Quick Details
Adult
(Ages 15 - 99)
€ 148
Child
(Ages 7 - 14)
€ 145
Infant
(Ages 0 - 6)
Not allowed
Private Tour
for 2 people
€ 992
Shore Excursion: Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour
Save your time in Istanbul with this expertly designed shore excursion, perfect for cruise guests. Upon your arrival at Galataport, your guide will welcome you and ensure a smooth start to your adventure. Instead of waiting in traffic, you’ll travel efficiently by tram, making your way to the historic Sultanahmet district—just a short and scenic ride away.
Your first stop is the Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel from the Byzantine era. With your pre-reserved tickets, you’ll avoid the lines and descend into the eerie, silent depths of the cistern. Marvel at the towering columns that rise from the water, and experience the haunting beauty of the Medusa heads—ancient relics that add a sense of mystery to this subterranean space.
Next, head to the Topkapi Palace, where you’ll discover the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. As you explore the palace’s expansive courtyards and gardens, you’ll learn about the sultans who once ruled from here. Admire the exquisite architecture and enjoy the stunning views over the Golden Horn. Your guide will also introduce you to the private world of the Harem, where history and intrigue unfold.
Finally, you will visit Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking monument that blends Christian and Islamic influences. With your skip-the-line entry, you’ll have the chance to explore this magnificent structure, marveling at its soaring domes, intricate mosaics, and towering minarets. Your guide will bring its rich history to life, sharing the fascinating transformations of this iconic building.
This tour offers the perfect balance of efficiency and exclusivity, allowing you to explore Istanbul’s greatest landmarks in a seamless, informative manner.
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- Starting Point: Galataport
- Sultanahmet District
- Basilica Cistern
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
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- Skip the lines and see Istanbul’s top sights: Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia—all in one seamless tour.
- Explore the treasures and the opulent halls of Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans.
- Descend into the Basilica Cistern, where ancient pillars and Medusa’s upside-down head.
- Visit Hagia Sophia, where you’ll see iconic mosaics and learn about its Byzantine and Ottoman history.
- Enjoy hassle-free pickup at Galataport and make the most of your limited time in Istanbul.
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- Pickup from Galata port (tram ride to Old Town)
- Entry tickets for Hagia Sophia
- Entry tickets for tickets for Basilica Cistern
- Entry tickets for tickets for Topkapi Palace & Harem
- Licensed tour guides
- Headsets to hear the guide bette
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- Transport to the meeting spot
- Guided tour of the Harem at Topkapi Palace ( you can choose to visit the Harem at your own leisure)
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- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
- This tour is not suitable for strollers.
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
- Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
- Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- 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 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.
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- This tour is exclusively for cruise ship passengers. Guests arriving in Istanbul by other means should consider our standard guided tours.
- Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during local holidays.
- Basilica Cistern has 50 steps going down and then up. There is no lift.
- Harem visit is not included in the guided tour but you can choose to visit at your leisure with your included tickets.
- Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with multiple sections open for visit. During our tour, we’ll visit the most magnificent masterpieces. However, if you wish to explore all sections at your leisure, we recommend allocating the afternoon to explore the rest of the Palace grounds.
- 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.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
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Once your ship docks at Galata port, make your way outside the terminal. 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.” Here is the Google Maps Link