Private Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia With Roundtrip Galata Hotel Istanbul - MGallery Collection

After meeting your professionally-trained private guide at the hotel, you will see off your incredible journey in Istanbul!

In the Old City, you will first visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, formerly known as the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom. Originally built as an Orthodox basilica, it later was used as a mosque. Built in 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, it served as the cathedral of Constantinople and was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Upon the conquering of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453, it became a mosque and was used as such until 1931. It was opened as a museum in 1935 until 2020, when it became a mosque once again.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the world renowned Blue Mosque finished in 1616. The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I when he was only 19 years old. The interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles in more than fifty different tulip designs. The tiles at lower levels are traditional in design, while in the galleries they become flamboyant with representations of flowers, fruit and trees.

The Hippodrome, originally the home of sports games in the Byzantine period. It is estimated that the Hippodrome of Constantine was about 1,476 feet long and 427 feet wide, and capable of holding 100,000 spectators. The track was U-shaped, and the emperor's box was located at the eastern end of the track.

After an unforgettable day exploring Istanbul, you will be returned to your hotel with incredible memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Please note: The Blue Mosque is closed from 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after prayer time, and 2 hours during Friday noon prayer. The tour itinerary will be fully flexible to accommodate our guests’ needs. The tour will be organized in a way that ensures our guests experience as little fatigue as possible. Also, the entrance to Hagia Sophia’s lower floor will be provided without stairs or ramps.

Inclusions: Transportation, Guide Services, Entrance Fees.

Exclusions: Any additional personal expenses are the responsibility of the guests.