P
Good tour and guide. The Basilica Cistern was a highlight.
We had a great tour with Beyhan. She explained things well and the tour was well-paced. The Basilica Cistern was a highlight.
Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern- Grand Bazaar
+23 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
- Price from
- $57 / person
- Location
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 195 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 12
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- My Local Guide lstanbul
- Meeting point
- Travel to the Sultanahmet Tram Station. From the tram station walk down the hill on the right side of the road toward to the little mosque Firuz ağa . Take the first right onto the Hippodrome ( square ). You will see the green domed fountain in front of you.
Description
Skip the long lines to get inside the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cistern. Att! Tickets provided but are extra to be paid to the guide while on tour. Please check the exclusions for the ticket prices. Tick most of the top sites of old Istanbul off your travel bucket list with our specialized small group tour. It is a fully-guided tour inside Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome and Grand bazar. ( on Sundays Grand bazaar is closed it will be substituted with Spice bazaar). Along the way stop to hear the stories of the Roman Hippodrome (including Egyptian Obelisk, and Serpent Column German Fountain ), Million stone,
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM
- Next available
- Sun, Oct 11
- Adult (ages 6–95)
- $57
- Child (ages 0–5)
- Free
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $69.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Blue Mosque
This is a 17 century active mosque and the most visited one in Turkey. Original name is Sultanahmet mosque. Blue is the name give because of the blue tiles used inside. * it was closed due to renovation for last 6 years but it is open now since April 21st.
Hippodrome
This is the base of the Roman hippodrome which was built in 4 century AD for chariot races. The monuments survived to present are Egyptian obelisk ( 1500 BC ) Serpent column ( 5th century BC ) , Constantine column ( 10 century AD).
Basilica Cistern
This is a water reservoir which looks like an underground palace. Basilica Cistern one of the most impressive example of Roman architecture. Don't miss to walk to the end to see the gigantic Medusa heads turned upside down.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
We visit this 6 century AD world heritage from inside. It is a unique building embrace two religion ( Islam and Christianity ) inside. You will see an unusual architecture, mosaics, chirography art, and your guide will give you information about its 1500 history, architecture and religion symbols.
Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
We will have a tea/coffee break at this local cafe where the locals get socialize with tea and coffee drinking and smoking shisha/hookah. This was a former religious school until 1930s. Drinks are included to the tour price.
Grand Bazaar
We will visit the Grand bazaar from inside where your guide will give you some tips on shopping. Tour will end nearby where you can come back for shopping. Please note that, Grand bazaar is closed on Sundays so it will be substituted with Spice bazaar. Additionally, both bazaars are closed on religious festivals twice a year and in those days it will be substituted with Arasta bazaar.
Vezirhan Handmade Carpets & Klims
This a great way to see and learn how the handmade Turkish carpets are made. It is a shop suited in a 500 years old Caravanserai ( ancient hotel ). What makes this place different than others is that they are not pushy on selling, trustworthy on the carpets quality and shipping for those who buy. This is an optional activity at the end of the tour so only those who are interested will join.
What's included
Included
Profesional licensed English speaking guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Guiding inside the sites
Not included
Tickets will be provided in advance and there won't be time wasting in ticket lines
Lunch. Your guide will suggest you some local restaurants at the end of the tour for lunch.
Hotel pick up ( optional ). Please contact us if you need a pick up. +905342005565
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
195 reviews
How it compares in Istanbul
- Starting price $57 is close to the typical $57 for tours of similar length in Istanbul
Excurgo comparison of 3,625 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kids age 6 + will be charged as adults
- Kids 5 and lower years old free of charge and need have their ID or passport to prof their age.
- Ladies need to bring a scarf to cover their hair while inside the Blue mosque and Hagai Sofia
- Please wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for both women and men
- Grand bazaar is close on Sundays, it will be substitute with Spice Bazaar
- Grand Bazaar and Spice bazaars are closed on religious days, it will be substituted with Arasta Bazaar
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern- Grand Bazaar lasts about 3–4 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $57 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $69. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 0–5 pay nothing, adults from $57.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Travel to the Sultanahmet Tram Station. From the tram station walk down the hill on the right side of the road toward to the little mosque Firuz ağa . Take the first right onto the Hippodrome ( square ). You will see the green domed fountain in front of you. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Kids age 6 + will be charged as adults Kids 5 and lower years old free of charge and need have their ID or passport to prof their age.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 195 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by My Local Guide lstanbul.
Reviews(195)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
J
Omer tour
Omer was a brilliant guide, very knowledgable, happy to answer all our questions but also not overwhelm is with information. His recommendations for things to do have been excellent. We would highly recommend this tour!
