Istanbul: Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Cruise, & Hagia Sophia

Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, the Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Cruise, and Hagia Sophia, offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural wonder. Descending into the mysterious underground cistern’s serene ambiance, visitors are transported to a bygone era. Gliding along the Bosphorus, one experiences the city’s stunning waterfront. And the Hagia Sophia, a testament to Byzantine artistry, leaves onlookers in awe. Exploring these sites provides a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich tapestry, inviting travelers to uncover more of its enchanting secrets.

Key Points

• The Basilica Cistern is a captivating Byzantine engineering marvel with hundreds of stone columns and Medusa head carvings creating a serene, underwater atmosphere.
• The Bosphorus Cruise provides a tranquil, open-air journey along the strait that divides Europe and Asia, offering scenic views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline and natural beauty.
• The Hagia Sophia is a magnificent Byzantine masterpiece completed in 537 AD, showcasing a blend of architectural styles and serving as the centerpiece of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1,000 years.
• The Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, adorned with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and intricate calligraphic panels, representing Istanbul’s remarkable Islamic heritage.
• The tour includes an English-speaking guide with a high rating, optional hotel pickup, and a flexible cancellation policy, making it a convenient and engaging way to explore Istanbul’s top sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Tour Highlights is a day-long excursion priced from Kč 1,218 per person.

It runs for 8 hours with an optional hotel pickup from central Istanbul neighborhoods. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 91 reviews.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour includes visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and a cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill, followed by a scenic Bosphorus Cruise.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for the tour’s activities.

Exploring the Blue Mosque

One of the tour’s highlights is the guided visit to the iconic Blue Mosque, where visitors can admire the stunning 20,000 blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior.

Guests will be captivated by:

• The mosque’s magnificent domed architecture, a masterpiece of Ottoman design.

• The intricate calligraphic panels that showcase the beauty of Islamic art.

• The tranquil atmosphere, as the guide shares the mosque’s rich history and cultural significance.

The Blue Mosque experience offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s remarkable Islamic heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

The Hagia Sophia: A Magnificent Byzantine Masterpiece

As a magnificent Byzantine masterpiece, the Hagia Sophia captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring architecture and rich history. Originally built in the 6th century as an Orthodox Christian cathedral, this architectural wonder has since served as a mosque and now functions as a museum. Visitors can marvel at its grand interior, including the stunning mosaics and the iconic Byzantine dome. The Hagia Sophia is a true testament to the city’s diverse cultural heritage.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Construction | Completed in 537 AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I |

| Architecture | Blend of Byzantine, Roman, and Islamic styles |

| Size | One of the largest religious structures in the world |

| Significance | Served as the centerpiece of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1,000 years |

| Current Status | Museum open to the public since 1935 |

Descending Into the Basilica Cistern

Descending the steps into the Basilica Cistern, visitors are immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of this subterranean marvel.

The cavernous underground chamber features:

The cavernous underground chamber features hundreds of stone columns supporting the ceiling, some with intricate Medusa head carvings at their bases.

• Hundreds of stone columns supporting the ceiling, some with intricate Medusa head carvings at their bases.

• Reflection of the ceiling and columns in the still, shallow water below, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.

• A serene, peaceful atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling streets above.

Exploring this ancient Byzantine engineering feat is a captivating and unforgettable experience, transporting visitors back in time to the heart of Istanbul’s rich history.

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Taking in the Grand Bazaar

After exploring the serene Basilica Cistern, visitors step into the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.

This iconic covered market, the largest in the world, is a maze of lanes lined with thousands of shops selling everything from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics.

Visitors can wander and haggle with friendly vendors, seeing the bustling energy.

The sheer scale and variety of the Grand Bazaar make it a highlight of any Istanbul itinerary, offering a truly immersive cultural experience amidst the city’s historic sights.

Taking the Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill

Leaving the bustle of the Grand Bazaar behind, the tour group eagerly makes its way to the cable car station for the ascent to Pierre Loti Hill.

The scenic cable car ride offers stunning panoramic views:

• Sweeping vistas of the Golden Horn, the natural harbor separating the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

• The iconic silhouette of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in the distance.

• A bird’s-eye perspective of the winding streets and historic neighborhoods below.

Reaching the hilltop, the group takes in the tranquil atmosphere and photo-worthy perspectives of Istanbul’s skyline.

Cruising Along the Bosphorus

The tour next takes participants on a scenic Bosphorus cruise, offering a unique perspective on Istanbul’s iconic skyline. Gliding along the strait that divides Europe and Asia, travelers admire the grand Ottoman palaces, opulent mansions, and historic fortresses lining the shores. The cruise also provides views of the Maiden’s Tower, an Ottoman-era lighthouse, and the city’s bridges connecting its two sides. This tranquil, open-air journey allows guests to appreciate Istanbul’s natural beauty and rich history from the water.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Duration | Approximately 1 hour |

| Viewpoints | Ottoman palaces, mansions, fortresses, Maiden’s Tower, bridges |

| Perspective | Divide between Europe and Asia |

| Atmosphere | Tranquil, open-air, scenic |

| Highlights | Capturing Istanbul’s iconic skyline and natural beauty |

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The tour provides headscarves for women at the Blue Mosque, so you don’t need to bring your own. Just dress modestly with long pants and long-sleeved shirts for the sacred sites visited on the tour.

Is the Tour Available on Religious Holidays?

The tour is not available on religious holidays in Istanbul when the Grand Bazaar is closed. However, the tour operator provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if the tour date falls on a holiday.

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour does not include lunch, but participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring snacks as there may be opportunities to grab a bite during free time at the Grand Bazaar.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it’s an 8-hour guided experience, so the group size is likely small enough to provide an intimate and personalized tour for participants.

Are Any COVID-19 Protocols in Place During the Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t mention any specific COVID-19 protocols, but travelers should check local requirements and bring necessary protective gear. Operators may adjust policies based on the latest health guidelines.

The Sum Up

In Istanbul, visitors can enjoy the city’s captivating past by exploring the Basilica Cistern’s mysterious atmosphere, witnessing the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, and embarking on a serene Bosphorus Cruise. This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to discover Istanbul’s rich heritage and cultural treasures, leaving lasting memories of the city’s enchanting blend of history and modernity.

You can check availability for your dates here: