Quick Details
Shore Excursions: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with port pickup
Meet your local, expert guide at the port right after your ship has docked. Join your half-day small group or private tour. There’s a short tram ride from the dock to the Old Town of Sultanahmet. Take advantage of your walking tour instead of sitting on a bus in traffic!
Start your tour in Sultanahmet Square and enjoy a scenic stroll around and witness the local life in Istanbul’s old town.
Visit the inspiring Hagia Sophia, which on its own, justifies a visit to Istanbul. Avoid the very long line led efficiently by your expert guide. Witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul. Learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.
See elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, countless mosaics, paintings, columns, and its mosaic gallery.
Explore Blue Mosque, Istanbul’s greatest monument with the intimacy of your small group. See mosque architecture and learn the basics of Islam in a very relevant setting. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque and enjoy a comprehensive guided tour. Enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood.
Afterwards, let your guide walk you through the old town to explore the highlights of Istanbul.
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- Port pick-up
- Guided tour of the Hagia Sophia
- Guided tour of the Blue Mosque
- Expert and licensed guides
- Small-group walking tour or private tours
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- Food and drinks
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- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
- This tour is not suitable for strollers.
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- Sites may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
- Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
- Please note that wearing or displaying any specific religious symbols or attire is not permitted.
- You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
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- Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during local holidays.
- Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
- Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
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- We meet all shore excursions at Galata Port. Please provide your ship’s name and schedule so we organize your pick-up.
- Once in Istanbul Galata Port, please leave the terminal and go to Museum Square. Your guide will be at the Clock Tower with a sign that says “Walks In Europe”.
- Here is the Google Maps link