- World Heritage Center Hotel - Meet your guide in front of the World Heritage Center Hotel, Alemdar, Divanyolu Caddesi, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
- Complimentary private car transfers with hotel pickup and drop-off (select options)
- Expert 5-Star Licensed Guide fluent in your language
- Exclusive private tour of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and the Old City
- Free admission to Hagia Sophia Mosque with certain tour durations
- Priority access with skip-the-line tickets to Basilica Cistern
- Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in 2- and 3,5-hour options)
- Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 2- and 3-hour options)
Uncover the mysteries of the historic Basilica Cistern hidden beneath the soil of Istanbul’s Ancient City.
Choose from our variety of excellent tours designed to suit your preferences and curiosities:
2-hour: Basilica Cistern
Embark on a journey to the age-old Basilica Cistern to unravel Byzantine narratives and spectacles, and explore notable destinations of the Ancient City, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (exterior visit only).
3.5-hour: Basilica Cistern with Transport
Avail of a 1.5-hour return journey service and a 2-hour exclusive tour of the Basilica Cistern and the Ancient City featuring central attractions like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (exterior visit only).
3-hour: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia
Investigate the historical mysteries of the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia in order to learn about Byzantine tales and incidences, and view the sites of the Ancient City, including the Blue Mosque (exterior visit only).
4.5-hour: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia with Transport
Arrange for a 1.5-hour return transport service and a 3-hour unique tour of the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and the Ancient City.
- Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. Private car transfers and a guided tour of Hagia Sophia are not included in a 2-hour tour.
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Basilica Cistern allow you to enter faster without purchasing tickets on the spot, but you will have to wait in line for ticket validation and mandatory security checks.
- Hagia Sophia is a functioning mosque, so there are special rules for visitors with free admission. Women are not allowed outside the women’s and visitor area and some parts of the mosque are closed to non-Muslims during prayer hours. All visitors must undergo mandatory security checks and adhere to mosque etiquette, which includes a modest dress (head scarves for women only; covered shoulders and knees, no hats and shoes for men and women).
- For the convenience of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are more than 26 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
- The 3,5 and 5,5-hour options include an estimated 1,5-hour transfer time between the meeting point and the accommodation address provided when booking. Please note that the transfer time quoted is for information purposes only and may take longer or shorter depending on the distance and traffic.
- We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van or minibus for groups of 5 people and more. If you’re traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
