooth throughout. I’d definitely recommend this tour to others

Helpful? Yes

Our guide, Fadi, did a fantastic job; he was very knowledgeable, answered every question, and made the entire experience truly enjoyable. I highly recommend it. Transportation was comfortable, and the choice of venues and activities was well thought out. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was also quite affordable compared to what was offered on our cruise. The small group size was a big plus.

Helpful? Yes

At first, I thought we'd signed up for the wrong tour, as our group of eight had a mix of full day and half day bookings, which made things quite confusing. The guide was mentioning stops that weren't listed on our itinerary. None of these were part of what we signed up for and added nothing to the experience. At that point, we and the other half day participants, especially the full-day guests, opted to leave because they'd gone to lunch and the guide had only planned to show us the Grand Bazaar instead of giving us the promised guided tour. This was a disappointment, considering how good our previous GYG tours had been.

Helpful? Yes

My trip to Istanbul was amazing thanks to our guide, Sibel. She was warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about her city. From Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar to tea on the Bosphorus, she made every moment meaningful. Her tips on local attractions added a personal touch. If you're visiting Istanbul, I highly recommend visiting with Sibel. 10 out of 10.

Helpful? Yes

After our cruise canceled the shore excursion last minute, we booked this tour and ended up having the best day of the trip. The other guests dropped out, so we had a private tour with Korhan. He was extremely knowledgeable and got us into both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque quickly and ahead of the crowds. He also helped us find everything on our shopping list, taking us to some lovely stores. Pickup and drop off at the ship were smooth and punctual.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was both friendly and incredibly well informed. He gave us a great tour, sharing fascinating stories about the history of the Ottoman Empire. We also enjoyed a lovely lunch during the day. A beautiful experience overall highly recommended.

Helpful? Yes

The guide had a strong understanding of the subject and shared a lot of interesting historical information throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was wonderful! Our guide was fantastic and very approachable. However, since I was the only one in the group booked for the half-day tour, the guide didn’t take me to the Grand Bazaar, so I explored it on my own. Still, the other sites we visited were truly impressive.

Helpful? Yes

Baris shared a wealth of knowledge and provided plenty of useful information. The tour was excellent and smoothly organized.

Helpful? Yes

The group was small, and our guide was both expert and professional. He shared just the right balance of historical facts and details without making it too much to take in.

Helpful? Yes

Baris was an excellent guide with extensive knowledge. He met us right outside the cruise terminal. Compared to the cruise’s own excursions, this tour offered great value and allowed us to see more, including Hagia Sophia.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was pleasant, but the cost only covers entry to the Blue Mosque. Essentially, the fee is just for the guide’s services, which felt quite pricey, especially since the tour is conducted in English. For those who don’t speak English, this could be challenging, particularly given that French-speaking guides are available at the site.

Helpful? Yes

Wonderful visit with excellent commentary, a fantastic guide, and a warm welcome. I highly recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

Everything went smoothly, thank you.

Helpful? Yes

I thought this activity was quite costly for such a brief duration. We didn’t get to visit the ground floor of Saint Sofia, only the upper level. It would also be helpful if French speaking guides were available.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fantastic. Our guide was very patient, provided detailed historical explanations, and responded to all of our questions.

Helpful? Yes

Our pickup was scheduled for 8:15 AM, but we had to wait at a second hotel for 30 minutes before leaving in the van. The tour itself was enjoyable but felt a bit hurried. When we reached the Grand Bazaar, we were only shown its location before the guide had to leave for school. Priority was clearly given to the guests on the full day tour.

Helpful? Yes

They were very attentive and reached out the day before the tour to confirm all the important details, like the pickup time, meeting point, and what to expect. As a solo female traveler, it was comforting to receive these updates and to know they were making sure I would join the group on time. Our guide was highly knowledgeable and provided great insights into the history of the sites. They clearly put a strong focus on our comfort and safety, and made an effort to include everyone throughout the experience. I highly recommend this tour for anyone planning to visit Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque, especially solo travelers.

Helpful? Yes

Baris was a fantastic guide extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and a great storyteller. He communicated clearly to coordinate meeting points and was always punctual. He went the extra mile by walking further with us, sharing more details about the sights and suggesting shops and restaurants to try. I would absolutely book a tour with him again.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was good, but you could easily do it without a guide. If you visit in the morning, there are fewer people around.

Helpful? Yes

The guide had a deep understanding of the area's history, and the meeting point was clearly marked and easy to find.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was full of useful information, everything was explained clearly, and I really enjoyed it overall.

