About this experience
Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern on a 3-hour guided tour. Explore in small groups with pre-reserved tickets included. Learn about Istanbul’s rich Ottoman and Byzantine history.
Highlights
- Uncover stories behind iconic Ottoman and Byzantine monuments in Istanbul.
- Benefit from pre-reserved admission tickets for a seamless entry at each site.
- Explore in a small-group setting for a more personal and engaging experience.
- Admire the Hagia Sophia’s blend of Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy.
- Discover Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern with an expert guide.
What's included
- Pre-reserved admission tickets to the Hagia Sophia
- Pre-reserved admission tickets to the Basilica Cistern
- 3 hrs guided tour of Istanbul's most iconic sites
- Guided tour of the Hagia Sophia
- Small-group tour for a more personal experience
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Headsets to hear the guide better
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Explore Istanbul’s historic center on a 3-hour guided tour to see its most iconic landmarks. Benefit from all included 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.
Terms & conditions
• Both men and women must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
• Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside for BOTH men and women.
• You will have to pass through airport-style security.
• Women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque. Bring it with you.
• 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.
• If Basilica Cistern is closed, we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).