Hagia Sophia Bosphorus cruise Blue Mosque, Balat Pierre Loti Hill
Explore More in This Location
About This Experience in Istanbul
Why Visit Istanbul?
Istanbul is a fascinating city straddling Europe and Asia, rich in history and culture. Visit the Hagia Sophia, explore the Grand Bazaar, and cruise the Bosphorus. Istanbul offers stunning architecture, incredible cuisine, and a unique cultural blend.
Getting to Istanbul
The easiest way to reach Istanbul is by flying into Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- English-speaking tour guide
- Bosphorus Cruise Ticket
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (If option selected)
- Visit center of Balat & Fener
- The Blue Mosque Guided Visit
- Abu Ayyub al-Ansari Mosque & Tomb Guided Visit
- Hagia Sophia Guided Visit
- Pierre Loti Hill Cable car ticket
- Hippodrome Guided visit
What's Not Included
- Hagia Sophia skip the line entrance ticket
- Tips
- Lunch
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites. Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt. Please bring a scarf to cover head.
- Even though you'll skip the ticket lines, the security checks at the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque are mandatory and cannot be bypassed.
- Hagia Sophia skip-the-line entrance ticket costs €25 and must be paid in cash.
- Morning part of this tour is walking tour
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.
- This is a shared transfer with Minibus or Midibus and pick up could be early or late. For each hotel there is a fixed pick-up time. before the tour starts time
Photo Gallery
Customer Reviews
Individual reviews are not available through the API. View all 108 reviews on Viator
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
The magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minaretsFront of Buhara 93 Restaurant
End Point
Front of Buhara 93 Restaurant
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available or meet at start point
Pickup Time: 60 minutes before departure
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
The magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000... 30 minutes
The magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles and six elegant minarets. Learn how this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and stands as the last great mosque of the Classical Ottoman period.
The heart of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome,... 30 minutes
The heart of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome, once the city’s vibrant social and sporting center. Admire historical monuments including the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Column of Constantine
Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor... 45 minutes
Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century marvel built by Emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox church. Discover the building’s rich history as it transitioned from church to mosque and later into a museum—standing as the world’s largest church for nearly a millennium
Before reaching the Grand Bazaar, enjoy a brief... 30 minutes
Before reaching the Grand Bazaar, enjoy a brief stop at a local shop—an ideal opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Then, gather in front of the Grand Bazaar’s main gate to hear fascinating insights about its rich history. Afterward, explore the Grand Bazaar at your own pace. Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the world’s oldest and largest covered market, with 65 bustling streets and over 4,000 shops offering everything from carpets and jewelry to spices, ceramics and more.
Free Time for Lunch 40 minutes
In the afternoon, board a comfortable coach for... 20 minutes
In the afternoon, board a comfortable coach for a scenic drive along the Golden Horn (We ll pass by without stopping) With your guide narrating the history, spot traditional wooden houses, historic churches, synagogues, mosques and remnants of the ancient Roman Wall.
We ascent to the Pierre Loti Hill by bus 40 minutes
We ascent to the Pierre Loti Hill by bus. You can take a photo in this beautiful place with a perfect view of the Golden Horn. This hill got its name from the famous French novelist who lived in Istanbul for a while and wrote his novel "Aziyade"
We descent from Pierre Loti Hill by cable car 3 minutes
We descent from Pierre Loti Hill by cable car.
Visit the revered Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the... 30 minutes
Visit the revered Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Learn how this sacred site became the ceremonial location for the coronation of Ottoman sultans, where they were girded with the Sword of Osman at the start of their reigns.
Continue your tour through the center of Balat,... 20 minutes
Continue your tour through the center of Balat, the Istanbul’s most colorful neighborhood. Once home to diverse communities including Ottoman Orthodox Greeks, Jews and Armenians, these districts reflect a rich cultural mosaic. Discover their most iconic landmarks, where centuries of history, religion and architecture come together in a unique atmosphere.
Break for rest some minutes & Taste Turkish delight, apple tea etc 30 minutes
Bosphorus Cruise Enjoy the historical sightseeing from the... 1 hour 30 minutes
Bosphorus Cruise Enjoy the historical sightseeing from the sea by seeing the Golden horn, Topkapı palace, Dolma Bahçe palace, The Hagia Sophia Mosque, Maiden’s tower, Galata tower, Blue mosque, Ortakoy mosque, and the two continents Europe and Asia with the two Bridges connecting them
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.