Helpful? Yes

The visit felt quite rushed, and I wasn’t sure why the guide seemed in such a hurry. He also suggested adding the Basilica Cistern for an extra charge. Next time, I think I’d bring a guidebook instead it would have been more affordable.

Helpful? Yes

The tour exceeded my expectations.I truly enjoyed it. My guide, Baris, was extremely knowledgeable and shared detailed historical insights in an engaging way that never felt dull. I would absolutely recommend this experience.

Helpful? Yes

There were some issues with the group tour. The guide promoted some shops and didn't mention that men weren't allowed to wear shorts in the mosque, then tried to sell pashmina pants. Because he didn't wait for the entire group to explain, some people missed important details. More honesty and equal attention would have made the experience even better.

Helpful? Yes

A wonderful experience! The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are two iconic cultural and historical structures not to be missed in Istanbul. A church built during the Eastern Roman Empire, Hagia Sophia was completed in 537 AD. Officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Sultanahmet Mosque was built between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I and still serves as a mosque. Special thanks to our knowledgeable guide, Ali Bey, who provided detailed explanations throughout the three hour tour. The tour concluded with a sweet treat at a famous shop near the Grand Bazaar.

Helpful? Yes

The guide spoke very good English, though we weren’t able to understand everything. It would be great to know when French-speaking guides will be available.

Helpful? Yes

Bariş was an excellent guide friendly, engaging, and extremely well informed. He knew the area well and used local shortcuts to help us reach the major sights efficiently. I’d absolutely recommend him, 10 out of 10.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was outstanding welcoming and full of useful information throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and he also offered helpful restaurant and shopping recommendations. Not having to wait in line at the Hagia Sophia was a great bonus; we would have liked the same at the Blue Mosque. It's a shame the tour wasn't in German, but that's exactly how we booked it, so no complaints.

Helpful? Yes

Wonderful tour with a convenient meeting point and rich historical insights throughout.

Helpful? Yes

I highly recommend it. The tour guide was very friendly and fun. The only downside was that we didn't realize the Hagia Sophia entrance fee wasn't included in the price, although it was mentioned. Overall, it was a great experience and I recommend it without hesitation!

Helpful? Yes

Barış demonstrated deep knowledge about Islamic history and the mosques. I really enjoyed the entire tour.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was excellent, but the overall organization was disappointing.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was very informative and engaging, answering all our questions. Hagia Sophia’s entrance fee wasn’t included but was clearly stated, and you pay the guide in cash. Other sites were free. The carpet shop had some pushy sales, but it was easy to say no. We learned a lot about traditional carpets. On the half day tour, another quieter guide took us to the bazaar, so we didn’t get much info there. Overall, a great experience and I recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

Because it was the off-season, we enjoyed a private tour. Mr. Baris led us around the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, sharing extensive insights into Turkish history. Highly recommended.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide, Ali, was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable, kind, and friendly. He took us to many of the city's highlights, and everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was excellent and made the experience very engaging and informative.

Helpful? Yes

The cost was definitely justified. In just one day, we visited many of Istanbul’s key historical sites and enjoyed extra cultural activities, including a demonstration of Turkish rug making. Our guide was well informed and to the point. I would strongly recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

Our tour guide Burak was outstanding and spoke excellent Spanish. He demonstrated a deep knowledge of history throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

We met our guide at the pre-arranged location outside the main entrance to Hagia Sophia. He had also sent us a photo and detailed instructions beforehand, which made it easy to find. The tour inside Hagia Sophia was wonderful; the guide shared lots of useful information and answered all our questions. He then took us to the Blue Mosque, which was equally fascinating. We would definitely recommend this guided tour to others.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide Ali was outstanding, and the tour exceeded our expectations. Everything was well organized, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have no complaints at all. Many thanks.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was friendly and attentive, but after the tour we were taken to sales presentations that weren't originally on the program, so I think we wasted time there unnecessarily.

Helpful? Yes

The historical details and information provided helped me gain a better understanding of Istanbul.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was overall quite enjoyable. Our guide at the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque shared a lot of valuable information. The itinerary also included a visit to the Grand Bazaar, but unfortunately, at the end of the tour, we were dropped off at the entrance and told to explore on our own, which was a bit disappointing. We were hoping to learn some historical information about the bazaar during our visit.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fantastic! Our guide Ali shared a wealth of information and was very accommodating, even recommending a wonderful place for lunch after the tour finished. Since this was our first tour after arriving in the city, it was an ideal way to kick off our trip.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fantastic, and our guide was outstanding. He had a deep knowledge of history, and I would definitely recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

The guide was outstanding and made a real effort to explain all the historical facts and cultural traditions in detail.

