Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Tour
Description
Discover the secrets of an ancient Basilica Cistern hidden in the underground of Istanbul's Old City. Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests: 2-hour: Basilica Cistern Visit the ancient Basilica Cistern to discover Byzantinian history and legends, and see the attractions of the Old City, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (outside only) 3,5-hour: Basilica Cistern with Transport Book a 1,5-hour round-trip transfer and a 2-hour private tour of Basilica Cistern and the Old City with highlights such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (outside only) 3-hour: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Visit the ancient Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia to discover Byzantinian history and legends, and see the attractions of the Old City, such as the Blue Mosque (outside only) 4,5-hour: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia with Transport Book a 1,5-hour round-trip transfer and a 3-hour private tour of the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and the Old City.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your guide in front of the World Heritage Center Hotel, Alemdar, Divanyolu Caddesi, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
Book private transfers with a 2-hour private tour of the Basilica Cistern and nearby attractions. This option includes a 1.5-hour round-trip transfer with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Istanbul. We will arrange a Professional Driver and a clean, air-conditioned private car, van, or bus for this service.
Visit the Basilica Cistern. Your Private Guide will meet you in the Sultanahmet Old City, near the site where the Hippodrome of Constantinople stood, and show you its highlights while sharing stories from the time of the Byzantine Empire. The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century under an early Roman basilica facing the Hagia Sophia. Today it is kept with little water, so visitors can access the underground chamber. It is one of Istanbul's most popular attractions, but with fast-track tickets, the line to get in won’t be that long. Inside the cathedral-sized Basilica Cistern, you will explore a space of approximately 138 meters (453 ft) by 65 meters (213 ft). The calling is supported by 336 marble columns, the majority of which appear to have been recycled from the ruins of older buildings. Two of the columns reuse old blocks carved with the face of Medusa, and there are also several modern art pieces installed in the cistern.
Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. These 2 tourist attractions are the most important heritage sites of Byzantium, so you must visit them both to fully appreciate ancient Constantinople. You will be astonished by the historical, cultural, and architectural significance of Hagia Sophia. Inside, you'll marvel at the stunning architecture and art that blends Christian and Islamic elements and learn how a 6th-century basilica was converted into a mosque.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. Private car transfers and a guided tour of Hagia Sophia are not included in a 2-hour tour.
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Basilica Cistern allow you to enter faster without purchasing tickets on the spot, but you will have to wait in line for ticket validation and mandatory security checks.
- Hagia Sophia is a functioning mosque, so there are special rules for visitors with free admission. Women are not allowed outside the women's and visitor area and some parts of the mosque are closed to non-Muslims during prayer hours. All visitors must undergo mandatory security checks and adhere to mosque etiquette, which includes a modest dress (head scarves for women only; covered shoulders and knees, no hats and shoes for men and women).
- For the convenience of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are more than 26 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
- The 3,5 and 5,5-hour options include an estimated 1,5-hour transfer time between the meeting point and the accommodation address provided when booking. Please note that the transfer time quoted is for information purposes only and may take longer or shorter depending on the distance and traffic.
- We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van or minibus for groups of 5 people and more. If you're traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.
Reviews(2)
Our tour guide Rasim was awesome. He was very knowledgeable, funny and showed us many of the wonderful parts of Istanbul. He had amazing recommendations on local food and how to maximize our short amount of time in Istanbul. He was very communicative leading up to our trip, which was much appreciated with it being our first time here.
Dear Tifany_S, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Rasim made your day in Istanbul memorable with his knowledge, humor, and great local tips. It’s fantastic that you felt well-prepared and supported ahead of your trip as well. Your kind words mean a lot, and we’ll be sure to share them with Rasim. We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon! Best regards, Rosotravel Team
I had always been eager to visit Istanbul, and this trip marked my first experience in this stunning city. We had arranged a private tour and were fortunate to have Mustafa as our guide. He did a good job of providing overall historical context. It was truly a remarkable experience, and we highly recommend both this tour and guide. Our first stop was the Basilica Cistern, a mesmerizing retreat into an ancient world beneath the bustling city. With its mystical atmosphere and stunning architecture, it offered a serene sanctuary that left us in awe of its grandeur. Next, we visited the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a beautiful structure both from the outside and within. The building reflects the religious changes that have unfolded in the region over the centuries, with minarets and Islamic inscriptions alongside the lavish mosaics of Christianity. Later, we explored the Old City in Istanbul, which felt like immersing ourselves in a living history book. Ancient landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar offered a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. Pro Tip : It's advisable to book skip-the-line tickets in advance as the queues can be very long at both attractions.
Dear Aseem1976, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your first experience in Istanbul was so memorable and that Mustafa made your private tour engaging and informative. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and the vibrant Old City—your vivid description really captures the magic of Istanbul. We appreciate your tips for future travelers as well! Best regards, Rosotravel Team