Istanbul: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tour with Tickets
ID: GYG753561-1216501
Category:
Country: Turkey
Duration:
02:00 hours
Description
Join a 2-hour guided group tour to see the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern in Istanbul’s old town Sultanahmet. Discover the history of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires with included entry tickets.
Guided Tour In Istanbul: Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern with Tickets
Join a 2-hour small group tour of Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, led by an expert local guide. Enjoy priority admission to skip the longest lines at the ticket office and start learning about the fascinating lives of the Ottomans sooner.
Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot for a walking tour of Istanbul's greatest monuments. Begin your journey with the Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Subterranean Palace." Discover its history, see the underground pillars, and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on wooden walkways over the water and view the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul. As you explore the interior, learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the stunning monument and its mixed elements mosque and a church coexisting side by side. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns.
Discover how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was created, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard.
Walk the famous Byzantine Hippodrome learning about the obelisks and its importance in the daily life of the city.
Concluding in Sultanahmet Square, our tour leaves you equipped with ample knowledge and insights to navigate the enchanting streets of Istanbul independently. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of this historic city.
Highlights
- Visit two major highlights of Istanbul on a group tour led by an expert guide.
- Explore the world-famous Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern with tickets.
- Learn about the rich history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
- Enjoy included admission tickets for Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.
- Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to explore Istanbul's old town.
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• You will have to pass through airport-style security which may be long in high season and during holidays.
• Hagia Sophia may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
• If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
• Basilica Cistern has 50 steps going down and then up. There is no lift.
• Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
• Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
• It is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
• Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
• Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
• Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain. Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.”
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
