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Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern skip lines tour

63 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 63 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey

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4 to 5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Skip the long lines to get inside the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cistern.

Tick most of the top sites of old Istanbul off your travel bucket list with our specialized small group tour.

It is a fully-guided tour inside Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Gulhane park, Orient express train station and Spice bazaar.

Along the way stop to hear the stories of the

Roman Hippodrome (including

Egyptian Obelisk, and

Serpent Column German Fountain ),

Million stone,

What's Included

  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Entry ticket to Basilica Cistern and priority to skip line
  • Entry to Blue mosque
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Lunch. Your guide will suggest you some local restaurants at the end of the tour for lunch.
  • Tipping to the guide
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

This tour will end with the included lunch near the spice bazaar.

What To Expect

Blue Mosque

This is a 17 century active mosque and the most visited one in Turkey. Original name is Sultanahmet mosque. Blue is the name give because of the blue tiles used inside. * it was closed due to renovation for last 6 years but it is open now since April 21st.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

This is the base of the Roman hippodrome which was built in 4 century AD for chariot races. The monuments survived to present are Egyptian obelisk ( 1500 BC ) Serpent column ( 5th century BC ) , Constantine column ( 10 century AD).
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

This is a water reservoir which looks like an underground palace. You will see what Roman has done for the water in 6th century AD.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

We visit this 6 century AD world heritage from inside. It is a unique building embrace two religion ( Islam and Christianity ) inside. You will see an unusual architecture, mosaics, chirography art, and your guide will give you information about its 1500 history, architecture and religion symbols.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi

We will have a tea/coffee break at this local cafe where the locals get socialize with tea and coffee drinking and smoking shisha/hookah. This was a former religious school until 1930s. Drinks are included to the tour price.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Grand Bazaar

We will visit the Grand bazaar from inside where your guide will give you some tips on shopping. Tour will end nearby where you can come back for shopping. Please note that, Grand bazaar is closed on Sundays so it will be substituted with Spice bazaar. Additionally, both bazaars are closed on religious festivals twice a year and in those days it will be substituted with Arasta bazaar.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Vezirhan Handmade Carpets & Klims

This a great way to see and learn how the handmade Turkish carpets are made. It is a shop suited in a 500 years old Caravanserai ( ancient hotel ). What makes this place different than others is that they are not pushy on selling, trustworthy on the carpets quality and shipping for those who buy. This is an optional activity at the end of the tour so only those who are interested will join.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Kids 5 and lower years old free of charge and need have their ID or passport to prof their age.
  • Ladies need to bring a scarf to cover their hair inside the blue mosque and Hagai Sofia
  • Please wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for both women and men

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern skip lines tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-68538P7

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.98
63 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 63 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
62
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
  • Entry ticket to Basilica Cistern and priority to skip line
  • Entry to Blue mosque
  • Entry tickets to Hagia Sofia and skip line
  • Profesional licensed English speaking guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Lunch. Your guide will suggest you some local restaurants at the end of the tour for lunch.
  • Tipping to the guide

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Kids age 6 + will be charged as adults
  • Kids 5 and lower years old free of charge and need have their ID or passport to prof their age.
  • Ladies need to bring a scarf to cover their hair inside the blue mosque and Hagai Sofia
  • Please wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for both women and men
  • Grand bazaar is close on Sundays, it will be substitute with Spice Bazaar
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Language & Country

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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