Blue Mosque Guided Tour with Bosphorus Cruise

Step in one of Turkey’s majestic mosques

A trip to Istanbul is incomplete without stepping into the revered Blue Mosque. Built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque is the perfect example of Classic Ottoman architecture. With an expert guide for company, explore tulips and carnations on the 22,000 Iznik tiles, which gives it the blue hue associated with the mosque. Marvel at the six minarets and stained glass windows that help create a technicolor hue in the mosque. Don’t forget to check out the Royal Kiosk which contains a mihrab with 100 Qurans on a gilded lecter and the Great Tablets with Quranic verses and the names of the Caliphs.

A cruise with views of iconic landmarks

After the guided tour, hope on a 90-minute cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Spot Istanbul’s classic landmarks such as the 15th-century, single-domed Topkapi Palace and the crystal blue waters of the Golden Horn, spanning the Ataturk, Halic, and Galata bridges. Make sure you don’t forget to take pictures with your loved ones as you cross these iconic structures to create lasting memories of this experience.

Itinerary

Bosphorus Cruise

• Topkapi Palace

• Golden Horn

• Galata Tower

• Dolmabahce Palace

• Ciragan Palace

• Ortaköy Mosque

• Bosphorus Bridge

• Beylerbeyi Palace

• Üsküdar

• Maiden Tower

• Topkapi Palace

• Hagia Sophia

• Seaside Villas

Know before you go

What to bring

• Bring along your scarf or a wrap to cover your head at the venue.

• Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.

• Stay ahead of the game; download the audio app beforehand to dodge any network glitches at the location.

• Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

What's not allowed

• Keep in mind tripods and food & beverages are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

• Strict dress code: Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees, while women must also cover their hair. If you do not have anything to cover yourself, you can get scarves and wraps for free at the entrance. Wear loose-fitting clothes to adhere to the dress code of the mosque.

• Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue.

Accessibility

• This experience is wheelchair accessible.

• Ramps are available at the venue for easy access.

Additional Information

• Facilities: Shoe Storage.

• The mosque is closed for two hours at noon on Friday for the weekly sermon.

• If you have a large bag or backpack, you can store it in the locker at Sirkeci station, which is a short walk from the mosque.

• You can join the Bosphorus cruise on the same day or the next day at 12pm or 3pm. From April to October, you can also get on the cruise at 6pm to catch the sunset.