Helpful? Yes

We were picked up from our hotel and taken by bus to the Hagia Sophia, where we met our fantastic tour guide. Ali was truly exceptional! He shared a wealth of history and details with us. After exploring Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, he brought us to the Spice Bazaar to sample Turkish delight and tea. It was a wonderful tour, and I would definitely recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

We were lucky to have Baris as our guide for our first Istanbul visit. He picked us up from our hotel even though it was outside the usual area. Since we were the only ones on the tour, it felt like a private experience. Baris was very knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible, answering all our questions and showing us extra spots we were interested in. The tour lasted longer than planned, but he never rushed us. I highly recommend booking a private tour with Baris for a genuine local experience.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fantastic. Our guide, Mr. Baris, was excellent. He shared fascinating information about each site we visited and was very approachable. He also made sure nobody in the group got lost. I give this tour a 5 star rating and would definitely recommend both the tour and Mr. Baris as a guide.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was very well informed, and the tour itself was really enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was well organized, and the guide was outstanding.

Helpful? Yes

I really enjoyed the tour. Our guide, Ali, shared the historical background of each site in a captivating way and added just the right touch of humor to keep it engaging.

Helpful? Yes

The guide made the experience very enjoyable. Everything was clearly explained, with fascinating facts included throughout, and there was great engagement with the whole group. It was genuinely a pleasant and memorable tour.

Helpful? Yes

The private tour was outstanding. Our guide had deep knowledge and made the entire day a truly great experience.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide took us to some of the most expensive shops. We later learned that other vendors in the area were offering similar items at half the price. Since we hadn't shopped around, we weren't very impressed.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was fantastic and had a deep understanding of the area's history.

Helpful? Yes

This was a walking tour, which wasn’t ideal for someone with limited mobility. The pickup vehicle arrived 30 minutes late, and the air conditioning didn’t seem to work. Entry to the mosques was free, and there were no skip the line benefits. Unfortunately, we struggled to understand much of what the guide said, which made the experience disappointing. We likely would’ve had a better time exploring on our own. The Grand Bazaar wasn’t truly part of the tour either we had to locate it ourselves, which took around 15 minutes.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide, Ali, was very well versed in the local history and shared many fascinating insights about Istanbul. His knowledge truly enriched the experience.

Helpful? Yes

The pick up was on time and overall the guide was attentive and professional. I will recommend it to my friends and family.

Helpful? Yes

We were not picked up as expected, and the walk to the Grand Bazaar involved a long uphill stretch, which hadn’t been mentioned at the time of booking. This should have been clearly communicated in advance.

Helpful? Yes

The driver arrived at our hotel right on time, and the guide was warm, approachable, and always ready to help. He took us to all the places we had requested and shared the history behind each one. It was a fantastic experience overall. Many thanks.

Helpful? Yes

We were fortunate to have an excellent guide who was very well informed and made the experience truly memorable. There was no transportation included; we met in front of the mosque. Although entry to the mosques is free, having a guide is essential if you want to understand the history behind them. I definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was informative and educational, but I didn’t appreciate being brought to a leather fashion show that wasn’t part of our original plan. It felt like a waste of time and wasn’t something we asked for.

Helpful? Yes

There was a lot of waiting and a lot of walking. The guide shared a lot of information that had little to do with the tour. Overall, it was a bit boring.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was both enjoyable and full of useful information. Her genuine passion and excitement really brought the beauty of Istanbul to life. Definitely a tour worth experiencing.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was very approachable, and the tour exceeded expectations. It was clear he was well-informed, and he patiently answered all of our many questions. I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide, Ahmet Gulmez, was truly outstanding! He had an impressive understanding of Istanbul’s history and was genuinely warm and friendly. The tour itself was fantastic! I highly recommend Ahmet to anyone looking for an exceptional tour experience.

Helpful? Yes

I originally booked a tour that included hotel pick up, but this didn’t happen. We had to either take a taxi or walk 20 minutes to the meeting point ourselves. The time spent at the mosques was very short and the explanations were minimal. On the way to the Grand Bazaar, our guide stopped at a shop showcasing outrageously expensive clothing, which felt like a sales pitch probably because he earns commissions. What bothered me even more was his claim that he would take us to a good, non touristy shopping spot, which clearly wasn’t the case

Helpful? Yes

The guide was excellent, demonstrating great expertise and a strong focus on customer service.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was excellent. Although the tour felt somewhat hurried, overall it was a solid introduction to Istanbul and definitely worth recommending.

