By Septillion Travel Agency TÜRSAB A-Class License No: 18212 1. Skip all ticket purchase lines, giving you fast-track entry to every major site—no time wasted. 2. Fully licensed guides ensure accurate, up-to-date historical information at every stop. 3. Expert, field-specialized guides provide deep insights you won’t hear on standard tours 4. Explore Hagia Sophia with expert commentary that reveals hidden details and symbolism 5. Enjoy Basilica Cistern with priority access and immersive storytelling under the columns 6. Walk through Sultanahmet hipodrome Square while uncovering its imperial, Byzantine, and Ottoman layers 7. Blue Mosque with cultural context that connects architecture, history, and tradition 8. Navigate the Grand Bazaar efficiently with insider guidance in the world’s oldest market. 9. A private experience, allowing you to adjust the pace, questions, and photo stops freely
Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the world’s most remarkable architectural masterpieces. Originally built in 537 AD as a Byzantine cathedral by Emperor Justinian I, it later became a mosque under the Ottoman Empire, then a museum in the 20th century, and once again a mosque in 2020. Its massive dome, stunning mosaics, and unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman styles make it a symbol of cultural and religious history. Today, Hagia Sophia continues to inspire millions of visitors from around the globe.
The Basilica Cistern, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, is a vast underground water reservoir that once supplied the Great Palace and surrounding buildings in Constantinople. Measuring about 140 by 70 meters, it covers nearly 10,000 square meters and could store around 100,000 tons of water. Inside, 336 marble columns, many reused from earlier Roman structures, rise from shallow water and create the atmospheric setting that inspired the nickname “Sunken Palace.” The famous Medusa Heads and the “Weeping Column” add a touch of myth and mystery, making the cistern one of Istanbul’s most evocative historic sites.
The Sultanahmet hippodrome is located at the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, is renowned for its dense concentration of iconic landmarks that reflect the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. As the core of the Old City, it is home to monumental sites such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, all positioned within walking distance of one another. The area’s narrow streets, traditional architecture, and archaeological remains illustrate centuries of cultural transformation. Today, Sultanahmet serves as both a major tourism hub and a living historical landscape, offering visitors a direct encounter with Istanbul’s layered past.
Located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its striking blue İznik tiles, elegant domes, and six slender minarets. Built in the early 17th century, it continues to function as both a place of worship and a cultural treasure, welcoming visitors from all around the world. Step inside to admire its vast prayer hall, intricate calligraphy, and the harmony of Ottoman architecture that stands directly opposite the Hagia Sophia, offering travelers a timeless glimpse into Istanbul’s rich heritage.
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, a vibrant maze of more than 4,000 shops spread across dozens of streets in Istanbul’s historic center. Dating back to the 15th century, it offers visitors a unique chance to experience the atmosphere of Ottoman-era trade, with stalls selling everything from handmade carpets, jewelry, and antiques to colorful ceramics, textiles, and spices. Beyond shopping, the bazaar is a cultural experience in itself, filled with bustling energy, traditional tea houses, and centuries of history woven into its walls.
We can Pick you Up from GALATAPORT
Istanbul Skip the Line Private Tour Best Highlights lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
Prices start at $95 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.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. We can Pick you Up from GALATAPORT Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyL9PnRx/WjxRc1n7217Ivns=.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed upstairs. Baby Strollers must be carried by hand. ———————————————————- 8. - Since we will visit the upper gallery of Hagia Sophia, please note that the stairs are steep and may be hard to manage for those with walking difficulties.
What a fantastic tour! We did it with our children (7 & 9) and extra effort was taken to keep them entertained and engaged (inc the occasional magic trick, which they loved!). Really knowledgeable guide and the tour was very informative. Highly recommend
Thank you a Septillion times
If you love history you have to meet Muhammet our tour guide when you travel to Istanbul. He was amazing, fun and very well prepared for us. His English is perfect. He answered every questions and give us super helpfull advise about how to navigate around the city.
Thank you a Septillion times
Muhammet was a great guide! I was with my friend from the US and we both enjoyed the tour in Hagia Sophia!
Thank you a Septillion times
Thank you so much for the wonderful tour at the Hagia Sophia. We really enjoyed your explanations and everything you shared about the history of Istanbul. Your passion and knowledge made the experience so much more interesting and memorable. It was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you again, and We wish you all the best!
Thank you a Septillion times
Muhammet was extremely knowledgeable about the Hagia Sophia - but also Turkey's history as a whole. He was intentional in the context he shared to help us better understand the whole picture. He answered all of our questions with thoughtfulness, and we left feeling like we knew so much more about Turkey, the art and its history.
Thank you a Septillion times
Very friendly and knowledgeable we had a great trip through Hagia Sofia with our guide and learned a lot.
Thank you a Septillion times
Our tour of the Basilica Cistern was unforgettable, thanks to Mohammad. He was not only incredibly friendly and welcoming, but his knowledge of the history and hidden stories behind the cistern was exceptional. He made the ancient space come alive! Beyond that, Mohammad had a great eye for capturing moments—he kindly took some amazing photos of us. The icing on the cake was that he brought us to Seven Hills afterward for a spectacular rooftop view of the city. It was an unexpected treat and a perfect end to the day. I can’t recommend him enough!
Thank you a Septillion times, hope to see you again
We had an absolutely fantastic tour of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, and it was made truly exceptional by our guide, Mohammad. From the moment we met him, he was warm, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. His passion for Istanbul’s history really brought the Basilica Cistern to life, and he shared fascinating stories and details that we never would have discovered on our own. He was happy to answer every question and made the entire experience engaging and enjoyable. What really set Mohammad apart was how much he genuinely cared about making our day special. Not only was he an outstanding guide, but he was also an amazing photographer, capturing beautiful photos for us throughout the tour. As an added bonus, he took us to Seven Hills for breathtaking rooftop views over the city, where we were able to take even more incredible photos overlooking Istanbul’s iconic skyline. If you’re looking for a guide who is knowledgeable, personable, and goes above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience, we couldn’t recommend Mohammad more highly. Thank you for making our visit to the Basilica Cistern so memorable!
Thank you a Septillion times
Very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating tour guide! Fascinating tour for all members of the family. Definitely worth the tour guide fee!
Thank you a Septillion times
Muhammad is a terrific tour guide!!! He explained the history with the details to us including the material and the building methodology with us patiently so that we can appreciate the history and the building to the most. He engaged our young boys of 5 and 6 with interesting questions so that they can understand from what they know. He answered our questions in details patiently and we had a great time!
Thank you a Septillion times
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Skip the Line Private Tour Best Highlights | 5 hours | 5.0 (38) | $95 | |
 WONDERS of ISTANBUL : Full Day Private Guided City Tour | 5–7 hours | 5.0 (445) | $75 | View |
 Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour | 7–21 hours | 5.0 (10,116) | $100 | View |
 Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry | 5h 30min | 5.0 (3,592) | $135 | View |
 ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour | 6–8 hours | 5.0 (1,478) | $85 | View |
 Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Snacks | 2h 30min | 4.9 (2,384) | $47 | View |
 Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets | 3 hours | 4.9 (131) | $135 | View |