Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar worth booking?
Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar is a 6-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $148 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 44 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (44)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $148 per person
Experience walking tour, the best of your destination with a professional licensed tour guide. With extensive knowledge and insider tips, our guides will take you on a journey like no other. We meet at meeting point or central located hotel to old town of istanbul to start our walking tour. We like to make our guest enjoy city with culture, history and local foods. Book your walking private guide request today and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. This guiding service ideal for family, sole traveler and friends trip who want to learn Istanbul with its insides and culture of royal city without loosing time on ques. Long queues can slow Istanbul sightseeing. This private walking tour with a licensed guide visits the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul's Old City, with a flexible program and help purchasing museum tickets. Add an optional Ottoman-style lunch at Deraliye, or focus on Istanbul's history and culture.
What you get
About this experience
Experience walking tour, the best of your destination with a professional licensed tour guide. With extensive knowledge and insider tips, our guides will take you on a journey like no other. We meet at meeting point or central located hotel to old town of istanbul to start our walking tour. We like to make our guest enjoy city with culture, history and local foods. Book your walking private guide request today and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. This guiding service ideal for family, sole traveler and friends trip who want to learn Istanbul with its insides and culture of royal city without loosing time on ques. Long queues can slow Istanbul sightseeing. This private walking tour with a licensed guide visits the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul's Old City, with a flexible program and help purchasing museum tickets. Add an optional Ottoman-style lunch at Deraliye, or focus on Istanbul's history and culture.
What's included
Included
- Walking tour
- Our guides will help you to purchase museum tickets as quickly as possible.
- Tea and coffee
- Private Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Flexible tour programme
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- museum entrance tickets Ayasofya 25 Euro Basalica cistern 41 Euro
- Transportation fee if it is needed
What you'll see and do
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome is often associated with the glory days of Constantinople as an imperial capital. However, it was actually built before that era when the city was known as Byzantium, a provincial town of moderate significance. In AD 203, Emperor Septimius Severus rebuilt the city and expanded its walls, constructing a hippodrome for chariot races and other entertainment. In AD 324, Emperor Constantine the Great decided to reestablish Byzantium as Nova Roma (New Rome) after his victory at the nearby Battle of Chrysopolis. However, this name failed to impress and the city was soon renamed Constantinople, the City of Constantine. Constantine expanded the city significantly, and one of his major projects was the renovation of the Hippodrome. Estimates suggest that Constantine's Hippodrome was approximately 450 m (1,476 ft) long and 130 m (427 ft) wide.
35 minutes here
Blue Mosque
Our professional licensed tour guide is the best way to experience the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii). Meet our friendly self-guided and licensed tour guide at gate C and discover the hidden gems of this magnificent site.
55 minutes here
The Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious Istanbul's history. This grand underground cistern, built by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I (527-565), is nicknamed “Yerebatan Sarayı” (Sunken Palace) among the public due to its numerous marble columns rising from the water. It is also known as “Bazilika Sarnıcı” (Basilica Cistern) by some, as it was built on the site of the former Stoa Basilica, which was a basilica. With its 80,000-ton water storage capacity, Yerebatan Cistern is the largest covered cistern in the city and stands out with more reclaimed supporting elements compared to other covered cisterns. Covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, this colossal structure has a rectangular shape with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters. Ticket fee 40 usd is not included.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Engaging the services of a licensed professional tour guide is the most optimal way to gain access to the Hagia Sophia museum complex while avoiding lengthy queues and uncovering the hidden treasures of this exceptional Byzantine structure. Ticket fee 31 USD is not included.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Grand Bazaar
Since the middle of the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is the most famous in Istanbul and a shopping paradise par excellence. Part of the Historical Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, the bazaar is like a hidden city full of wonders and treasures. Visitors can enjoy an incomparable shopping experience and a unique atmosphere that reflects Istanbul’s spirit. No wonder that the Grand Bazaar is one of the must-see attractions of Istanbul and attracts over half a million visitors every day. Around the bazaar great opportunities for buying the best local carpets jewelery iznik tiles and leather jacket furs. Sunday bazaar close. it will replace with around bazaar craft centers.
90 minutes here
In the heart of Old Istanbul, next to Hagia Sophia and a few steps from Blue Mosque, we will have a lunch break at Deraliye Restaurant which offers a selection of dishes that used to be served at the court of the Ottoman Empire. we will experience the exclusive delight of a menu fit for a Sultan. Optional lunch extra
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
The main Entrance of the Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Meeting point
Istanbul
The main entrance of the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Meeting point
Istanbul
Galataport Passenger terminal exit is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Meeting point
Istanbul
Sultan 3 Ahmet Fountain is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Meeting point
Istanbul
Taksim Square Statue is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Meeting point
Istanbul
The Egyptian obelisk is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The main Entrance of the Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Ends at
The main entrance of the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Ends at
Galataport Passenger terminal exit is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Ends at
Sultan 3 Ahmet Fountain is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Ends at
Taksim Square Statue is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Ends at
The Egyptian obelisk is the meeting point with the guide. The guide will hold a sign with the guest's name.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, ja, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DESTINOLOGY TOUR
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
44 verified traveler reviews for Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very good guidance
Very good guidance. He took lots of pictures for us. We will back to Istanbul Turkey again soon. Thanks again.
Response from the operator: thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We hope to see you and your beloved ones again. Best wishes and regards from istanbul Türkiye
via Viator
Highly recommended
We had an amazing experience. The day was perfect and he had so much knowledge Thank you
Response from the operator: Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We hope to see you and your beloved ones again. Best wishes and regards from istanbul Türkiye
via Tripadvisor
BEST Tour Guide
Sait was absolutely fabulous! He was extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and flexible, tailoring the tour to exactly what we wanted. His expertise and enthusiasm made the experience truly memorable. Sait is simply the best, and we highly recommend him to anyone looking for an outstanding tour guide.
Response from the operator: Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We hope to see you and your beloved ones again. Best wishes and regards from istanbul Türkiye
via Viator
Wonderful job by our guide!!!!
Our guide, Serkan Kececi for Istanbul was excellent, cordial, keen on history, kind in every respect . If you have an opportunity to use his guide services you will have a fine time, fondest memories, and great appreciation for the culture, the history, the foods, and an insight to the arts and crafts of Turkey. Delighted that we had this opportunity! If visiting in warmer weather, a scarf will keep one cooler than a hooded jacket.
Response from the operator: Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We hope to see you and your beloved ones again. Best wishes and regards from istanbul Türkiye
via Viator
Incredible, fantastic, mind-blowing
Istanbul with Serkan Afks is fantastic and truly unbelievable. If you are lucky enough to travel with him, you will have one of the best days of your life!!!
Response from the operator: Thanks for sharing your feelings with us. We hope to see you and your beloved ones again. Best wishes and regards from istanbul Türkiye
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar cost?
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Prices start at $148 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 44 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar?
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Included: Walking tour; Our guides will help you to purchase museum tickets as quickly as possible; Tea and coffee; Private Professional Licensed Tour Guide; and Flexible tour programme. Not included: Lunch; Gratuities; museum entrance tickets Ayasofya 25 Euro Basalica cistern 41 Euro; and Transportation fee if it is needed. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 838 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese, Japanese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar?
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Across 44 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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