Efficiently explore the major highlights of historical Istanbul with a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Skip the lines and gain insights into the rich history and fascinating architecture of these iconic attractions.
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Sultanahmet District - Meet your expert guide and join your small-group walking tour in the heart of Istanbul’s old town Sultanahmet to visit the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
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Basilica Cistern - Make the most of your time in Istanbul with a skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern. Explore the famous Basilica Cistern and travel back in time on a tour led by a local guide.
See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head. -
Hagia Sophia Mosque - Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other.
Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard. -
Topkapi Palace - Continue your journey to Topkapi Palace, and enter the museum with priority admission. Here you can explore the palace grounds, courtyards, and several exhibitions on a guided tour. Marvel at its opulence and mystery as you learn about this period in Istanbul’s history.
Later on, choose to visit the Harem at your leisure. Tour includes admission tickets for the Harem
- Topkapı Sarayı Harem Dairesi - At the end of our guided tour, choose to visit the Harem, at your own leisure with your included tickets.
- Headsets to hear the guide better
- Professional expert guide for insider’s knowledge
- Small group tour for 4 hours at a relaxed pace
- Pre-reserved tickets for the Harem
- Pre-reserved ticket for Hagia Sophia
- Pre-reserved tickets for the Basilica Cistern
- Pre-reserved tickets for Topkapi Palace
- Transport to the meeting spot
- Guided tour of the Harem inside Topkapi Palace
All tickets are included on this efficiently organized tour. Benefit from priority admission to museums, allowing you to skip the lines and make the most of your time. Explore the major highlights of historical Istanbul on a guided tour that takes you to the must-see attractions. With an expert guide, step inside the magnificent Hagia Sophia and gain insights into its rich history. Visit the Basilica Cistern where you can marvel at the unique upside-down Medusa heads. Stroll through the impressive Topkapi Palace and learn about the Ottomans.
- Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic. Give time to get to the meeting spot more than you may have planned
- You can choose to visit the Harem at your own leisure. Tickets are included
- Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with multiple sections open for visit. During our tour, we’ll visit the most magnificent masterpieces. However, if you wish to explore all sections at your leisure, we recommend allocating the afternoon to explore the rest of the Palace grounds.
- 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.
- All visitors must pass through airport-style security which may be long in high season and holidays.
- Expect long lines at the Hagia Sophia in high season and during holidays.
- If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
- Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- 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.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
