Istanbul: Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar with Live Guide

A walking tour to explore Istanbul's magic and the lively energy of its bustling bazaars!
Discover the enchanting wonders of Istanbul during this expertly guided walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural marvels as you visit iconic landmarks such as Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Tour Timings

Duration: 03 Hours
Open: The tour starts at approximately 09:00 a.m. & ends around 12:30 p.m.

Itinerary
  • Explore Basilica Cistern with Guide & Priority admission & skip the line ticket
  • Explore the rich history and significance of Istanbul at the Hagia Sophia. 
  • Admire the Blue Mosque's exquisite handmade blue Iznik tiles and six majestic minarets.
  • Immerse in the lively ambiance of the Grand Bazaar as you meander through its bustling stalls. 
  • Stroll through the historic Hippodrome, once a hub of culture, sport, and politics. 
  • Take in the sights of the German Fountain, Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.
Find your guide at the meeting point or enjoy the convenience of being picked up from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul. Sit back and relax in an airconditioned coach with plenty of space on your way to the departure point.

Visit the Blue Mosque to admire its 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles and its 6 towering minarets. Find out how it was built for Sultan Ahmet I and how it was the last great mosque of the Classical period.

Make your way to the sporting and social center of ancient Constantinople at the Hippodrome. View the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Column of Constantine.

Stop in front of Hagia Sophia. Learn about this 6th century building that was constructed by the emperor Justinian as a Greek Orthodox Church. Hear about how the Hagia Sophia has transformed over time and how it was the largest church in the world for 1000 years.   Continue to the Basilica Cistern, avoid the hassle of waiting in lengthy ticket lines and uncover the wonders of the Basilica Cistern beneath the enchanting streets of Istanbul.

Immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of this subterranean marvel as you stroll through its intriguing chambers, marveling at the impressive architecture and encountering the legendary Medusa heads from Greek mythology.   Indulge in a shopping for memorable gifts at the store we'll visit prior to reaching the Grand Bazaar. Take as stroll through the Grand Covered Bazaar, the oldest and biggest covered market in the world. Get lost in 65 streets with more than 4000 shops.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

  • Hotel pickup (if option selected)
  • Local guide
  • Local taxes
  • Blue Mosque visit

Exclusions:

  • Basilica Cistern entry ticket (800TL cash, per person)
  • Entry to Hagia Sophia
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
  • Hotel Drop Off

Ticket Information

Tour without pick up:

  • Adults: 08 - 99      €24.75
  • Children: 04 – 07    €19.62
  • Infant: 00 - 03 free

Group organization & language:
 English

Meeting Point: 
In front of Buhara 93 Restaurant

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Nakilbent Sk. 15/A, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul

Pin Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdv6fwCrgM2i7BcU8

Tour with Pick up:


  • Adults: 08 - 99      €33.75
  • Children: 04 – 07    €25.62
  • Infant: 00 - 03 free

Accessibility:

  • Stroller accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Near public transportation

Hotel Pick Up

  • Pick-up from hotels (If option selected) in the Sisli, Osmanbey, Harbiye, Taksim, Findikli, Karakoy, Tepebasi, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Kadirga, Beyazit, Laleli, Aksaray, Yenikapi, Findikzade, Topkapi areas
  • This is a shared transfer and pick up could be early or late. 
  • For each hotel there is a fixed pick-up time.
  • Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
  • Once the booking is confirmed, we will notify the customer for the pick-up time.
  • Shared transfer with Minibus or Midibus.
Important Things to know before you visit

  • Operated all year round except on Friday.
  • Please dress appropriately when entering sacred sites.
  • Participants are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt. 
  • Please bring a scarf to cover head.
  • You will be notified of your pick-up time after we have received your booking.
  • The Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays.
  • Since January 2024, the Hagia Sophia Mosque main Saloon is closed for the visit of tourists. After the tour is over, you can visit mosque for an additional fee of 25 Euros. 
  • You will be granted the privilege to bypass the ticket line after paying your entrance fee to your guide in Turkish Lira and cash
Mon 19 Feb - Mon 30 Dec
Price from
20.00 EUR
Find Tickets

Location

Buhara 93 Restaurant

Sultan Ahmet, Nakilbent Sk. 15/A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

View directions in map

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