Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets
New To The Site!
Istanbul, Turkey
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Enjoy included admission tickets for Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.
Visit two major highlights of Istanbul on a small-group tour led by an expert guide.
Explore the world-famous Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern with tickets.
Learn about the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to explore Istanbul.
Benefit from convenient pickup at Galata Port or meeting point in Sultanahmet.
What's Included
- Priority entry tickets for Hagia Sophia
- Priority entry tickets for Basilica Cistern
- Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
- 2 hours guided tour
- Headsets to hear the guide better
- Professional and local guide with a license
- Transport to the meeting spot
Meeting Location
Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Sultanahmet Square (Pass By)
Enjoy our priority admission with the tickets and join a 2-hour guided group tour in the heart of Istanbul’s old town Sultanahmet to see the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. Discover the history of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires with entry tickets.
Basilica Cistern
Follow your guide, and he will help you pass with priority tickets. Start your journey with the Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Subterranean Palace."
Discover its history, see the underground pillars, and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on wooden walkways over the water and view the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul.
Listen from your guide as you explore the interior, learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the stunning monument and its mixed elements mosque and a church coexisting side by side.
Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Discover how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was created, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Hippodrome
Walk the length of the Hippodrome and enjoy a scenic stroll around Sultanahmet as local life goes on around you. Ask about the obelisks that adorn the square.
Pause for a last glance at these two important monuments while you learn the significance of the Hippodrome to Istanbul during the Byzantine era.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Sultanahmet Square (Pass By)
Concluding in Sultanahmet Square, our tour leaves you equipped with ample knowledge and insights to navigate the enchanting streets of Istanbul independently. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of this historic city.
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
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
- If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
- Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during holidays.
- Basilica Cistern has 50 steps going down and then up. There is no lift.
- 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.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
- 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 women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- 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.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
- Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
- Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-51192P186
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets?
A:Apr 2025
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).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Priority entry tickets for Hagia Sophia.
- Priority entry tickets for Basilica Cistern.
- Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected).
- 2 hours guided tour.
- Headsets to hear the guide better.
- Professional and local guide with a license.
The following is NOT included:
- Transport to the meeting spot.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Priority entry tickets for Hagia Sophia
- Priority entry tickets for Basilica Cistern
- Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
- 2 hours guided tour
- Headsets to hear the guide better
- Professional and local guide with a license
- Transport to the meeting spot
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
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
- If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
- Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during holidays.
- Basilica Cistern has 50 steps going down and then up. There is no lift.
- 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.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
- 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 women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- 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.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
- Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
- Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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