Istanbul Classics: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar - Private Half-Day Tour

Once the seat of the powerful Ottoman Empire, today Istanbul is home to more than 14 million people and a diverse range of cultures. Take in architectural masterpieces such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia as your guide leads you to the city’s most spectacular landmarks before finishing the trip at Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar. Boasting over 4,000 shops and tiny cafés under its roof, it is believed to have the most individual stalls of any marketplace in the world.

Begin your tour by driving to the very heart of old Istanbul, Sultanahmet Square. Once the sporting and social center of Constantinople with a huge horseracing circuit, it is now a beautiful square in the heart of the city and still contains relics of the original structure. Tour its key points and learn about the atmospheric events that would regularly take place here.

Proceed to the Blue Mosque,one of the most striking buildings in the city and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. With its domes, secondary domes, and minarets, the mosque is a striking visual spectacle and its blue-tiled interior provides its nickname. Next head to Hagia Sophia, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Having been used as both a cathedral and a mosque, the vast and intricate building is now a fascinating museum.

Finish your unforgettable city tour at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, renowned for its multitude of stores and stalls. Browse the vast array of goods on display and make sure to barter and haggle the price with the stall owners!

Important information – There may be restrictions

Hagia Sofia ticket is included only if the option "Tour with ticket" is selected

Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

As mosques are closed on Fridays, there will only be external visits on that day.