Tours

Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets

Istanbul, Turkeyby Walks In Europe

2 hours
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Up to 15 travelers
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Guide: German, English

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Overview

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.

What's included

Professional and local guide with a license
Priority entry tickets for Hagia Sophia
Priority entry tickets for Basilica Cistern
Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
Headsets to hear the guide better
2 hours guided tour

Transport to the meeting spot

Itinerary

1
Sultanahmet Square
Pass by
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.
2
Basilica Cistern
40 min
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.
3
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hour
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.
4
Hippodrome
15 min
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.
5
Sultanahmet Square
Pass by
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.

Meeting and pickup

We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe." Address: Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain. Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.”

End point

Good to know

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.

Show all 20

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.
Please note that Hagia Sophia is currently undergoing restoration, which may temporarily affect visibility in some areas. These works are carried out independently of the tour.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Istanbul, Turkey

5.5 hours

5.5 hoursFree cancellation

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