Private Tour - Grand Bazaar, St. Sophia, Hippodrome Square and Mosque
Tour Times: 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 13:00 PM, 13:30 PM
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On average, this booked 2 months in advance.
Why people love this tour
This tour delivers the very best of Istanbul in one immersive, expertly guided experience — combining iconic landmarks, rich storytelling, vibrant culture, and the comfort of a private setting.
Overview
You will be met by your guide at the port of Istanbul.
You will start the tour at the Hippodrome Square also known as 'The Horse Square' in the Ottoman period, this is where the chariot races took place during the Roman Byzantine period. Just a short walk away is the Hagia Sophia built in 532 by Roman Emperor Justinian I an architectural beauty.
A short walk away is the Hagia Sophia which was the Greek Orthodox Christian Patriarchal cathedral, then later the Ottoman imperial mosque, now a museum famous for its massive dome, close by is the Blue Mosque. Sometimes known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, it commands the Istanbul Skyline and is famous for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed, it is a most impressive structure that cannot be missed!
The tour will then continue to the Blue Mosque, probably Istanbul's famous landmark and one of the most visited mosques in the city. This magnificent site is the largest in Istanbul and consists of two square buildings which are side by side. The first square is an open courtyard surrounded by a colonnade and the second is the mosque itself, which is capped in domes. Your guide will be with you throughout the inside visit and will be on hand for any questions you may have.
Next, we will head towards the Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with more than 58 covered streets and over 1200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
Opened in 1461 and is very well known for the goods such as jewelry, pottery, a range of different spices, and of course the many carpet shops.
You will be able to have some free time to wander around the market and shop for souvenirs before heading back to the port.
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays - Free time will be given for shopping on Nuru Osmaniye Street or in Arasta Bazaar
Order of the itinerary may change on the day.
What's Included
- Meeting point at the cruise port
- Roundtrip transportation
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fee to St Sophia
- The Grand Bazaar
- Hippodrome Square
- Food and Beverages
- Tips/Gratuities
Itinerary
Meet and Greet at the Cruise Port
Tour Start
15 Minutes Drive
To Hippodrome Square
Guided Walking Tour
Hippodrome Square and Walk to Hagia Sophia
20 Minute Visit
To Hagia Sophia
Guided Walking Tour
To Blue Mosque
15 Minute Visit
To Blue Mosque
10 Minute Drive
To Grand Bazaar
90 Minute Free Time
To shop and explore the Grand Bazaar
Return back to the Cruise Port
Tour End
Considerations
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The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays - Free time will be given for shopping on Nuru Osmaniye Street or in Arasta Bazaar
Special Instructions
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Shoes are not permitted inside the Mosque. A plastic bag will be given to you where you can put your shoes in and carry with you. For your information, the Mosque is carpeted.
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Men and women cannot enter the Mosque with shorts or sleeveless shirts. Men can wear long trousers and a sleeved shirt. Women may wear slacks or a dress or blouse and skirt (at least below the knees), preferably with elbow-length or longer sleeves (no bare shoulders or upper arms). Women should cover their head with a scarf. No need to cover the face, the covering is meant to hide your hair only. If your dress is not matching these requirements do not worry as you are still able to visit the Mosque. At the entrance of the Mosque, the attendants provide robes and/or scarfs to wear during your visit
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Wear comfortable walking shoes
Book Now
Please select a date and time and number of participants to continue.
Price Info
Private Tour - Grand Bazaar, St. Sophia, Hippodrome Square and Mosque
1 Passengers (USD $ 216.00 Per Person)
USD $ 216.00
2 Passengers (USD $ 129.50 Per Person)
USD $ 259.00
3 Passengers (USD $ 98.00 Per Person)
USD $ 294.00
4 Passengers (USD $ 88.25 Per Person)
USD $ 353.00
5 Passengers (USD $ 79.20 Per Person)
USD $ 396.00
6 Passengers (USD $ 72.83 Per Person)
USD $ 437.00
7 Passengers (USD $ 70.00 Per Person)
USD $ 490.00
8 Passengers (USD $ 66.50 Per Person)
USD $ 532.00
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