Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Tour

Head towards the Sultanahmet district, where you'll enjoy a relaxed walk to the Hagia Sophia, the first mosque. Erected during the sixth century A.D. under the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, this celebrated mosque originally functioned as an Orthodox Christian cathedral in the former Constantinople (now Istanbul). Throughout its extensive 1,500-year existence, this revered site has fulfilled roles as an Orthodox church, mosque, and museum. Please be advised: Effective January 15, 2024, the Turkish Government has introduced an entrance fee of EUR 25 per person. Next on the itinerary, you'll make your way to the impressive Blue Mosque, originally known as The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, named after Sultan Ahmed I, its builder. In the early 1600s, mosques were exclusively erected by victorious sultans. Despite lacking notable military victories and contrary to his advisors' suggestions, Sultan Ahmed embarked on the construction of this majestic structure, which stands as his enduring legacy. Today, it earns its nickname, the Blue Mosque, from the stunning blue tiles adorning its interior with intricate geometric and floral motifs. Our final destination for the day is the Suleymaniye Mosque. Situated atop the Third Hill of Istanbul, this mosque held the title of the city's largest for over 450 years until 2019. Beyond its impressive dimensions, the mosque boasts a design by the esteemed architect Mimar Sinan, a prominent figure in Istanbul's architectural heritage.