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted Ömer struck the right balance of information and conversation, and that his recommendations helped you enjoy more of Istanbul. We’ll happily share your kind words with him. Thank you for recommending the tour!
C
The ancient world comes alive.
There is so much to see and learn on this amazing tour. Our guide Beyhan’s pride and wonder in these places, even though she has seen them many times, brought old stories to life and ignited curiosity in new ones that she passed on. The spectacle of all the sites is something I will never forget. A great tour.
Operator response
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted Beyhan’s enthusiasm brought the stories behind these places to life and sparked your curiosity. It’s wonderful to hear the sights left such a lasting impression. We’ll gladly share your kind words with her!
M
Fantastic tour!
His tour was absolutely 5 stars, Binnur is an amazing guide and the entire tour she was speaking about the history of Turkey and what each monument means and where we were. This tour is great value for money.
Operator response
His tour was absolutely 5 stars, Binnur is an amazing guide and the entire tour she was speaking about the history of Turkey and what each monument means and where we were. This tour is great value for mone
M
Great guide Bahyan and super tour!
Our guide, Bahyan, was amazing!! So much knowledge and such a lovely way to communicate and to teach us all the history! The group size was just perfect (9 pax) and a perfect stop at a local coffeehouse where she invited us for coffee/tea and we could spend some time talking with the rest of our group. The tour finished at the gran Bazar, where Bahyan stayed with us for extra time to give us some ideas and advice about shops and food. Great tour and great guide! I would really recommend it!!💝
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted you enjoyed Beyhan’s storytelling, the small group and the chance to chat over coffee and tea. It’s wonderful to hear her extra tips at the Grand Bazaar made your visit even better. Thank you for recommending the tour—we’ll gladly share your kind words with her!
R
Loved the Small Group Experience
Beyhan was a very kind and informative guide for our group of nine visitors. The sights on this tour are the most popular in Istanbul and quite close together. It was a Saturday morning and very crowded. However, Beyhan did an excellent job of keeping us from getting lost while also allowing us freedom to roam a bit. I think the cistern was the most interesting site for my spouse and me. However, the Sultanahmet (Blue) mosque was also impressive. We also appreciated that we were allowed to opt out of the Hagia Sophia as it is under heavy renovation. I really valued that this was a small, intimate group and just a much better experience than the 20 and more - sized groups coming off buses and cruise ships.
Operator response
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re glad Beyhan helped you navigate the Saturday crowds while giving you time to explore. It’s lovely to hear you appreciated the small group and flexibility, and especially enjoyed the Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque. We’ll happily share your kind words with her!
M
Great tour and Great guide
Beyhan was an excellent guide for this tour. It was a small tour with only 6 of us which made it more personal. She really knew her history and was very informative as well as friendly. I would highly recommend this tour and if you get Beyhan then you will have an amazing tour guide and experience
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re glad the group of six made your tour feel more personal and that you enjoyed Beyhan’s knowledge and friendly approach. We’ll happily share your kind words with her. Thank you for recommending the tour!
P
Excellent Guide - fascinating history
Omer was a charming and knowledgeable guide who told us so much about this fascinating city that we would never have found out for ourselves. His in depth relaying of the history of the city was absorbing and we very much enjoyed the trip to the ancient coffee shop!
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted that Ömer’s knowledge and storytelling brought Istanbul’s history to life for you. It’s wonderful to hear that the historic coffee shop was a highlight, too—a special place to pause and enjoy the city’s atmosphere. We’ll happily share your kind words with Ömer and hope to welcome you back to Istanbul
R
Good tour
Good tour. Saw all the major sites of the area. I recommend. The underground cistern was fascinating and beautiful.
Operator response
Thank you for your recommendation! We’re glad you enjoyed exploring Istanbul’s historic sights with us. The Basilica Cistern’s beauty and atmosphere make it a memorable highlight, and we’re happy you found it fascinating. We hope to welcome you back to Istanbul!
C
Excellent tour
Beyhan was an amazing and knowledge tour guide! She brought us around the famous sites as well as some her favourite spots for snacks and a tea break. It was an authentic experience and very well paced!
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted that Beyhan made your tour feel authentic and well paced, combining Istanbul’s famous sights with her favorite spots for snacks and tea. We’ll gladly pass your kind words on to her. We hope to welcome you back for more local discoveries!
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern- Grand Bazaar | 3–4 hours | 4.9 (195) | $57 | |
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 Private Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Cistern Grand Bazaar | 6–7 hours | 5.0 (44) | $148 | View |
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from$57
4.9(195) Free cancellation