Helpful? Yes

The experience felt like stepping back into Byzantium! Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and led us on an amazing journey through history. Our eyes and ears were filled with wonder the entire time.

Helpful? Yes

The tour company couldn’t provide hotel pickup due to traffic, and no refund was offered. The tour was excellent, especially after a recent disappointment elsewhere. Baris, our guide, was engaging and shared great historical stories without overloading us. A short break after Ayasofia would have been nice. Overall, one of the best family tours we’ve done.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was interesting, but the guide was too lenient with latecomers, causing long waits. Because of the delays, we missed the final stop at the Grand Bazaar since we had other plans that afternoon.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was excellent, and our guide Ali was fantastic.

Helpful? Yes

The communication was excellent, the experience was highly engaging, and there was no waiting involved. I would definitely recommend this.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fantastic, led by an excellent guide who made the experience truly memorable.

Helpful? Yes

The hotel pick up was convenient. Our guide spoke quickly, which made it a bit difficult to follow despite his efforts. Also, there was no skip-the-line access at the sites.

Helpful? Yes

Skipping the line at Hagia Sophia was a real bonus. Our guide spoke excellent English and shared detailed information throughout the visit. Although the plan included the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it was under renovation, so we expected to visit a different mosque instead, but that didn’t happen. Instead, we went to a cistern where, unsurprisingly, a carpet dealer had a display leading to the usual carpet sales pitch, which felt a bit pushy given the cost. On the bright side, the stop at the Grand Bazaar helped balance the experience.

Helpful? Yes

The pickup happened much later than scheduled, and we ended up on a different tour than the one we had originally booked. However, since the new tour was less expensive, we were able to overlook the mix up with the pickup timing.

Helpful? Yes

The tour did not include a stop at the promised station, which was disappointing.

Helpful? Yes

We didn't realize the Blue Mosque was closed when we booked the tour. We were told we would see another mosque, but that never happened.

Helpful? Yes

Nur was truly delightful and highly professional throughout the experience.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was fantastic.She spoke excellent English and had a wealth of knowledge to share.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was smoothly arranged, offering detailed historical insights and plenty of opportunities for photos. The guide was very caring and spoke clearly, making it easy to follow even for those less confident in English.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was excellent, providing clear explanations in slow, understandable English. Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the Blue Mosque because it was closed; we were informed of this two days before the tour. The tour started on time without any delays. Overall, it was a positive experience with a friendly guide.

Helpful? Yes

The promise of skipping the line was misleading, as we ended up waiting in the same queue as all the other visitors.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fantastic.It’s a shame the Blue Mosque was closed due to renovation work, but everything else was wonderful.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide, Ali, was extremely well-informed and spoke English clearly, making it easy for everyone to follow along.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was excellent. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly throughout the experience.

Helpful? Yes

I'm not sure why this is advertised as a skip-the-line tour since both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque have free entry and no ticket lines to bypass. We did have to wait in line for the security check at Hagia Sophia, but the wait was reasonable. Just be aware there are some sales pitches during the tour.

Helpful? Yes

We really enjoyed ourselves. The timing was just right neither too long nor too short.

Helpful? Yes

The guided tour was very informative and insightful. However, the stops at the carpet dealer and souvenir shop felt unnecessary and could have been left out.

Helpful? Yes

We had a great guided tour covering Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. The guide was very approachable and explained everything clearly and simply. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was truly impressive and unlike any church or mosque I’ve seen before simply wonderful. After a tiring wait in line, our guide shared fascinating historical insights and interesting facts that made the visit even more enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

The visit to Hagia Sophia was very engaging and enjoyable, but it was disappointing that our guide tried to take us to a carpet demonstration and sale, followed by a group lunch at a restaurant he recommended. We decided to politely leave and cancel the rest of the tour. Instead, we explored the bazaar on our own, even though it was part of the ticket.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was easy to find at the clearly stated meeting point shown in the booking confirmation. He was very knowledgeable and shared details about the buildings that you won’t find in typical guidebooks. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was fantastic, and our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable throughout.

Helpful? Yes

Ali, our guide, shared a lot of valuable information throughout the tour. We genuinely enjoyed the entire experience.

