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Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Old City, Topkapi Palace Private Tour

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

120 to 330 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 5 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Turkish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Can one monument tell Istanbul’s whole story? Fast-track Hagia Sophia to trace Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, with Topkapi and transfers available. Flexible options included.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Discover Hagia Sophia with a 5-Star Private Licensed Guide
- Beat the ticket line with Fast Track Tickets to Hagia Sophia
- Explore Christian and Islamic history, mosaics and sacred art
- Visit Topkapi Palace Museum and Harem (in 4- and 5,5-hour options)
- Book private transfers with pickup and drop-off (in 3,5- and 5,5-hour options)

If you can only visit 1 place in Istanbul, it has to be Hagia Sophia. This building reflects the city’s full history, from Byzantine times through the Ottoman Empire to modern Türkiye. Walk through Sultanahmet Old City and discover how Hagia Sophia has kept its cultural significance for centuries. Fast-Track Tickets to Hagia Sophia are included. Book now!

What's Included

  • Fast track tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque (all options)
  • - (number of attractions depends on the option selected)
  • Regular admission tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Irene & Harem (4- & 5,5-hour options only)
  • Admission tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Irene & Harem (in the 2- and 3,5-hour options)
  • Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in the 2- and 4-hour options only)
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Included with the options “5,5H: City,Hagia&Topkapi+Trans” and “3,5H: OldCity,Hagia Sophia+Tra”.

Pickup details

Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation

OR
Meeting point

For the options “4H: Old City,Hagia & Topkapi” and “2H: Old City & Hagia Sophia”.

Divanyolu Caddesi
Alemdar, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

World Heritage Center Hotel

Meet your guide in front of the World Heritage Center Hotel, Alemdar, Divanyolu Caddesi, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Istanbul

Book private transfers with a 2-hour private tour of Hagia Sophia and Old City. The estimated 1,5-hour round-trip transfer includes both pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, making it easier to get to the meeting point from any location in Istanbul. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with a licensed driver and a private vehicle.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Ayasofya

See the highlights of Sultanahmet Old City and visit Hagia Sophia, its top-ranked attraction. Together with your Expert Guide, you will discover the history of ancient Constantinople and its largest and most important temple. You will be astonished by Hagia Sophia's unique atmosphere, archietcure and art with Christian and Islamic elements, featuring beautiful mosaics from the 9th-13th century. You will learn about the temple's construction and transformation from a Christian cathedral to a mosque. Admire the classic Byzantine architecture that inspired the design of the Blue Mosque and other mosques in Istanbul.
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1 hour 20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Topkapi Palace Museum

The Topkapi Palace Museum. This extended tour is perfect for history buffs interested in Ottoman history, architecture and heritage. The Topkapi Palace Museum is a top-ranked attraction that offers an insight into the everyday life of the Ottoman Sultans. Explore the historic palace with its elgant cortyards, pavilons and museum exhibits.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Please check your email the day before the tour for important details from your tour operator.
  • The number of attractions depends on the selected option.
  • Fast-track tickets skip the ticket office queue but not security or entrance checks.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Old City, Topkapi Palace Private Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-270904P298

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Fast track tickets to Hagia Sophia Mosque (all options)
  • - (number of attractions depends on the option selected)
  • Regular admission tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Irene & Harem (4- & 5,5-hour options only)
  • Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (3,5- and 5,5-hour options only)
  • 5-Star Licensed Guide who fluent in the language of your choice
  • Private Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia, Old City and Topkapi Palace Museum
  • Admission tickets to Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Irene & Harem (in the 2- and 3,5-hour options)
  • Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in the 2- and 4-hour options only)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Please check your email the day before the tour for important details from your tour operator.
  • The number of attractions depends on the selected option.
  • Fast-track tickets skip the ticket office queue but not security or entrance checks.
  • All visitors to Hagia Sophia must dress modestly. Headscarves for women are required. Women are allowed in the visitors' area only. Some areas are closed to non-Muslims during prayer hours.
  • We limit our group size to 1–25 guests per guide. Additional guides will be arranged for larger groups.
  • The 3,5 and 5,5-hour options include an estimated 1,5-hour round-trip transfer. Transfer time depends on distance and traffic. Standard car for 1–4 people or larger van for 5+. Book a 5-person tour for a more spacious vehicle.
  • Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance — we're happy to help!

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