Skip the Line: Hagia Sophia plus Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

4 Hours

Mobile Ticket

Hotel Pickup Offered

English,French,German
and 1 more

Language Offered

Overview

Explore the bustling Grand Bazaar and save time with skip-the-line access to top attraction Hagia Sophia on this half-day small-group guided tour in Istanbul. Bypass the long queues at Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO-listed monument, and learn about the history of this former church and mosque. Ogle mosaics and gaze up at the its dome structure, an engineering marvel. Then, take the pulse of the Grand Bazaar, a bustling covered market with over 4,000 shops and stalls. Learn the bargaining ropes from your guide, and then peruse through countless tapestries, antiques and souvenir stalls. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people, creating a more personalized experience with your guide.

Half-day tour of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar with an expert guide
Enjoy priority access to and a tour of the spectacular Hagia Sophia
Marvel at the dome and mosaics of this UNESCO-listed wonder
Learn about the 6th-century building and its time as a church and mosque
Explore the captivating Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest indoor markets
Get shopping tips from your guide and browse some of the 4,000 stalls
Enjoy a personalized experience on a small-group tour of 15 people at most

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Close by to Hagia Sophia's entrance, meet your guide and kick off your small-group tour. Start with a leisurely walk around Hagia Sophia and admire this 6th century architectural spectacle. Listen as your guide tells the storied history of Istanbul from its time within the Roman and Byzantine Empires as Constantinople and when it served as the Ottoman capital.After you maneuver past the line, enter Hagia Sophia and learn how it was originally built as the world's greatest Christian Basilica by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. See the beautiful golden mosaics and glimpse up at the huge dome as you hear how how the church was converted in 1453 to a mosque and in 1935 to a musuem after the reign of the Ottomans. Walk past stunning art highlights like the 9th-century mosaic of the Virgin and Child and learn why art historians believe this monument is the eighth wonder of the world. After capturing photos of this amazing building, leave and head to the Grand Bazaar.Arrive at one of the largest covered markets in the world and follow you guide into this lively myriad of corridors and alleys. Discover Istanbul's main souk with over 4,000 shops and stalls and perk your ears up to the sounds of commerce which was established hear in the 15th century.Learn histortical factoids as you make your way to the hans (courtyards) and bedestens (domed halls). Stay close to your guide as you embrace this colorful atmosphere and enjoy some helpful bartering tips too. Perhaps put your guide's advice to work and haggle for gold, antiques, jewelry or even a beautiful rug at one of many stands.End your tour at the Grand Bazaar and either continue shopping for souvenirs or return yo your hotel at your leisure.Please note: Hagia Sophia (Closed on Mondays; will be replaced with Underground Cistern), Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays; additional time will be spent at the other locations).

Skip the Line: Hagia Sophia plus Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

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