Tours/Istanbul/Top Sites Of Istanbul Tour In Small Group - Skipping Ticket Lines
Viator · group up to 15 pax

Top Sites Of Istanbul Tour In Small Group - Skipping Ticket Lines

4.9(129)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR5.0(3)TRIPADVISOR4.9(126)

Description

This is a fantastic small-group tour that allows you to explore the most popular sites in the Old Town, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern, all while skipping the ticket lines. Your official tour guide will take you inside each site, sharing detailed information so you can truly appreciate their beauty and significance. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a Turkish tea or coffee. For a more tailored experience, you can choose the private tour option. Please note that entry fees are not included in the tour price. We will purchase the tickets in advance to skip the lines, and we kindly ask that you have the required amount in cash to give to your guide. You can pay in Euros, USD, or Turkish Liras.

Tour Options

Private Tour Option
  • Private Tour for your group
Small Group up to 12 people
  • Small Group

Itinerary

Admission not included30 min

The Hagia Sophia was once the principal church for all Christians, and after the division in Christianity, it became the leading church for the Orthodox community. Following the conquest of Istanbul by the Turks, it was transformed into a mosque. Your guide will take you inside and provide in-depth information to help you appreciate its beauty even more. Please note that the entry fee is 25 Euros per person, and we will purchase the tickets for you to skip the line. Kindly have the amount ready in cash. starting 15th January 2024, Hagia Sophia entrance fee will be 25 Euros apply all foreginers.

Admission not included25 min

We're going to explore the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water storage system designed to withstand long sieges. With its vast size and 336 columns, it's often referred to as the 'Underground Palace.' It's not only a remarkable historical site but also offers a unique and fascinating experience beneath the streets of Istanbul." Please note that the entry fee is 1500 TL per person, and we will purchase the tickets for you to skip the line. Kindly have the amount ready in cash.

Pass by

We will visit the world-renowned Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Its stunning blue tiles and vibrant ceiling give it the nickname "Blue Mosque." Inside, your guide will explain Islam while you explore the breathtaking beauty of this architectural masterpiece.

Pass by

We will see the German fountain and understand the historical connection Turks with Germany

15 min

At a point during the tour, your guide will choose a stop where you can enjoy a complimentary Turkish coffee or tea.

15 min

We will smell the spices, see secret streets of Grand Bazaar.

Highlights

Tea or Turkish Coffee.
Skip the line at the ticket gate of Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Licensed Guiding Service

What's included

Included
Tea or Turkish Coffee.
Skip the line at the ticket gate of Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
Licensed Guiding Service
Not included
Foods and drinks are not listed inclusion part.
Gratuities to the guide
Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia entrance fee

Traveller Ratings

4.9
129 reviews
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121
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Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note that the entry fee for the Basilica Cistern is 900 TL per person, and 25 Euros for Hagia Sophia. You can pay your guide in cash, either in TL, USD, or Euros, so they can purchase your tickets without any delay.

Reviews(129)

G
Guitschi
May 10, 2026
Beautiful Istanbul tour

Wonderfully informative, fun and nice tour. I couldn't have imagined better. info about culture, religion and Turkish life in general. We really liked it.

C
craigbU6303BN
February 13, 2026
A great day in instabul

Yunus was fantastic and very informative.

T
TrebleKat24
September 30, 2025
Informative, and awesome Orientation for Sultanhamet!

Muhammad was very knowledgeable and thoughtful. We enjoyed learning the turbulent history of Constantinople and how it became the melting pot we now know as Istanbul. Not only was the tour a great history lesson, he provided us with great insights on what to avoid as tourists. Seeing the grand bazaar in full action was a plus and he gave some great pointers for bartering/shopping.

R
R9322UWronh
September 16, 2025
Great information and fun. I really needed to get the background of this city

This tour did not disappoint. Very fun and informative. A great start to our visit. Our guide was very professional and informative.

K
Kristi_V
June 7, 2025
Ozge was a great guide!...

Ozge was a great guide! She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with all of our questions. I would highly recommend!

8
860rawane
May 23, 2025
Amazing! Definitely recommend

The tour guide was soo friendly and so informative!!!! All the inside information /local knowledge, would def recommend to anyone especially on their first day in Istanbul to learn about the history and get tips for the rest of their trip

L
laheebk
May 13, 2025
Great experience and learned a bunch about history!

Our tour guide Jumali was very entertaining and professional. Tour was organized and followed the description. We really enjoyed the tea/ coffee time as well. We didn’t wait in line visiting the places. He answered a lot of our questions related to the history of places and any suggestion on food places. I strongly recommend him. You won’t regret it! Thanks Jumali and God bless you!

M
myh58350
May 9, 2025
Great tour with a kind and knowledgeable guide.

Mohammed was an amazing tour guide. He is very knowledgeable about history, and conveys it well. He speaks perfect English so that wasn't a problem. We really enjoyed having a great guide.

E
E2163UCstephanieb
April 17, 2025
Great historical tour

Had a fantastic tour, hitting up the major historical sites. It was really nice to get a debrief of the history of Istanbul and some of the cultural context before launching into the tour itself. Felt really well taken care of, and skipping the line makes it so much easier on busy days.

M
Missmariaulsk
February 1, 2025
Amazing

I really enjoyed a walking tour with Yunus. He was knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend to start your journey with this walking tour in order to know more about Istanbul.

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