Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tour With Tickets

Istanbul is a captivating city steeped in history, and this tour offers an immersive experience exploring two of its most iconic landmarks. Visitors can step back in time and discover the architectural wonders of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, learning about their fascinating pasts from expert guides. With skip-the-line access and flexible booking options, this tour provides a seamless and hassle-free way to uncover the rich cultural heritage of this dynamic metropolis. The journey promises to be both enlightening and memorable for those eager to delve deeper into Istanbul’s storied past.

Key Points

• This tour provides guided access to the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, with skip-the-line tickets included.
• The tour duration is 2-2.5 hours and is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
• Guests will learn about the Byzantine engineering and historical significance of these architectural marvels from a licensed professional guide.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Certain attire and prohibited items should be considered, and arrival 15 minutes early is recommended due to timed entry.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Istanbul tour offers visitors a chance to explore two of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.

Priced from $115.58 per person, the 2-2.5 hour experience is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized exploration.

Guided in English, the tour includes skip-the-line tickets and insights into the city’s Ottoman and Byzantine history.

Travelers can choose to start at Galataport Clock Tower Square or Sultanahmet Square.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at either the Galataport Clock Tower Square or Sultanahmet Square, providing participants with convenient starting points.

The first stop is the Basilica Cistern, where the guide leads a 45-minute tour, sharing insights into the Byzantine engineering and history.

The guide leads a 45-minute tour of the Basilica Cistern, sharing insights into its Byzantine engineering and history.

Next, the group visits the iconic Hagia Sophia for a 1-hour guided tour, exploring its architectural grandeur and learning about its significance as an important Ottoman and Byzantine landmark.

The tour concludes with a 15-minute guided walk through Sultanahmet Square, allowing participants to further appreciate the rich history and culture of Istanbul.

Key Stops

The tour begins with a visit to the Basilica Cistern, where the guide leads a 45-minute tour, sharing insights into the Byzantine engineering and history.

Next, the group explores the iconic Hagia Sophia, once a cathedral and now a museum, for an hour-long guided tour. Guests learn about the architectural marvels and the structure’s rich past as both a Christian church and an Ottoman mosque.

Finally, the tour concludes with a 15-minute guided walk through Sultanahmet Square, allowing visitors to appreciate the area’s historical significance.

Highlights

One of the main highlights of this tour is the opportunity to skip the long lines and gain priority admission to both the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.

This allows visitors to maximize their time and delve deeper into the insights of Ottoman and Byzantine history provided by the licensed professional guide.

The guided tours at each site, lasting approximately 1 hour at Hagia Sophia and 45 minutes at the Basilica Cistern, offer invaluable perspectives on these remarkable landmarks.

Guests also receive headsets to enhance their audio experience and ensure they don’t miss a word from the knowledgeable guide.

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Tour Features

This tour offers a range of convenient features to enhance the visitor experience. Visitors receive priority admission tickets, granting them skip-the-line access to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. A licensed professional guide leads the tour, providing insights into the sites’ Ottoman and Byzantine histories. Headsets are provided to ensure clear audio. Cruise guests can also enjoy a tram ride from Galata port to the starting point. However, the tour is not suitable for children under 7, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users. Specific dress code requirements must also be observed.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Priority admission tickets | Tips/gratuities for the guide |

| Licensed professional guide | |

| Headsets for better audio | |

| Tram ride from Galata port for cruise guests | |

Inclusions

This tour includes a range of thoughtful features to enhance the visitor experience.

Guests receive priority admission tickets, skipping the long queues at both the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. A licensed professional guide leads the group, providing insights into the sites’ Ottoman and Byzantine history.

Priority admission, no queues. Expert guide shares insights on Ottoman and Byzantine history at the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern.

Headsets ensure clear audio throughout the tours. For cruise ship passengers, a tram ride from Galata port is included.

The only exclusions are tips and gratuities for the guide. With these convenient inclusions, visitors can make the most of their time exploring these iconic Istanbul landmarks.

Exclusions

While the tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities, there are a few key exclusions to note.

The price doesn’t cover tips or gratuities for the guide. Visitors should plan to provide these at their discretion.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Certain clothing items, like shorts and sleeveless shirts, are also prohibited at the sites.

Finally, visitors should arrive 15 minutes early due to timed entry, as security checks can be lengthy during peak seasons, and site closures are possible due to state visits.

Important Information

Visitors should arrive 15 minutes early due to timed entry, as security checks may be lengthy during peak seasons.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Women must wear headscarves in the mosque, and both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees.

Prohibited items include shorts, sleeveless shirts, weapons, and baby strollers.

Visitors should also be aware that sites may be closed due to state visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Tickets Separately for Each Site?

Yes, you can purchase tickets separately for each site. However, the tour offers skip-the-line tickets, which can save time and provide a more seamless experience compared to buying them individually.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern?

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. However, visitors should refrain from using flash photography and tripods, which may be prohibited. Some areas or exhibits may have additional restrictions on photography.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old. Participants must also follow a dress code, covering shoulders and knees, and women are required to wear headscarves in the mosque.

Can I Request a Private or Semi-Private Tour Option?

Yes, the tour company offers a private tour option for those who prefer a more personalized experience. Semi-private tours with smaller group sizes are also available upon request, subject to availability and additional fees.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include any additional fees or taxes. The only expenses not covered are tips/gratuities for the guide. The cost of admission tickets and transportation are included in the listed tour price.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a captivating window into Istanbul’s rich Byzantine heritage. Visitors can skip the lines and explore the architectural marvels of the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, accompanied by an expert guide who provides insightful commentary. With priority admission, headsets, and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour ensures a hassle-free experience to take in the city’s remarkable history and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: