Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern skip lines tour
Overview
About
Explore the iconic Hagia Sofia, the stunning Blue Mosque, and the ancient Basilica Cistern on this skip-the-line tour.
What you'll do
What is included?
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
What is not included?
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Meet your host
Itinerary
Istanbul Short Tours/Experiences Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do
Explore the full itinerary for Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern skip lines tour in Istanbul, Turkey. This short tours/experiences experience includes 7 stops over 1 day. Duration: 5 hours. Activity level: Light.
Here is the starting point
Blue 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.
Hippodrome
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).
Basilica 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.
Hagia 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.
Corlulu 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.
Grand 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.
Vezirhan 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.
This concludes the tour.
