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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Tours
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Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
2031 Tours & Activities
3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
Overview
Behold the magnificent Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque on this 3.5-hour small-group guided walking tour of Istanbul’s best monuments. You will delve into the complex culture of Istanbul as you discover its famous monuments intertwined history. Not only will you see the beauty of Hagia Sophia Museum and Blue Mosque, but explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the German Fountain. People are limited to 15 on this tour, so you can receive more personalized attention from your guide.
- Admire beautiful Byzantine architecture inside Hagia Sophia Museum
- Learn about Turkey’s close ties with Germany as you visit the German Fountain
- Stroll through the Blue Mosque and hear tales of the extravagant Sultan who commissioned it to be built
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 15 people ensures a more personalized experience
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After you meet your guide beside Hagia Sophia Museum begin your 3.5-hour small-group walking tour by entering this architectural masterpiece. Follow your guide through this former Byzantine Christian Basilica and learn how it was converted to a mosque in the 15th century and then a museum about 500 years later. Admire the intricate details of Christian mosaics, relics and gaze up at the impressive columns and dome structure that will beg you take photos.
Next, leave Hagia Sophia and stroll to Sultanahmet Square to marvel at the German Fountain. As you observe water gush from this Neo-Renaissance fountain, hear how Germany’s General Emperor Wilhelm presented this gift to Turkey to symbolize the two countries longstanding solidarity.
Afterward, continue with a short walk to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the epicenter of political and sporting life in Istanbul during Roman and Ottoman empire reign. Listen as your guide tells tales of raucous riots, exciting chariot races, and chaotic rebellions that once dominated this area.
Finally, explore the famous Blue Mosque which was commissioned in the early 1600s by 19-year-old Sultan Ahmet to challenge the brilliance of the Hagia Sophia. As you wander with your guide, stare up at the six towering minarets and enjoy the grandeur of the immense dome that fills Istanbul’s postcard worthy skyline. Inside, walk along and capture stunning views of the blue Iznik tiles that cover the walls and ceiling. Then, snap a few close-ups of the elegant stained-glass windows that fill the mosque with vibrant colors. Step out of the Blue Mosque, and promenade back through this historic area to the beginning where your tour ends.
Note: On Mondays Hagia Sophia is closed and will be replaced with Basilica Cistern.
Next, leave Hagia Sophia and stroll to Sultanahmet Square to marvel at the German Fountain. As you observe water gush from this Neo-Renaissance fountain, hear how Germany’s General Emperor Wilhelm presented this gift to Turkey to symbolize the two countries longstanding solidarity.
Afterward, continue with a short walk to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the epicenter of political and sporting life in Istanbul during Roman and Ottoman empire reign. Listen as your guide tells tales of raucous riots, exciting chariot races, and chaotic rebellions that once dominated this area.
Finally, explore the famous Blue Mosque which was commissioned in the early 1600s by 19-year-old Sultan Ahmet to challenge the brilliance of the Hagia Sophia. As you wander with your guide, stare up at the six towering minarets and enjoy the grandeur of the immense dome that fills Istanbul’s postcard worthy skyline. Inside, walk along and capture stunning views of the blue Iznik tiles that cover the walls and ceiling. Then, snap a few close-ups of the elegant stained-glass windows that fill the mosque with vibrant colors. Step out of the Blue Mosque, and promenade back through this historic area to the beginning where your tour ends.
Note: On Mondays Hagia Sophia is closed and will be replaced with Basilica Cistern.
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Product code: 5744ISTWALKING
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