Discover the beauty and history of Istanbul’s famous mosques on this full-day small-group guided tour. Explore the unique qualities of Byzantine architecture and visit iconic landmarks like the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Fatih Mosque.
Discover the beauty and history of Istanbul’s famous mosques on this full-day small-group guided tour. Explore the unique qualities of Byzantine architecture and visit iconic landmarks like the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Fatih Mosque.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - The journey begins at the Hagia Sophia Mosque, renowned as one of Istanbul’s premier and most frequented attractions. Originally a church and later a museum, it is celebrated as one of the world’s architectural marvels and is often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Initially constructed as a church in 325, it was…
- Hagia Sophia Mosque - The journey begins at the Hagia Sophia Mosque, renowned as one of Istanbul’s premier and most frequented attractions. Originally a church and later a museum, it is celebrated as one of the world’s architectural marvels and is often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Initially constructed as a church in 325, it was rebuilt in 537 and transformed into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmet following Istanbul’s conquest in 1453. It served as a museum from 1935 until a decree on July 10, 2020, officially reinstated it as a mosque.
- Blue Mosque - This stunning structure is arguably the most photographed site in Istanbul and stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, built in the early 17th century, was a bold reaffirmation of Ottoman power.
The mosque is renowned for its breathtaking blue interior, adorned with over 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles in more than 50 unique designs, becoming more elaborate from the lower levels to the galleries. Collaborating with architect Sedefhar Mehmet Aga, the sultan commissioned six minarets for the mosque, a decision that sparked controversy as the only other mosque with this number of minarets was in Mecca.
Both inside and out, the mosque’s multiple domes create a spectacular effect: cascading from the exterior, while inside, they draw the eyes upward toward the mosque’s center, reaching toward the heavens.
- Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople served as a public arena primarily for chariot races and also hosted gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, and punishments for convicts. It was active during the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.
- Suleymaniye Mosque - Known as the Mosque of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, the Suleymaniye Mosque is the most famous imperial mosque in Istanbul.
Constructed between 1550 and 1557 over seven years by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, it is considered his masterpiece. The mosque’s immense size is one of its most remarkable features, filled with intricate details showcasing Mimar Sinan’s genius, including the beautifully adorned interior and the 53-meter-high central dome.
Today, the Suleymaniye Mosque is a popular religious site located in Istanbul’s historic old peninsula. The tombs of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and his beloved wife Hurrem Sultan are situated next to the mosque.
- Fatih Mosque and Complex - The Imperial Fatih Mosque, built between 1462 and 1470, is named after the Ottoman conqueror of Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and houses his mausoleum. Perched on one of Istanbul’s hills, its vast size and extensive complex of religious buildings, including medreses, hospices, baths, a hospital, a caravanserai, and a library, make it a must-visit destination.

- Lunch
- English Speaking Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- English Speaking Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- Personal Expenses
- Breakfast
- Personal Expenses
This tour presents an excellent opportunity for travelers eager to discover the renowned monuments of the Turkish and Islamic world, along with exemplary instances of Byzantine architecture’s distinct features.
A highlight of the tour includes visiting the most striking mosques that contribute to Istanbul’s iconic skyline, notably the Süleymaniye Mosque….
This tour presents an excellent opportunity for travelers eager to discover the renowned monuments of the Turkish and Islamic world, along with exemplary instances of Byzantine architecture’s distinct features.
A highlight of the tour includes visiting the most striking mosques that contribute to Istanbul’s iconic skyline, notably the Süleymaniye Mosque. Additionally, the Fatih Mosque, meaning ‘Mosque of the Conqueror,’ holds the distinction of being the first mosque purpose-built in Istanbul. It is named after the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, known in Turkish as Fatih Sultan Mehmed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.