Helpful? Yes

The guide’s history of Hagia Sophia was very helpful, and skipping the long line was a plus. The Blue Mosque was closed, so we visited the Hippodrome instead. We also saw an underground cistern under a carpet shop, which included a sales pitch. Overall, interesting and informative, but be ready to decline shopping offers.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was excellent and spoke very clear English. However, the stop at the leather shop felt unnecessary and uncomfortable. There was pressure to buy items, and the fashion show was a waste of time. We spent a lot of effort trying to avoid a very pushy salesperson.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was outstanding thanks to the professionalism of our guide, Mr. Fuat. We gained a wealth of valuable historical knowledge. He was very considerate of every participant, accommodating individual needs with care. The schedule and timing were well organized. I strongly recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

Sedef was an exceptional guide. He possessed extensive knowledge and offered excellent suggestions for places to visit nearby. We gained a lot of valuable information throughout the tour and appreciated having sufficient free time to explore independently. We definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

We had a fantastic day visiting Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Our guide met us at the cruise terminal and was friendly, knowledgeable, and spoke clear English. Despite the queue at Hagia Sophia, he kept us engaged with interesting facts. After the Blue Mosque, we visited Hippodrome Square and the Grand Bazaar, including a stop at his favorite kebab place. The small group setting made it easy to hear and ask questions. Great value compared to cruise tours highly recommended.

Helpful? Yes

We really enjoyed the tour. Ensar shared all the important details and was very friendly and enjoyable to chat with. I would definitely choose him as my guide again.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide Baris provided an excellent tour. He was knowledgeable, clear in his explanations, and focused. Baris was very friendly and attentive throughout.

Helpful? Yes

The Hagia Sophia visit was truly impressive. Unfortunately, because we live on a narrow street, the reception service didn't work as expected. The carpet presentation and sales presentation were also an unpleasant surprise.

Helpful? Yes

This is not a true skip the line tour. The company falsely advertises this feature there are no line-skipping privileges at either location. If your main reason for booking is to avoid waiting, I would not recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, providing great insights into the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. However, we were disappointed that the second half of the tour shifted into a visit aimed at selling carpets and other goods. While somewhat interesting, it gave the impression that the main goal was to make sales, which left us feeling a bit misled.

Helpful? Yes

Visiting Hagia Sophia was a truly memorable experience, made even better by our outstanding guide, Ali. His excellent English and deep knowledge brought the history of Turkey to life, even while we were waiting in line. Ali's ability to explain things clearly and keep us engaged made this tour exceptional. Highly recommended.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was truly fascinating, as both sites are essential to visit. Our guide was highly professional and knowledgeable, sharing engaging stories about the landmarks and the areas we passed through. I would rate it a perfect 10 out of 10.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was excellent, perfectly timed, and led by a wonderful guide.

Helpful? Yes

We booked this tour along with the 5-day ticket expecting to skip the line at the entrance, but that’s not possible at any mosque with any ticket. This misinformation is disappointing coming from a professional provider. The guide was friendly, and the Hagia Sophia is definitely worth visiting, but be prepared to wait in the sun for 1.5 to 2 hours, even if you arrive early.

Helpful? Yes

The meeting point was changed at the last minute, which made the start a bit stressful. We eventually found our guide but realized it was a full-day tour, not the one we originally booked. It seemed the two tours were combined due to group size, which forced some of us to change our plans. The Grand Bazaar “guided” tour felt like just being told to explore on our own for an hour, which isn’t what I expected from a guided tour. The visit to the Blue Mosque was pointless since it was completely covered for renovations. They really shouldn’t have charged for that.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was very knowledgeable. Hagia Sophia was truly beautiful. The tour also included visits to the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar.

Helpful? Yes

The guide lacked friendliness and wasn’t very engaging. Although the booking promised hotel pick up, we received an email the night before informing us that they couldn’t provide the service due to scheduling issues.

Helpful? Yes

Ali was an excellent guide very well informed and extremely approachable. We really enjoyed the tour and would definitely suggest it to others.

Helpful? Yes

Women are strongly advised to dress modestly; ensure your shoulders and legs below the knees are covered, otherwise you will not be allowed into mosques.

Helpful? Yes

Barish was a fantastic guide who tailored his explanations to match our interests. We really enjoyed the tour and would definitely take it again.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was outstanding and provided plenty of useful information. However, we were notified just one day before the tour that the promised hotel pickup would not happen, even though it was part of the package.

