Quick Details
Adult
(Ages 15 - 99)
€ 84
Child
(Ages 7 - 14)
€ 79
Infant
(Ages 0 - 6)
Not allowed
Private
Base price for 2 people
€ 424
Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tour with Entry Tickets
Explore Istanbul’s historic center on a 3-hour guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Benefit from pre-reserved admission tickets to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Enjoy a smooth and personal experience in a small-group setting led by an expert guide.
Begin your journey at the stunning Blue Mosque, renowned for its exquisite İznik blue tiles and elegant domes. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I, this imperial mosque stands as a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Your expert guide will share captivating stories of its construction and significance while you admire its grand interior and peaceful courtyard views.
Continue with a stroll through the Hippodrome, once the vibrant center of Byzantine civic life. Uncover the meanings behind its ancient monuments, including the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the charming German Fountain, a symbol of late Ottoman–German friendship gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II.
With pre-reserved tickets, step inside the majestic Hagia Sophia. Originally a Greek Orthodox cathedral and later an imperial mosque, this architectural wonder blends Christian mosaics with Islamic calligraphy under its awe-inspiring central dome, one of the largest of its time. Admire famous mosaics like the Deesis Mosaic, the Imperial Gate Mosaic, and the enchanting image of the Virgin Mary with Child, each telling stories of faith, power, and artistry across centuries.
Finally, descend into the enchanting depths of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir built during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Marvel at its forest of marble columns, mysterious Medusa heads, and the magical ambiance of one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric sites.
Ending in Sultanahmet Square, your guide will leave you full of insights and local tips to continue exploring Istanbul’s historic heart with confidence.
-
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Basilica Cistern
- Hippodrome
- Sultanahmet Square
-
- Visit Istanbul’s top landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern.
- Join a 3-hour guided walking tour led by a licensed and knowledgeable guide.
- Benefit from pre-reserved admission tickets for a seamless entry at each site.
- Enjoy a guided small-group tour designed for a deeper, more personal experience.
- Discover both Ottoman and Byzantine heritage at Istanbul’s most iconic sites.
- Use personal audio headsets to hear your guide clearly throughout the tour.
-
- Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia
- Pre-reserved tickets for Basilica Cistern
- Guided visits to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern
- Small-group tour for a more personal experience
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Headsets to hear the guide better
-
- Transport to or from the meeting spot
-
- 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.
- Sites 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.
- 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.
- Skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
- Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
-
- Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during local holidays.
- 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.
-
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.”