




Discover the captivating history and architectural wonders of Istanbul with our tour that takes you on a journey through the mysterious Basilica Cistern and the opulent Topkapi Palace. Our tour begins at the breathtaking Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel that dates back to the 6th century. Discover the ingenuity of Byzantine engineers who constructed this colossal subterranean reservoir, capable of holding over 80,000 tons of water. Our next stop transports you to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Admire the palace's distinctive architecture, lush gardens, and stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait. Explore the Harem, the most intimate and secluded part of the palace, where sultans and their families resided. Discover the secrets, intrigues, and luxurious lifestyles of the Ottoman royalty as you wander through these opulent chambers.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $113.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.
After you meet your tour guide at the entrance of Basilica Cistern where Privileged Entry. Start to explore the ancient underground world of the Basilica Cistern on this private guided tour. Built in the 6th century, this mysterious subterranean chamber once held water for the city's palaces and gardens. Now, you can wander through its dimly lit passages and marvel at the stunning Byzantine architecture, including the rows of marble columns and the eerie Medusa heads at the base of two pillars. Your guide will share fascinating stories and historical facts about the cistern, bringing this hidden gem of Istanbul to life.
You will walk to Topkapi Palace with your tour guide. Step back in time and experience the opulence of the Ottoman Empire on this private guided tour of Topkapi Palace. From the ornate gates to the sprawling courtyards and opulent chambers, every corner of this palace complex exudes grandeur and extravagance. See the dazzling jewels and treasures of the sultans in the Treasury, admire the stunning architecture and design of the Harem, and stroll through the serene gardens and pavilions. Your expert guide will provide insights into the history and culture of the palace, making this a truly unforgettable experience. Keep in mind that both the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are popular tourist attractions, so it's a good idea to book your tour in advance and arrive early to avoid crowds. And make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there's quite a bit of walking involved in this tour.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private Guided Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with Skip Line lasts about 2h 40min. The itinerary has 2 stops.
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 $113. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 2:00 PM.
Children aged 2–11 pay from $34, adults from $57. Infants go free.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Meet your tour guide at the entrance of Basilica Cistern ( We will contact to you before your starts for more information ). Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 7 travellers can book together.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 273 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by SIYA SEYAHAT OTELCILIK TURIZM TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Private Guided Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with Skip Line | 2h 40min | 5.0 (273) | $57 | |
Topkapi Palace and Harem Tour (Small Group & Fast Track Entry) | 3 hours | 4.8 (341) | $143 | View |
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guided Tour | 20 min–30 min | 4.0 (320) | $67 | View |
Small-Group Topkapi Palace and Harem Tour with Tickets | 3 hours | 4.8 (289) | $54 | View |
Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets | 3 hours | 4.9 (160) | $131 | View |
Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Cistern of Theodosius | 3 hours | 4.8 (636) | $63 | View |
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour | 7–21 hours | 5.0 (10,377) | $90 | View |