Helpful? Yes

Baris proved to be a very supportive and knowledgeable guide throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide Ali led an excellent tour. He shared a wealth of knowledge about Istanbul’s history, making it a truly enjoyable and fascinating experience to listen to.

Helpful? Yes

This tour exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Barış, was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited and gave us helpful tips on shopping at the Grand Bazaar (you have to bargain, of course).

Helpful? Yes

The tour was excellent, with the guide demonstrating a strong knowledge of the history throughout.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was fascinating. I really appreciated the guide's expertise and the valuable information he shared throughout the experience.

Helpful? Yes

The Hagia Sophia visit was quite long on the half-day, five hour tour. At the meeting point, we were told it would take about an hour, and that seemed like a lot. The tour was supposed to cover the Grand Bazaar and more in those five hours. However, we left around noon and only saw the Hagia Sophia. We didn't visit the Hippodrome or the Grand Bazaar because it was already dark and we still had dinner plans. The tour's timing and end date weren't clearly stated.

Helpful? Yes

I did not enjoy the experience. The guide lacked patience, and the vehicle provided for transporting the chairs was broken. I was very disappointed, as I did not pay that amount just to do a lot of walking. Sorry.

Helpful? Yes

The guide spoke quickly and gave too much information, making it difficult to follow. Also, spending so much time in leather and carpet shops felt unnecessary, especially if you weren't interested or it wasn't mentioned in the booking. Other than that, it was an enjoyable trip.

Helpful? Yes

Our tour with Sanem was truly rewarding. She demonstrated great professionalism, offering thorough knowledge and answering all our questions confidently. At the same time, she was warm and approachable, always smiling and making us feel comfortable. It was an excellent experience.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was very professional and knowledgeable, providing clear and detailed explanations. He was also kind and friendly throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

A wonderful tour experience. Our guide Emre was incredibly warm, knowledgeable, and charming. I would definitely suggest this tour to anyone interested.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was friendly, well-informed, and professional. The tour was truly enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

Despite the snow, rain, and wind, our guide led us through every location with both expertise and the warm hospitality that’s so typical of Turkey, making us truly appreciate each place we explored. Even our teenage kids were captivated and said he was the best guide we've ever had! His food suggestions at the Grand Bazaar added the perfect touch to our authentic Turkish experience. The private transfer at the end made the day even more comfortable. Absolutely recommended.

Helpful? Yes

Everything about the tour itself was excellent, and the guide was both kind and knowledgeable. However, I ended up waiting nearly an hour for pickup because others in the group, who were collected before my hotel, arrived late. While communication from the tour company was clear, it feels a bit unfair to lose valuable time at such incredible mosques due to delays caused by others. That said, the guide did his best to make up for the lost time and get us inside as quickly as possible.

Helpful? Yes

Ismail was truly outstanding. He was not only knowledgeable about the topics at hand but also shared insights that went beyond the expected scope. We really appreciated his thoughtful explanations on both historical and philosophical subjects, and we thoroughly enjoyed his company throughout the tour. I would confidently recommend him as a guide to anyone.

Helpful? Yes

We had a great experience on the tour. Our guide was well informed and considerate throughout. I would definitely recommend it to others.

Helpful? Yes

The tour gave a solid overview of the main highlights of both Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia. We also visited a bazaar that featured some excellent goods. Everything was well-coordinated, and the guide handled the group with professionalism. A great choice for anyone new to Turkey. Appreciate the wonderful experience.

Helpful? Yes

This tour was an excellent experience I truly enjoyed every moment. I was pleasantly surprised to find there were only five participants, which created a nice balance between guided structure and personal time to look around the mosques. Lunch was very tasty, and we had ample opportunity to wander through the Grand Bazaar in the afternoon. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

Emrah, our guide, was friendly and well informed. The small group size made the experience more personal. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was highly knowledgeable and showed great respect for individuals, various religions, and historical contexts.

Helpful? Yes

This was an excellent half-day tour. Our guide showed up at our hotel right on schedule, and we walked to the nearby attractions, which were only about five minutes away. It quickly became clear that our guide was not only welcoming but also very well-informed about both sites we explored. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

It was a really positive experience overall. Our guide, Mehmed, was very knowledgeable.

Helpful? Yes

The group size of 8 to 9 people was ideal, and this was Mehmed’s first tour since the shutdown. He was a well-informed guide who clearly cared about the experience. My day went exactly as I expected. Next time, I’ll make sure my wife joins one of his guided tours, and I wish Mehmed every success in his future work.

