Basilica Cistern tours, things to do and tickets

Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private tour guide in 1, 2 or 3 days with a flexible itinerary.

Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Byzantine Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar.

Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market.

Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Rahmi Koc Museum (or alternative sites).

Important Notes:

- Skip the line service is not available for active mosques - there is a queue for the entrance.

- If one of the mosques is not visited, Basilica Cistern will be visited as a replacement.

- For the tours that start later than 11 am, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple of sites as the sites are closed by 7 pm. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.

Visit six top Istanbul attractions in one day on a full-day sightseeing tour of the city! The action-packed day includes a comprehensive tour of the historical Sultanahmet neighborhood where many of the city’s finest architectural legacies and landmarks are found. Visit the Blue Mosque and museums of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, as well as Istanbul Hippodrome, the sunken palace of Basilica Cistern and the dazzling Grand Bazaar.

Numbers are limited to 14 on this small-group tour ensuring a personalized experience.

Get a glimpse of Istanbul's fascinating Imperial legacies on this half-day sightseeing tour with an expert local guide. First visit Hagia Sophia, once one of the largest basilicas in the world and now the second-most visited museum in Turkey. Venture below ground to the ancient Basilica Cistern, which once supported the Great Palace of Constantinople, and hone your haggling skills at the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets where you can shop for jewelry, spices, leather goods and souvenirs galore.

Discover Imperial Istanbul on this private half-day sightseeing tour. Visit Hagia Sophia, which is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world and look for a bargain at the Grand Bazaar. Explore the Basillica Cistern, 500 feet underground this ancient cistern not only has historical importance to Istanbul but has also been featured in James Bond.

Experience the scope of Istanbul with this full-day, small-group tour. Led by a local guide, explore the main attractions of the city, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (from outside on Friday), the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Little Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Grand Covered Bazaar. Transfer to and from your hotel is available (please take a look at inclusions and exclusions for the transfer details).

This cultural experience will be about 6 hours and include main venues to visit in Istanbul. Meeting in front of Ayasofya at 10am and starting with Ayasofya Mosque and later visiting Topkapi Palace Museum for about 1,5 hours to see different quarters, kitchens, armory, harem quarters etc. The Topkapi Palace museum is a fascinating landmark, and definitely a must-see attraction. Fast track entry tickets for the palace can be arranged at an extra charge. After the Palace The Blue Mosque will be visited from outside because of restorations and then Roman Cistern can be visited. A short lunch break at a local restaurant serving traditional food and finally will be heading to Grand Bazaar area to rugs, leather products, ceramics etc.
Tour starts at 10am. and will end at the Grand Bazaar area 6 hours later.
Museum tickets, Lunch and Gratuity not included.
Everyday except for Saturday, Tuesday and Sunday.

Immerse in Istanbul's UNESCO-listed Old City and visit the highlights of the ancient city of Constantinople on this 9-hour, small-group sightseeing tour led by an art historian. Marvel at the dome of the Hagia Sophia, descend into the bowels of the Basilica Cistern (from Out Side Not Entry), and explore the Roman-era Hippodrome. After a 3-course Turkish lunch, admire the Blue Mosque (The Blue Mosque will be close for the renovation from 01th March to 15th May 2018.Our guide will translate from out side to Blue Mosque.) and Topkapi Palace, and brave the chaos of the Grand Bazaar.

Experience the highlights of historic Istanbul on this half-day small-group tour, limited to 15 people. Explore the Topkapi Palace and the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque or Saint Irene Church. The pick up point will be communicated the day before and the drop off is available only for the hotels near Sultanahmet area. 

While you’re in port in Istanbul, discover some of the city’s hidden and historical highlights on this 5-hour private shore excursion. Enjoy personalized attention from your expert, private guide on a tour that looks beyond the city’s headline attractions, casting the spotlight on three Istanbul sights sometimes missed by visitors. Admire the exquisite late Byzantine mosaics of the beautiful Chora Church; descend into the magnificent Basilica Cistern to see its marble columns and pools; and finish at the mesmerizing Egyptian Bazaar — a whirl of spice, food and souvenir stalls.