Istanbul Basilica Cistern Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Old City

Istanbul’s Old City is a captivating blend of ancient wonders that transports visitors through the city’s storied past. At the heart of this historic district lies the awe-inspiring Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel that offers a serene glimpse into the Byzantine era. Just steps away, the iconic Hagia Sophia and the striking Blue Mosque stand as testaments to the city’s diverse religious heritage. As one explores these iconic sites, the layers of Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry begin to unfold, inviting deeper discovery.

Key Points

• This tour offers comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s historic highlights, including the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome.
• Guided visits to the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome are included, along with a photo stop at Hagia Sophia.
• The tour duration is 3 hours and the price starts from Kč 424 per person, with an English-speaking guide.
• Dress code recommendations and awareness of closures and schedules are important for this tour.
• Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, but note limited information provided in some cases.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s historic highlights.

Over 3 hours, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar.

Admire 20,000 blue Iznik tiles in the Blue Mosque, explore the world’s oldest covered market, and tour the Basilica Cistern with priority admission.

The tour is priced from Kč 424 per person and features an English-speaking guide.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour also offers a reserve now, pay later option, making it a convenient and flexible way to discover Istanbul’s top attractions.

Itinerary Details

The tour’s itinerary covers some of Istanbul’s most renowned historic sites. Guests will visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia for a photo stop and sightseeing.

Next, they’ll explore the iconic Blue Mosque, admiring its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and six minarets.

The tour then moves to the Hippodrome, the sporting center of ancient Constantinople, where visitors can see the German Fountain, Bronze Serpentine Column, and Obelisk of Theodosius.

Next, the tour explores the ancient Hippodrome, showcasing the German Fountain, Bronze Serpentine Column, and Obelisk of Theodosius.

The highlight is a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, with priority admission and skip-the-line access.

The tour also includes free time for shopping at the Grand Bazaar.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup if selected, an English-speaking guide, and guided visits to the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Hippodrome.

Visitors will also have entry to the Hagia Sophia. However, gratuities, food, and drinks aren’t included.

There’s an additional fee of 25 Euros for visiting the Hagia Sophia mosque after the tour, as the main saloon will be closed for tourist visits starting January 2024.

Participants should arrive 10 minutes early for pickup, as drivers only wait up to 5 minutes.

Important Information

When visiting Istanbul’s historic sites, participants are advised to dress appropriately, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and bringing a scarf for head covering.

Visitors should also be aware of the following important information:

Visitors should be aware of important information regarding closures, schedules, and pickup times for their Istanbul historic site visits.

• Hagia Sophia‘s main saloon will be closed for tourist visits starting January 2024, with an additional fee of 25 Euros required for the mosque visit after the tour.

• The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.

• Participants are advised to arrive 10 minutes early for pickup, as drivers will only wait a maximum of 5 minutes.

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Customer Reviews

What do the customer reviews say about this Istanbul historic sites tour?

Based on 27 reviews, the tour receives an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5. Travelers praise the knowledgeable and patient tour guides, though some note the guides provide limited information.

The tour offers good value for money, with a 4.1 rating in this area. Reviewers represent diverse travelers, including couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families.

Exploring the Hagia Sophia

As the crown jewel of Istanbul’s historic sites, the Hagia Sophia captivates visitors with its grand architectural design and rich cultural significance.

This former Byzantine church-turned-mosque-turned-museum boasts a stunning interior featuring:

• Intricate mosaics depicting religious figures and scenes

• Towering domes that seem to defy gravity

• Impressive marble columns and ornate architectural details

While the main saloon is closed for tourist visits starting January 2024, visitors can still explore the magnificent structure and learn about its evolving history as an important religious and cultural landmark in the heart of Istanbul.

Discovering the Blue Mosque

Situated across from the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque stands as an architectural masterpiece that captivates visitors with its sheer grandeur and intricate design. With six towering minarets and 20,000 handcrafted Iznik tiles adorning the interior, the mosque is a stunning display of Ottoman architecture. Visitors can explore the main prayer hall, marveling at the intricate calligraphic panels and impressive stained glass windows. To maintain the sanctity of the space, a dress code is enforced, and visitors must remove their shoes before entering. The Blue Mosque offers a profound cultural and spiritual experience for all who visit.

| Architectural Features | Visitor Information |

| — | — |

| – 6 minarets | – Dress code: long pants, long sleeves, head coverings |

| – 20,000 Iznik tiles | – Shoes must be removed before entering |

| – Intricate calligraphic panels | – Guided visits available |

| – Impressive stained glass windows | – Offers a cultural and spiritual experience |

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, some companies may offer reduced rates for these groups. It’s best to check with the tour operator directly to inquire about any available discounts before booking.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque?

Yes, you can take photos inside the Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque. However, flash photography is generally not allowed to preserve the sites. Be mindful of any instructions from your guide or site staff regarding photography.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Headscarf for the Blue Mosque Visit?

Yes, visitors are required to bring their own head coverings for the Blue Mosque visit. The tour guide will provide instructions on proper attire before entering the mosque to ensure respectful dress.

How Much Time Should We Allocate for Shopping at the Grand Bazaar?

The tour allots free time for shopping at the Grand Bazaar, but the specific duration is not mentioned. Travelers should plan around 1-2 hours to explore this historic marketplace’s thousands of shops and stalls, depending on their interest and shopping pace.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Hagia Sophia?

The dress code for visiting the Hagia Sophia requires long pants and long-sleeved shirts, as well as a scarf for head covering. Visitors should dress modestly to respect the site’s cultural and religious significance.

The Sum Up

Exploring Istanbul’s Old City is a captivating journey through the city’s illustrious past. From the serene waters of the Basilica Cistern to the grandeur of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, each historic site offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors are sure to be enchanted by the enchanting architecture, vibrant tiles, and timeless elegance that define this remarkable corner of the world.

You can check availability for your dates here: