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Free tour

Hidden Sultanahmet Gems: Sokullu and Little Hagia Sophia (Free Interior Access)

4.88
Excellent(73)
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Languages: Arabic, English, Spanish and Turkish
Guru: Dr. Sib
PRO
Registered on 1 April 2021
Guru Avatar Image
As a certified tour guide and academic researcher, I have experience leading tours of the Bosphorus cruises and Istanbul's historical sites, including iconic monuments such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Sultanahmet Square. I invite you to book a tour with me for an unforgettable experience. Fluent in Arabic, Persian, English, Spanish, Kurdish, and Turkish, I also offer tailored private tours and cruises.
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Sultanahmet’s Secret Masterpieces
Interior Access of Little Hagia Sophia & Sokullu Mosque with Expert Guide Dr. Sib

DISCOVER THE ISTANBUL NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT!
"Escape Istanbul's crowds on this hidden Sultanahmet tour! Enjoy guaranteed interior access to two architectural masterpieces:

🔹 Little Hagia Sophia – *Explore the 6th-century Byzantine church-turned-mosque, marveling at its dome and imperial columns.*

🔹 Sokullu MosqueAdmire Mimar Sinan’s Ottoman brilliance and sacred Kaaba stone fragments *amidst 16th-century Iznik tiles.*

 ✨ WHY THIS TOUR?
Not just stones: While others show facades, we reveal stories.
Elite Guide: Dr. Sib - researcher and storyteller - transforms ruins into epic sagas.
Intimate small groups: No megaphones, just passionate conversations.

 📍 LEGENDARY ITINERARY:

  • ICONS: Little Hagia Sophia, tranquil ambiance of Byzantine-Ottoman fusion, a 1500 years old surviving temple.
  • MAGIC MOMENTS: Sokullu Mosque, sacred Kaaba stone fragments and Iznik tiles (work of Architect Sinan).
  • LOST HISTORY: Sphendon Walls, 1700 years old.


 💸 HOW DOES IT WORK?
Pay what you feel: In the end, you decide the price (€15-€50/person). No pressure!
👑 For Groups: 15€/person (or 750 liras/person).
💰 € / $ / £ accepted. This is a freetour but not free of charge.
⚠️ Cash only (we're storytellers, not machines)

❤️ Why This Model?
Quality Guaranteed: Guides like Dr. Sib give their 200% because their income depends on you.
Affordable: Budget travelers can join.
Fair: You only pay more if the tour was worth it.



 👗 Dress Code (IMPORTANT):

"To enter mosques:
  • Women: Headscarf (If not we'll lend you one for free)
  • Men/Women: Shoulders and knees covered
    No shorts/sleeveless shirts
    We respect traditions so that you can experience history without barriers."


 ⚠️ Fair Cancellation Policy:

 Change of plans? Cancel in 1 click: Your free seat helps other travelers! No-shows affect local guides 

✈️ Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the Meeting Point


For a smooth and stress-free arrival, here's our recommended route:

  1. Take the HAVAİST Bus: Line HVİST-11
    • Route: Istanbul Airport (IST) → Sultanahmet (Final Stop).
    • Why it's great: Comfortable, direct, affordable (275), and takes approximately 1.5 hours in normal traffic.
    • Tickets: Pay by contactless credit/debit card on the bus. Cash (TRY) is also accepted.
    • Luggage: Ample space underneath the bus for suitcases.
  2. Catch the BUS at least 2 hours earlier than tour start
    • 🚨 Important: Do NOT take the later bus. This is cutting it too close.
    • Why two hours earlier is ESSENTIAL:
      • Buffer Time: Allows for potential traffic delays, especially near Sultanahmet.
      • Finding the Meeting Point: You'll need time to walk from the bus stop to the exact tour meeting spot, use the restroom, grab water, etc.
      • Friday/Saturday: Expect heavier traffic.
  3. Getting Off the Bus:
    • Get off at the FINAL STOP: "Sultanahmet" (The bus terminates on Divanyolu Cd., very close to Hagia Sophia/Sultanahmet Square).
    • Ask the driver or fellow passengers to confirm "Sultanahmet Son Durak?" (Final Stop?).
  4. If You Land Too Late:
    • Taxi or Uber: This is your best backup. Ensure they use the meter. Expect to pay ₺1200-1500 liras+ (about €35) and travel time of 60-90+ mins depending on traffic.
    • Later Tour? Contact us immediately if you'll be significantly delayed.
📍 Key Takeaways for a Smooth Start:
  • Golden Rule: Land → Exit Airport → Be on the HAVAİST-11 Bus.
  • Download: The HAVAİST App (for routes/tracking) and BiTaksi or Uber (for backup taxi).
  • Credit Cards work on buses and for taxis/Uber.

Trust us, arriving relaxed makes the tour experience infinitely better for you! See you in Sultanahmet!

🔥 Alternative similar tour (if this is not available):
Three Secret Mosques with Guide Nurullah

https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/56715-sacred-and-historic-sultanahmet-blue-mosque-small-hagia-sophia-sokullu-mehmet-pasha


Have a nice trip, 🚀🛸
Dr. Sib



Keywords

 [Free Tour] [Little Hagia Sophia Inside] [Sokullu Mosque] 
 [Dr. Sib, Historian] [Hidden Gems of Istanbul] [Small Groups]



Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:
Sultan Ahmet, At Meydanı Cd No:25, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
I will be near the Obelisk of Theodosius located in Sultanahmet Square, usually with a wooden staff in my hand.
1
Outside visit
Sultan Ahmet Square
2
Outside visit
Little Hagia Sophia
3
Free entry
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Tour map

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour reviews

4.88
Excellent(73)
Generic
65
7
1
0
0
By category
Professionalism
4.92
Fun
4.73
Communication
4.81
Quality
4.82
Route
4.86

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts bookings of up to 20 people.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.

What should I know?

Minimum attendees
Does not require a minimum number of people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
Hidden Sultanahmet Gems: Sokullu and Little Hagia Sophia (Free Interior Access)
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