Blue Mosque Guided Tour with Bosphorus Cruise
Tour the Blue Mosque with an expert guide then cruise the Bosphorus to see Istanbul’s top landmarks with an audio guide.
Customer reviews
Summarised reviews
Rated 3.8 out of 5, this tour earns consistent praise for its knowledgeable, engaging guides who bring the Blue Mosque to life with clear English commentary. However, the Bosphorus cruise element causes frustration, with guests struggling to locate meeting points and find the experience poorly coordinated. Some visitors also feel the ticket price is hard to justify given the mosque's free entry.
Choose your experience
Begin with Istanbul’s Blue Mosque
Discover a masterpiece of Ottoman design
Step into the world-renowned Blue Mosque in Istanbul, a marvel of Ottoman architecture built in the early 17th century. Admire its striking blue İznik tiles and six minarets that define the historic city skyline. Your knowledgeable guide shares stories about the mosque’s history, including the significance of its Great Tablets adorned with Quranic verses and the unique royal kiosk containing an ornate mihrab.
Inside, marvel at thousands of hand-painted tiles with floral motifs, expansive stained glass windows and meticulously carved domes overhead. The mosque’s serene atmosphere, rich artistry and captivating details make it one of Turkey’s most cherished sites.
Explore cultural and historical treasures
Your guided visit also highlights the mosque’s central role in Istanbul’s religious and cultural fabric. Learn about major visitors such as global leaders and religious figures, and discover the daily rituals that occur within its historic halls. The guide points out significant architectural features, shares facts about the mosque’s construction, and reveals its place in Turkey’s past and present.
Cruise the Bosphorus Strait
Sail between continents with remarkable views
After your mosque tour, your experience continues with a scenic cruise on the Bosphorus. This 90-minute journey offers panoramic views of Istanbul’s architectural gems, from the elegant Dolmabahce Palace to the medieval Galata Tower. Glide past Topkapi Palace, the conical towers of Ortaköy Mosque, and luxurious waterfront villas.
Landmarks and stories along the way
With your audio guide, available in multiple languages, hear about the centuries-old bridges connecting Europe and Asia, the gray marble structures of Çırağan Palace, and the unique significance of landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Beylerbeyi Palace. Gain new perspectives on Istanbul’s layered history as you pass mosques, palaces, and bustling waterfront neighborhoods.
Topkapi Palace
Golden Horn
Galata Tower
Dolmabahce Palace
Çırağan Palace
Ortaköy Mosque
Bosphorus Bridge
Beylerbeyi Palace
Üsküdar
Maiden Tower
Hagia Sophia
Historic seaside mansions
A complete Istanbul experience
Capture photos from both land and sea for memorable moments. You’ll have flexible cruising options, making it easy to fit the experience into your day. The guided tour and cruise together offer a rich introduction to Istanbul’s religious heritage, architectural wonders and vibrant scenic landscapes.
Book your Blue Mosque Guided Tour with Bosphorus Cruise tickets now!
Why you'll love it
- Get lost in the blue Iznik tiles, the towering minarets, and the grand dome on this 1-hour tour of the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- With an expert guide at the helm, learn about the Quranic verses in the Great Tablets and interesting bits about the royal kiosk in the Blue Mosque
- Come aboard the Bosphorus Cruise to catch a glimpse of the conical roof of the Galata Tower and the gray towers of Dolmabahce Palace
- With an audio guide in your preferred language, understand details about each landmark like why gray marble was used to create Çırağan Palace, on the 90-minute cruise
- Fun fact: Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have visited the Blue Mosque over the years.
What's included
- 1-hour guided tour of Blue Mosque English-speaking guide 90-minute Bosphorus cruise Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
- Tour guide for Bosphorus cruise
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Suitable for all ages
- Know before you go
Both men and women should dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees; women must cover their hair inside the mosque.
Bring your own scarf or head covering to comply with mosque dress code; free scarves are available if needed.
Audio guide app should be downloaded before arrival to avoid connectivity issues onsite.
The mosque is closed to visitors for two hours during Friday midday prayers.
Large bags can be stored at the locker facility in Sirkeci station nearby.
- Visitor guidelines
Follow the mosque dress code and be respectful of religious customs during your visit.
Photography without flash is allowed but tripods and food are not permitted inside.
Download the audio guide app before arriving to ensure seamless listening during the cruise.
The mosque is closed to visitors during Friday noon prayers for two hours.
Store large bags at Sirkeci station lockers located close to the mosque.
Frequently asked
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Where you'll be
Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10
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