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

Blue Mosque Guided Tour with Bosphorus Cruise

Discover the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, on this guided tour that includes a 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. The tour covers key sights such as the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Dolmabahce Palace. With an expert guide providing insights in multiple languages including English, Turkish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian, this 2-hour experience offers a deep dive into Istanbul's rich history and architecture. Highlights include the Blue Mosque’s stunning Iznik tiles and towering minarets, as well as the conical roof of Galata Tower visible from the cruise. The tour is wheelchair accessible at most locations but may require assistance for some sites.

Explore the Grandeur of the Blue Mosque

Your tour stops at the Blue Mosque where guests can marvel at its grand dome and six minarets, a unique architectural feature compared to other mosques in Istanbul. Completed in 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I, this mosque stands as one of the largest in Turkey with an area of approximately 20,000 square meters. Visitors see the Great Tablets inscribed with Quranic verses and admire the intricate blue tiles that give it its name. Historical facts include visits by notable figures such as Pope Benedict XVI and Barack Obama over the years. Guests spend about one hour here learning about the mosque’s royal kiosk and other significant features, making this a unique experience compared to visiting alone.

Admire the Conical Roof of Galata Tower

The tour continues at the Galata Tower where guests can appreciate its conical roof as seen from the Bosphorus Cruise. Built in 1348 by the Genoese, this tower stands at a height of 69 meters and offers panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline. Visitors spend around 20 minutes here taking photos and enjoying the view, making it an essential stop for those interested in Istanbul's history and architecture. The Galata Tower is unique among other towers due to its strategic location overlooking the Golden Horn and its rich historical significance as a watchtower during Byzantine times.

Witness the Elegance of Beylerbeyi Palace

Your tour includes a stop at Beylerbeyi Palace, where guests can explore this elegant summer residence built in 1865 by Sultan Abdulaziz. The palace covers an area of approximately 40,000 square meters and features stunning gardens and waterways that reflect the Ottoman Empire's grandeur during its construction period. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here learning about the architecture, including gray marble used in various parts of the building, and historical facts such as visits by foreign dignitaries like Queen Victoria’s son Edward VII in 1867. The palace is unique for its blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles, making it a must-see landmark on this tour.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Blue Mosque with an expert guide
• 90-minute Bosphorus Cruise to see key landmarks
• Audio guides in English, Turkish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian
• Experience panoramic views at Galata Tower
• Visit Beylerbeyi Palace and its gardens and waterways
• Learn about Dolmabahce Palace’s gray marble façade
• Access to key landmarks including the Blue Mosque royal kiosk
• Convenience of a full-day tour with all transportation included

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and travelers seeking an in-depth look at Istanbul's cultural heritage, this guided tour provides unparalleled insights through expert commentary. The 2-hour format allows you to explore the Blue Mosque’s intricate blue tiles, admire Galata Tower’s conical roof from a unique vantage point on the Bosphorus Cruise, and witness the elegance of Beylerbeyi Palace’s gardens and waterways, giving you an immersive experience of Istanbul's landmarks while enjoying the convenience of guided access.