Istanbul Tour: Bosphorus Cruise, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
Tour Details
Get ready for a full-day adventure in Istanbul! We'll pick you up at your preferred meeting point and kick off the tour at the vibrant Spice Bazaar, located at the Galata Bridge, a sensory delight where you can shop for unique and traditional products.
Leaving Eminönü behind, we'll head to the pier where we'll embark on a breathtaking Bosphorus cruise. Once on the boat, we'll cruise along the strait and enjoy the views on both coasts: on the east, Asia, and on the west, Europe. You'll marvel at the wooden houses, palaces, fortresses, and stunning bridges that adorn the shores that separate the Black Sea from the Sea of Marmara.
After the 1.5-hour cruise, we'll treat ourselves to a delicious meal at a traditional restaurant, savoring a full menu of authentic Turkish dishes, which will vary depending on the availability and season. Our menu features, as a starter, a cold appetizer, börek (empanada), soup, or pasta. As a second dish, you can choose between kebab, meat, chicken, or vegetables.
Then, we'll continue our journey to the historic Hippodrome Square, one of the most famous monuments of the Byzantine Constantinople, which later served as a resting place for the Ottomans.
Our next stop is the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its Ottoman architecture and exquisite tile decorations. For approximately 1 hour, we'll see its grand dome, six minarets, and the impressive decoration with Iznik tiles.
Crossing Sultanahmet Square, we'll enter the iconic Hagia Sophia, a monumental structure that served as a church and mosque and now stands as a museum. Prepare to be amazed as you explore its awe-inspiring interior, filled with centuries of history and architectural grandeur.
After a memorable 7-hour tour, we'll conclude our adventure in either the bustling center of Sultanahmet or the vibrant Taksim Quarter, leaving you with lasting memories of Istanbul's rich heritage.
Tour Without Lunch
You can book the tour option without lunch if you prefer to bring something to eat or find a restaurant on your own.
Meeting Points
This tour includes pickup at the indicated times from the following points in Istanbul:
- Marmaray Sirkeci Station, specifically at the entrance to Sirkeci Gar
- Ataturk Cultural Center
Itinerary Changes
Due to organizational reasons, the order of the visits in the itinerary may vary. For example, on Friday mornings, the Blue Mosque will be closed, so the tour on that day will be modified and will enter it later.
It's currently not possible to climb the dome of Hagia Sophia. The visit also only includes the section of galleries on the second floor. However, on your ticket to Santa Sofía, you'll find a QR code, which, if you scan it, will give you access to an English audio guide, which will tell you all about the history of the temple. To listen to these recordings, you must bring your own earphones.
More Information
Duration
7 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
Transport in an air–conditioned vehicle
English–speaking guide
Bosphorus cruise
Admission to all the monuments visited
Lunch (depending on selected option)
Not included
Drinks
When to book?
You can book up until 36 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - If I'm not staying in a hotel, where can I meet for the tour?
A - If you're staying in a private lodging, please meet us at one of the following points for the tour: -Marmaray Sirkeci İstasyonu, specifically at the entrance to Sirkeci Gar, at 9 am. -Ataturk Cultural Center (Atatürk Kültür Merkezi) at 8:30 am.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Depending on the date, time, or language selected, this tour may be offered by different local suppliers: Euro Marmara Turizm Corporate name: Euromarmara Turzim AS Registered Office: Miralay Şefikbey Sok., Dedem Han no : 9/5 Gumussuyu / Beyoglu , Istanbul, Turkey Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 3830421700 Contact information Email: reservas@euromarmara.com Phone: 0090 212 2443300 Rising Events Global Tur. Ve Sey. Tic Ltd. Corporate name: Rising Events Global Turizm ve Seyahat Tic. Ltd. Sti. Registered Office: Baglarbasi Mh. Bagdat Cd. No: 415/6, Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 3961610678 Contact information Email: ogulcan@risingglobal.net Phone: 611643346
If you have any other questions please contact us.