Helpful? Yes

The service was outstanding, and our tour guide, Mr. Gokhan, led a small group of just five people. He provided clear explanations and allowed us plenty of time to take photos. Although the Grand Bazaar wasn’t listed in the itinerary, we ended up visiting it, which was a pleasant surprise, and we enjoyed learning about it. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone.

Helpful? Yes

The experience was wonderful, and our guide Mehmett was excellent as well. Many thanks.

Helpful? Yes

Mehmed was an excellent guide. He arrived ahead of time and shared plenty of information about the customs and rituals. I am very pleased with the experience.

Helpful? Yes

I strongly recommend this tour. The guide was fantastic, extremely knowledgeable, and shared some insider tips that only locals would know. Be sure to ask for Mehmet (Matt); you won’t regret it.

Helpful? Yes

An unforgettable day, rich with history and deeply moving on cultural, religious, and social levels.

Helpful? Yes

A truly fulfilling half day experience with a knowledgeable and warm guide. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide had a strong knowledge of history and spoke with confidence about the topics.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was very pleasant and shared a wealth of information.

Helpful? Yes

Our tour guide was Mr. K. He was very knowledgeable about the history and everything related to it. Mr. K. conducted the tour perfectly. We had a great time.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was both knowledgeable and friendly. We managed to visit a lot of sights during the tour. For the ladies, remember to bring a scarf to cover your head, although there are many places where you can purchase one along the way. The only issue we encountered was at the end due to heavy traffic, which was really bad. I suggest walking back to your hotel if it’s nearby, as the traffic made a short distance take us two hours.

Helpful? Yes

Ali was an outstanding tour guide. The excursion was really engaging, and we gained a great deal of knowledge.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was truly captivating. I really appreciated the guide’s expertise, depth of knowledge, and the unique perspectives they offered.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide, Ali, provided an excellent tour. He shared a wealth of information about Istanbul’s history, making it a very enjoyable and fascinating experience.

Helpful? Yes

An enjoyable experience with a guide who was very well informed.

Helpful? Yes

Baris was a fantastic guide who tailored his explanations to what interested us most. I really enjoyed the tour and would gladly do it again.

Helpful? Yes

I especially recommend that women dress modestly by covering their legs below the knees as well as their shoulders and knees.

Helpful? Yes

Ali was an excellent guide very well informed and extremely friendly. We had a fantastic time on this tour and would definitely recommend it to others.

Helpful? Yes

Visiting Hagia Sophia was truly an amazing experience, largely thanks to our outstanding guide, Ali. He was undoubtedly the key to making the trip so memorable. Ali communicated clearly in English and confidently shared the history throughout. Even while waiting in the long line, he kept us engaged with stories about Turkey’s past and governance. I highly recommend Ali as a guide.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide made the Hagia Sophia visit unforgettable with deep knowledge and great storytelling skills.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was engaging from start to finish, filled with fascinating historical insights that kept us captivated.

Helpful? Yes

Clear explanations and interesting facts helped me appreciate the significance of Hagia Sophia much more.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was very friendly and professional, ensuring everyone understood the rich history of the site.

Helpful? Yes

A highly informative tour where every question was answered with patience and expertise.

Helpful? Yes

The experience felt very personal thanks to the guide’s passion and command over the subject matter.

Helpful? Yes

Walking through Hagia Sophia with such a knowledgeable guide was one of the best parts of the trip.

Helpful? Yes

The guide’s enthusiasm made the historical details come alive in a very engaging way.

Helpful? Yes

This tour gave me a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious importance of the monument.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide's exceptional communication skills helped transform the complex history into an enjoyable story.

Helpful? Yes

The guide had a great way of connecting historical facts with the present, which made the tour very relevant.

Helpful? Yes

I appreciated how the guide took time to explain traditions and historical events in an accessible way.

Helpful? Yes

From start to finish, the tour was educational and enjoyable, with plenty of valuable information.

Helpful? Yes

The guide’s knowledge was impressive and their ability to keep the group interested was even more so.

Helpful? Yes

I loved how the guide brought history to life, making every detail memorable and easy to understand.

Helpful? Yes

A smooth and well organized tour where the guide’s expertise was clear throughout.

Helpful? Yes

The guide’s storytelling style made the history of Hagia Sophia easy to follow and fascinating.

Helpful? Yes

Thanks to the detailed explanations, the visit felt much more meaningful than I expected.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was well paced and informative, with the guide providing useful insights at every stop.

