Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Guided Tour

Step into the spiritual and historical heart of Istanbul on this guided tour that brings together three of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Discover how faith, art, and empire intertwined to shape one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Begin at Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking masterpiece of Byzantine architecture turned imperial mosque. Gaze at its immense dome, admire the shimmering mosaics, and learn how Christian and Islamic artistry coexist within its walls — a living testament to Istanbul’s layered history. This inclusive tour welcomes all visitors, ensuring everyone can appreciate the cultural and spiritual significance of each site while exploring the city’s rich heritage.

Continue to the Blue Mosque, a symbol of Ottoman elegance and devotion. With its graceful domes, slender minarets, and interior lined with thousands of blue Iznik tiles, this mosque remains one of the most exquisite examples of Islamic architecture. Your guide will explain its spiritual meaning and the vision of Sultan Ahmet I, who commissioned it to rival Hagia Sophia. Descend next into the Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel supported by hundreds of marble columns, where the famous Medusa heads still guard the waters below. Stroll through Sultanahmet Square, once the site of the Byzantine Hippodrome, and hear vivid tales of emperors, sultans, and civilizations that shaped Istanbul. This tour offers a captivating journey through faith, empire, and artistry, revealing why Istanbul remains a crossroads of cultures and one of the most enchanting cities in the world.