Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets
Description
Enjoy included admission tickets for Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. Visit two major highlights of Istanbul on a small-group tour led by an expert guide. Explore the world-famous Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern with tickets. Learn about the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to explore Istanbul. Benefit from convenient pickup at Galata Port or meeting point in Sultanahmet.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Enjoy our priority admission with the tickets and join a 2-hour guided group tour in the heart of Istanbul’s old town Sultanahmet to see the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. Discover the history of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires with entry tickets.
Follow your guide, and he will help you pass with priority tickets. Start your journey with the Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Subterranean Palace." Discover its history, see the underground pillars, and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on wooden walkways over the water and view the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul. Listen from your guide as you explore the interior, learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the stunning monument and its mixed elements mosque and a church coexisting side by side. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Discover how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was created, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard.
Walk the length of the Hippodrome and enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet as local life goes on around you. Ask about the obelisks that adorn the square. Pause for a last glance at these two important monuments while you learn the significance of the Hippodrome to Istanbul during the Byzantine era.
Concluding in Sultanahmet Square, our tour leaves you equipped with ample knowledge and insights to navigate the enchanting streets of Istanbul independently. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of this historic city.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
- If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
- Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during holidays.
- Basilica Cistern has 50 steps going down and then up. There is no lift.
- Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
- Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
- Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
- Please note that women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- Please note that wearing or displaying any specific religious symbols or attire is not permitted.
- You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
- Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
- Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
Reviews(4)
This was a decent sightseeing tour, taking in Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sofia, both of which are within 100m of each other. It was a very busy day and the line for entry to each site was 20-40 minutes. Even though you have pre-purchased your ticket and have your guide, you still have to join the queue. So be prepared. If you have ever been to a Disney park, it’s a standard wait time! The guide, Sabih, was very knowledgeable and a good story teller. The tour group we joined also went on to the Topkapi Palace after we left; the tour took us almost 3 hours (was advertised as 2 hours) and the rest of the group had another 2.5 hours left, which I think was too long a day. If you are not good at standing for very long periods of time, carefully consider this tour and if it’s right for you.
It was something to do in Istanbul, but not a must-do, in my opinion, specially with kids. Had two teens with us who were quite bored during the tour. Unless your kids are really into history, I would avoid. The guide was good, but I would not recommend this tour to friends.
We’re glad to hear you found the guide to be good, but we understand that this particular tour may not have been the best fit for your family’s interests. Our Istanbul tours often focus on historical and cultural landmarks, which can be fascinating for some but perhaps less engaging for younger visitors unless they are especially interested in history. If you visit Istanbul again, we’d be happy to suggest more interactive or activity-based tours that might better suit your family’s preferences.
Elif was super-knowledgable and personable and one of the best guides we have ever experienced. The entire Hagia Sofia/Basilica Cistern tour was most interesting and she did her best to help us avoid the crowds. I would highly recommend.
As a first time visitor I was glad that I chose a guide to take us to Hagia Sofia and the Basicilla Cistern. It made the visit very easy to navigate and we were able to get a lot of history on the building which really brings it to life. I didn't have to worry about buying entry tickets or finding the entrance etc. You should NOTE that there is a que to get into the Hagia Sofia, keep the weather in mind and dress accordingly. Also on our way out we saw a long que to buy tickets to enter. Our guide was Kaan, he was lovely and showed us around the Hagia Sofia and was willing to take lots of photos for us.
