Blue Mosque with Bosphorus in background, Istanbul tour.
Tour guide leading a group near the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
Blue Mosque courtyard with visitors, Istanbul, minarets in view.
Interior view of the Blue Mosque dome in Istanbul, showcasing intricate patterns and stained glass.
Bosphorus cruise with view of Istanbul's Blue Mosque in the background.
Person enjoying Bosphorus cruise with Istanbul skyline in the background.
Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul with a boat on the Bosphorus.

Blue Mosque Guided Tour with Bosphorus Cruise, Istanbul

Istanbul
Guided Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 1 hour (approx.)

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

Audio guide

Access to multilingual audio guide

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Experience Istanbul's architectural splendor with the Blue Mosque Guided Tour, complemented by an beautiful Bosphorus Cruise. Step into one of Turkey’s majestic mosques and marvel at its Classic Ottoman architecture, highlighted by stunning Iznik tiles that give it a signature blue hue. The tour includes exploring six minarets, stained glass windows, and the Royal Kiosk with 100 Qurans on display.

Explore the stunning Iznik blue tiles, towering minarets, and grand dome on this 1-hour tour of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue Mosque.

Under the guidance of an expert guide, explore Quranic verses inscribed in the Great Tablets and fascinating details about the royal kiosk within the Blue Mosque.

Board the Bosphorus Cruise to witness famous sights like Galata Tower's conical roof and Dolmabahce Palace’s gray towers along Istanbul’s historic waterway.

During a 90-minute cruise, learn about landmarks such as Çırağan Palace with an audio guide available in multiple languages including English.

Notably, global figures such as Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have visited the Blue Mosque over time.

Access to a 1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque

Guidance provided by an English-speaking expert

A 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with Spot Istanbul

Audio guide available in multiple languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese

Tour guide for Bosphorus cruise

Blue Mosque with Bosphorus in background, Istanbul tour.

Blue Mosque with Bosphorus in background, Istanbul tour.

Your Experience: Blue Mosque Guided Tour with Bosphorus Cruise

Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the iconic Blue Mosque stands as a testament to Classic Ottoman architecture. Constructed from 1609 to 1616 under Sultan Ahmet I’s reign, this majestic mosque is renowned for its stunning blue tiles that adorn over 22,000 spaces within. Join an English-speaking guide on your exploration of this architectural marvel and discover the beauty of tulips and carnations embedded in these tiles.

During your tour, be sure to admire the six minarets towering above you and the stained glass windows casting a vibrant spectrum across the mosque’s interior. Your visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Royal Kiosk, home to an exquisite mihrab featuring 100 Qurans on gilded lecterns and the Great Tablets inscribed with Quranic verses alongside Caliphs’ names.

Beautiful Bosphorus Cruise

Your journey continues with a delightful 90-minute cruise along Istanbul’s storied Bosphorus Strait. This excursion offers stunning views of famous landmarks, including the historic Topkapi Palace and the serene waters of the Golden Horn. As you glide past notable structures such as Ataturk Bridge, Halic Bridge, and Galata Bridge, capture memorable moments with your loved ones.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Topkapi Palace: A historic palace from the 15th century known for its single dome.
  • The Golden Horn: Famous for its crystal blue waters and iconic bridges spanning it, including Ataturk Bridge, Halic Bridge, and Galata Bridge.
  • Galata Tower
  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Ciragan Palace
  • Ortaköy Mosque
  • Bosphorus Bridge: A key landmark visible during your cruise.
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Üsküdar
  • Maiden Tower
  • Hagia Sophia: A must-see historical site.
  • Seaside Villas
Tour guide leading a group near the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Tour guide leading a group near the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Blue Mosque courtyard with visitors, Istanbul, minarets in view.

Blue Mosque courtyard with visitors, Istanbul, minarets in view.

Interior view of the Blue Mosque dome in Istanbul, showcasing intricate patterns and stained glass.

Interior view of the Blue Mosque dome in Istanbul, showcasing intricate patterns and stained glass.

What to Bring

  • Cover your head with a scarf or wrap when entering the venue.
  • Pack any necessary medications, as they may not be available at the site.
  • To avoid network issues on-site, download the audio app beforehand.

Remember to bring earphones for using the Audio guide effectively.

What's Not Allowed

  • Tripods and food & beverages are prohibited during this experience. Plan accordingly!
  • Dress code is strict: Cover your shoulders, knees, and hair (for women). Scarves or wraps can be obtained for free at the entrance if needed. Opt for loose-fitting attire to comply with mosque dress codes.

Flash photography inside the venue is not permitted.

Accessibility Details

  • The experience accommodates wheelchair users.

Ramps are provided at the site for convenient access.

Additional Information

  • Shoe storage facilities are available on-site.
  • Note that the mosque closes from 12pm to 2pm every Friday for weekly sermons.
  • Large bags or backpacks can be stored in lockers at Sirkeci station, a short walk away from the site.

Join the Bosphorus cruise on the same day (at noon or 3 pm) or the following day. From April to October, you have an additional option for a 6pm sailing to enjoy sunset views.

Bosphorus cruise with view of Istanbul's Blue Mosque in the background.

Bosphorus cruise with view of Istanbul's Blue Mosque in the background.

Person enjoying Bosphorus cruise with Istanbul skyline in the background.

Person enjoying Bosphorus cruise with Istanbul skyline in the background.

Book your visit at least a day in advance during peak season to avoid sold-out sessions and ensure you get on both the Blue Mosque tour and Bosphorus cruise.

Cover your head with a scarf or wrap before entering the mosque, as it’s required for visitors.

Download an audio app beforehand so that network issues don’t disrupt access to your preferred language guide during the visit.

If you're interested in exploring nearby landmarks after the cruise, consider starting at Dolmabahce Palace and then moving towards Galata Tower for a more efficient route.

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FAQs

Download the audio app beforehand to ensure a smooth experience without any network issues at the location.
Yes, the experience includes a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise.
Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
With an expert guide at your side, you’ll learn about Quranic verses in the Great Tablets and interesting facts about the royal kiosk within the Blue Mosque.
During the cruise, you'll catch glimpses of the conical roof of Galata Tower and the gray towers of Dolmabahce Palace.
You can marvel at the six minarets, stained glass windows, and blue Iznik tiles during your visit to the mosque.
You should bring along your scarf or a wrap to cover your head when visiting the mosque.
Tripods and food & beverages are not permitted on this tour.
The guided tour of the Blue Mosque lasts for one hour.
Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have all visited the Blue Mosque over the years.
An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout your visit to the Blue Mosque. However, there is no specific mention of a tour guide for the Bosphorus Cruise part.
You should bring along a scarf or wrap to cover your head at the venue and pack any necessary medications since they may not be available onsite. It's also recommended to download the audio app beforehand for uninterrupted access, and remember to carry earphones.
Tripods are prohibited during this experience, as well as food and beverages.
During the Bosphorus Cruise included in your package, you will see sights such as the conical roof of Galata Tower and gray towers of Dolmabahce Palace. The cruise also features an audio guide that explains details about each landmark.
The tour includes a guided exploration of Blue Mosque's blue Iznik tiles, towering minarets, and grand dome over one hour. You'll learn about Quranic verses in the Great Tablets and details on the royal kiosk with an expert guide.
The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
The guided tour of Blue Mosque lasts for one hour while the Bosphorus cruise spans ninety minutes.
The expert guide will provide insights into the Quranic verses found in the Great Tablets and share interesting details about the royal kiosk within the mosque.
Yes, Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have all visited the Blue Mosque in the past.
Visitors are advised to bring a scarf or wrap to cover their heads as part of respecting local customs at the venue.

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