Guided Tours

Istanbul Walking Tour with Hagia Sophia Entry and Bosphorus Cruise

Gold framed windows at the dome of Hagia Sophia

Guide interacting with tourist in front of Bosphorus river

Istanbul Airport transfer - German Fountain in Sultanahmet Square

Short on time? This combo tour includes a guided walk through Istanbul's Old City, entrance to Hagia Sophia, and a relaxing Bosphorus cruise.

Highlights

Originating from its time as Constantinople and then Istanbul, serving as the capital for two empires, explore the Old City on a 1-hour guided walking tour.
Gaze upon the Hagia Sophia’s massive dome, once the largest in the world, before you explore it at your own pace with an audio guide.
Pass by the German Fountain in Sultanahmet Square and learn of its history as you see its green exterior and gold mosaic interior glint in the sun.
Gliding down the Bosphorus on a 90-minute cruise, history whispers of empires that rose and fell in Istanbul, once the glorious crossroads of the world.
Did you know that the Sultanahmet Square wasn't always a square? It used to be a chariot racing stadium from the Roman Empire.

Inclusions

1-hour walking tour of Istanbul Old City
English-speaking guide
Entry to Hagia Sophia
Audio guide for Hagia Sophia in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German
90-minute Bosphorus Cruise
Audio guide for cruise in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese

Exclusions

Guided tour inside Hagia Sophia

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Explore Istanbul’s heart

Begin your adventure with your expert guide at Sultanahmet Square, once the heart of the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome, a center for chariot races and social events. Your guide will point out the Egyptian Obelisk and share stories about the chariot races, riots, and even rebellions that took place here. Next to the Hippodrome, the iconic Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Its nickname comes from the more than 20,000 Iznik tiles adorning the interior walls. Be sure to admire the six minarets and the cascading domes.

Travel back in time

Hagia Sophia, now known as Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, boasts a rich history that reflects its past as a Byzantine church, Ottoman mosque, and now a museum. As you enter, look for the bronze-plated Emperor's doors used for ceremonial entrances and the mosaics that depict biblical scenes. You'll also spot calligraphy inscriptions of Quranic verses, added by the Ottomans. The mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca, is a key feature in mosques and is decorated with intricate tilework. Finally, round out your Istanbul adventure with a Bosphorus cruise. The audio guide on board will help you learn more about the history of the city.

Sights you’ll see

Walking tour

Bosphorus cruise

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring your walking shoes, water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and snacks for comfortable exploration.
Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.
Stay ahead of the game; download the audio app beforehand to dodge any network glitches at the location.
Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

What's not allowed

Strict dress code to visit Hagia Sophia: Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders.

Accessibility

Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for mobility issues.

Additional Information

The walking tour focuses on the exteriors of landmarks and the stories behind them. Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern are not included.
You can take the Bosphorus cruise on the same day or the next day. In addition to midday and afternoon departures, enjoy a special evening cruise at 6 PM, available from April to October.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Dsign Cafe.
Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
Landmark: In front of the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum located on the Hippodrome, right next to Egyptian Obelisk.

Get directions to the meeting point

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