Tours/Istanbul/Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
4.0(2)Istanbul4 hours
VIATOR4.0(2)
+4 photos
At a glance
Duration
4 hours
Price from
$129 / person
Location
Istanbul, Türkiye
Rating
4.0 / 5 · 2 reviews
Languages
EN, EN, EN
Group
1–15 pax
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Istanbul Tourist Pass®
Description
Discover two of Istanbul’s most historic sites in one visit. Begin with a hosted entry at Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, and explore its courtyards without harem section. Then visit the Basilica Cistern, a mysterious underground structure supported by ancient columns and guarded by the famous Medusa heads.
An audio guide is included and available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian.
Operating Hours:
Topkapi Palace: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00 (closed Tuesdays)
Basilica Cistern: 09:00 - 18:30
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Join tours at the specified times. Meet your guide 15 minutes early at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III. Look for the white flag.
Book your Tickets for an unforgettable experience!
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
TP-BC - TPBC58
Itinerary
Basilica Cistern
60 min
The Basilica Cistern visit does not include hosted entry or a guided highlights tour. You can explore independently with a professionally prepared audio guide available in 25 languages. The cistern is open daily from 09:00 to 18:30.
TopkapI Palace
180 min
Join a 30-minute guided tour of Topkapi Palace with an included audio guide available in 25 languages. Entry is only possible with your guide. Please meet your guide 15 minutes early in front of the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III and look for the white flag with the Istanbul Tourist Pass® logo.
Please note that the Outer Treasury (Weapon Collection), parts of the Matbah-i Amir Kitchen Complex, and the Petition Chamber / Audience Hall are currently closed at Topkapi Palace. Other sections are open as usual.
What's included
Included
Entry to Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
Flexible exploration time at both attractions
Audio guide available in 25 languages
Hosted entry tour with professional English-speaking guide at Topkapi Palace
Not included
Gratuities
Access to the Harem Section at Topkapi Palace
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.0
2 reviews
5
1
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Istanbul
Starting price $129 is 13% above the typical $114 for tours of similar length in Istanbul
Excurgo comparison of 3,635 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern take?
Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern cost?
Prices start at $129 per person for this Istanbul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM.
Can I cancel Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
What languages is Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern offered in?
The experience is available in EN, EN, EN.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.0 out of 5 across 2 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Istanbul Tourist Pass®.
Reviews(2)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
Savitha_R
April 28, 2026 · via Viator
The disappointment was...
The disappointment was real. Not with the places but the whole process of redeeming the tickets, communication and losing over an hour trying to set things right. The email did not match the tickets we booked , the meeting points were different and it took over half an hour of trying on the phone before we finally managed to get in touch with Istanbul Tour Pass on Whatsapp. After which things eased. But it was a frustrating start to the morning.
Operator response
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the lost time and the communication issues you faced at the start of your tour. We are glad our team could assist you via WhatsApp to get things back on track, but also the ticket delivery method is detailed on the product page, so please be sure to read the details before purchasing and using the product.
We are taking immediate steps to ensure our digital instructions are accurate and our support is more responsive. We hope the rest of your visit to Istanbul was enjoyable and rewarding.
Warm regards,
The Istanbul Tourist Pass® Team
G
Gene_F
March 22, 2026 · via Viator
Super
Great experience, amazing guide. Easy entrance with QR code. No lines at all. Really good audio guide as well
Operator response
Dear Guest,
It is wonderful to hear that you had such a positive experience at Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Our goal is to ensure that entering these historic sites is as smooth as possible through our QR code system.
We are glad you enjoyed the insights from our guide and the audio tour. We look forward to welcoming you back for more discoveries in Istanbul.
Best regards,
Istanbul Tourist Pass® – The most extensive all-in-one digital pass, giving you access to 100+ attractions, guided tours, and skip-the-line entry to the best museums and experiences across Istanbul.
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Istanbul Combo Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
