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Istanbul Highlights: Hagia Sophia,Basilica Cistern & Turkish Rugs

16 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 16 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Istanbul, Turkey
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from $99.99 per group

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

• Private Guiding & Skip-the-Line – Enter Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern without waiting and explore with your own expert guide.
• History & Culture – Learn about Istanbul, Türkiye, and the secrets of its most iconic monuments.
• Carpet Artistry – Discover how authentic Turkish rugs are handwoven by skilled women, with traditional symbols that carry centuries of meaning.
• Thousands of Choices – From kilims to carpets, you’ll find thousands of unique designs for every taste, every room, and every budget.
• Take Home Istanbul – Choose the perfect piece and either carry it yourself or enjoy our worldwide shipping service.
• Quality & Legacy – Each rug is authentic, timeless, and valuable — both as heritage and as an investment.

What's Included

  • Complimentary beverages
  • SKİP the Ticket Line
  • Licensed Tour Guide
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket
  • Gratuities are not included in the tour price and are at the guest’s discretion
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Cankurtaran
Ayasofya Meydanı No:, 3412Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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

End point

Binbirdirek
At Meydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

German Fountain (in Sultanahmet Square) A gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II to Sultan Abdulhamid II, the German Fountain was inaugurated in 1901 and symbolizes the friendship between the Ottoman Empire and Germany.

What To Expect

Hagia Sophia

Dress Code: Women: Cover head with a scarf; shoulders and knees must be covered; no sleeveless tops or short skirts. -Men: Shoulders and knees must be covered; no tank tops or short shorts. ATTENTION ⚠️: - Each person must pay €25 euro in cash for the Hagia Sophia ticket to the guide at the beginning of the tour. - Tickets are not included in the tour you purchased. - We will completely skip the ticket line; however, there might be , short wait at the security check at the entrance.” - ATTENTION ⚠️ = Hagia Sophia is free of charge for children under the age of 7. However, to receive a free ticket, it is mandatory to present a valid ID or passport for each child. Please make sure to bring your children’s identification documents with you. - Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. - ATTENTION ! stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most enchanting landmarks, invites you to step into a mysterious underground world filled with grand columns and legendary stories. With this tour, guests can skip the ticket line, enjoy a guided visit with a private expert, and learn the exclusive history and hidden secrets of this remarkable site.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cinar rugs - Istanbul (Hand Made Turkish Carpets)

ÇINAR RUGS ( OPTIONAL )Visit a 90-year-old, award-winning carpet house, where authentic Turkish rugs are still handwoven with traditional methods.” • “Unlike tourist traps, here you’ll discover genuine craftsmanship and heritage passed down through generations.” • “If you choose to buy, you’ll know it comes from a trusted, local master weaver.”Step into the enchanting world of Çınar Rugs, where centuries of tradition meet exquisite craftsmanship. Renowned for producing some of Turkey’s finest handwoven carpets, Çınar offers visitors the chance to witness the artistry behind each piece—vivid colors, intricate patterns, and timeless designs that reflect Anatolia’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re simply exploring or searching for a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home, a visit to Çınar Rugs is more than shopping—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Turkish culture and artistry.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Highlights: Hagia Sophia,Basilica Cistern & Turkish Rugs?

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.

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Activity code: C-165880P8

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Reviews

5.00
16 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 16 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
16
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

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 Highlights: Hagia Sophia,Basilica Cistern & Turkish Rugs?
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.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Complimentary beverages.
  • SKİP the Ticket Line.
  • Licensed Tour Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket.
  • Gratuities are not included in the tour price and are at the guest’s discretion.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. 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:

Accessibility information for the Istanbul Highlights: Hagia Sophia,Basilica Cistern & Turkish Rugs is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
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 Highlights: Hagia Sophia,Basilica Cistern & Turkish Rugs 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 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Complimentary beverages
  • SKİP the Ticket Line
  • Licensed Tour Guide
  • Hagia Sophia Mosque Ticket
  • Gratuities are not included in the tour price and are at the guest’s discretion

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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Free Cancellation

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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 good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • 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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