Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Shore Excursion from Istanbul

This private Istanbul shore trip visits sites in the historic area of Istanbul including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque plus the Grand Bazaar. It is the best option for first time visitors who only have a brief amount of time. After meeting your driver and licensed guide, you drive along the old city walls and under the ancient Roman aqueduct on the way to Hagia Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom completed in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I. Its dome was the largest in the world for nearly a thousand years. After conquests and centuries of use, the building was converted into a mosque, secularized as a museum in the 20th century, and reconverted to a mosque in 2020. The Byzantine mosaics uncovered during its museum years remain on view today.

Next you walk to the Hippodrome, once used for chariot races in Roman times and today lined with parks, obelisks, and monuments. Sitting next to the Hippodrome is the Blue Mosque, named for the richly adorned Iznik tiles lining its interior. Your guide will take you through the Blue Mosque and explain its place in this Western leaning Muslim country. The Blue Mosque is not wheelchair accessible.

Finally you are taken to the Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4,000 stalls selling local goods. Or, if you prefer, you can request to visit the Egyptian Spice Market instead. At the end of the tour, you are returned to the pier in Istanbul.

Tips on Visiting Turkey

Mosques:

Shoes must be removed to enter a mosque, and you may be required to carry them with you in a plastic bag. We suggest bringing socks to slip on if you are not wearing them. Women should carry a scarf, as they may be asked to cover their heads. Bare shoulders, shorts, and dresses above the knee are not allowed. A small gratuity may be requested at mosques.

Shopping:

If additional time is available, your guide may ask if you are interested in seeing how Turkish carpets are made or wish to shop. These free demonstrations are informative but are also a selling opportunity. You should never feel obligated to make a purchase.

Turkish Entry Visa:

Cruise passengers on a shore excursion do not need an entry visa. An entry visa is only required if your cruise begins or ends in Istanbul, or if you are staying overnight. Entry visas are obtained online in advance at evisa.gov.tr; the fee varies by nationality, so check the official site directly for the current cost that applies to you. Print your e-visa to show Customs and Immigration on arrival.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Istanbul tours and Istanbul shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer a private Istanbul tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.