Helpful? Yes

We had a great time on the tour. Ensar shared all the essential details and was very friendly and engaging throughout. I would absolutely choose him as my guide again in the future.

Helpful? Yes

We had a wonderful day exploring the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Our guide met us just outside the Galataport Cruise Ship Terminal, and then we were transferred to our transportation. Throughout the tour, our kind and friendly guide shared many insights about the sights and what to expect next. Although we had to wait in line to enter the Hagia Sophia, our guide kept us engaged with his clear, informative English and interesting facts. After visiting the Blue Mosque, we headed through Hippodrome Square to the Grand Bazaar. He even took us to his favorite kebab place before concluding our tour in the Bazaar. We wholeheartedly recommend this guide. The small group of nine ensured that everyone heard clearly and felt included. He was very attentive and encouraged all participants to answer any questions. This tour offers excellent value, especially compared to more expensive excursions organized by cruise lines.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was outstanding. He possessed extensive knowledge and offered excellent tips about the local area. We gained a lot of insight throughout the tour and also had ample time to explore independently. We strongly recommend this experience.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was outstanding, largely thanks to our guide, Mr. Fuat, whose professionalism really stood out. We gained a wealth of valuable historical knowledge throughout the trip. He was very considerate of everyone’s individual needs and attentive to all participants. The schedule and timing were perfectly organized. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Helpful? Yes

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared a lot of valuable information. We truly appreciated and enjoyed the entire tour.

Helpful? Yes

An amazing experience made even better by a well-informed guide.

Helpful? Yes

A top notch tour experience that I would highly recommend to friends and family.

Helpful? Yes

Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive exactly what I look for in a tour guide.

Helpful? Yes

We were impressed by how much information was packed into a few hours without feeling overwhelmed.

Helpful? Yes

The guide’s storytelling was captivating, making the history interesting and accessible.

Helpful? Yes

This tour gave me a deeper understanding of the city’s history and traditions.

Helpful? Yes

I appreciated the small group setting, which allowed for personal attention and great discussion.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was very informative and enjoyable, though a bit rushed at times.

Helpful? Yes

Great experience overall, but I wished we had a little more time at some stops.

Helpful? Yes

A perfect way to explore the city’s highlights. Our guide was engaging and very attentive.

Helpful? Yes

The small group size made it feel personal and relaxed. Highly recommend to anyone visiting.

Helpful? Yes

Excellent value for money. We learned so much and saw everything we hoped for.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the history come alive. Great tour overall.

Helpful? Yes

Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Smooth logistics and great storytelling.

Helpful? Yes

This tour exceeded my expectations in every way. I would gladly do it again.

Helpful? Yes

Really liked the tour, just the traffic made us a bit late at the end.

Helpful? Yes

The tour covered a lot of ground, but some explanations could have been clearer.

Helpful? Yes

Enjoyed the sights and history, though the walking pace was a little fast for me.

Helpful? Yes

Well organized and fun, but I felt some attractions were a bit rushed.

Helpful? Yes

The tour was incredibly well planned and the guide shared fascinating details I had not heard before.

Helpful? Yes

I really appreciated how the guide made history so engaging and easy to understand. A fantastic experience.

Helpful? Yes

Everything ran smoothly and the guide was very attentive to our group’s interests. Highly recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

A top notch tour that offered both beautiful sights and rich cultural background. Loved it.

Helpful? Yes

This tour gave me a new appreciation for the city. The guide was passionate and informative.

Helpful? Yes

A flawless experience with clear communication and lots of interesting facts along the way.

Helpful? Yes

The guide was not only knowledgeable but also very personable, which made the tour even better.

Helpful? Yes

Perfect introduction to the city’s highlights, with plenty of time for questions and photos.

Helpful? Yes

I enjoyed every part of this tour from the historical insights to the friendly atmosphere.

Helpful? Yes

Well worth the price. The guide went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time.

Helpful? Yes

Learned so much in just a few hours, thanks to a very well informed and engaging guide.

Helpful? Yes

The balance of walking and resting stops was perfect, making it easy to enjoy every location.

Helpful? Yes

A wonderful mix of storytelling, history, and sightseeing. Would recommend this tour to friends.

Helpful? Yes

This was the best tour I’ve taken in a long time—organized, interesting, and fun.

Helpful? Yes

Excellent communication before and during the tour. The guide’s enthusiasm was inspiring.

Helpful? Yes

The tour gave me great insights into the local culture and history in a very enjoyable way.

Helpful? Yes