Items | Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern
Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern
(21) Reviews
İstanbul
Important Information
•
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
•
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
•
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
•
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
•
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
️ Locally Guided by Experts – Your tour is led by a licensed, professional local guide who knows not only the history, but also the hidden stories and everyday life of Istanbul.
Warm & Personalized Experience – Our tours feel like walking with a well-informed local friend — casual, comfortable, and tailored to your interests and pace.
Scenic, Relaxed & Flexible – We keep things stress-free. There’s no rush — plenty of time for questions, breaks, photos, and spontaneous discoveries along the way.
⏩ Skip-the-Line Access – Spend less time waiting and more time exploring. We offer priority entry at major landmarks to make the most of your visit.
Rich Storytelli...
Highlights
From 5 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 5 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance
Private Tour
Fast Track Ticket Avaible
Guide will meet you at central istanbul Hotel,Airbnb locations or İSTANBUL CRUISE PORT GALATAPORT
The guide will meet you at the meeting point of your choice.
Hagia Sophia is not included in the tour price.
The entrance fee to Topkapı Palace is not included in the tour price.
The entrance fee to Basilica Cistern is not included in the tour price.
Meals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
Meeting Points
Departure
Fountain Sultan Ahmed III
Return
Private Istanbul Old City Tour: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern
(21) Reviews
İstanbul
About
What Makes Our Tour Unique
️ Locally Guided by Experts – Your tour is led by a licensed, professional local guide who knows not only the history, but also the hidden stories and everyday life of Istanbul.
Warm & Personalized Experience – Our tours feel like walking with a well-informed local friend — casual, comfortable, and tailored to your interests and pace.
Scenic, Relaxed & Flexible – We keep things stress-free. There’s no rush — plenty of time for questions, breaks, photos, and spontaneous discoveries along the way.
⏩ Skip-the-Line Access – Spend less time waiting and more time exploring. We offer priority entry at major landmarks to make the most of your visit.
Rich Storytelli...
Highlights
From 5 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 5 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Blue Mosque and Hippodrome free entrance
Private Tour
Fast Track Ticket Avaible
Guide will meet you at central istanbul Hotel,Airbnb locations or İSTANBUL CRUISE PORT GALATAPORT
The guide will meet you at the meeting point of your choice.
Hagia Sophia is not included in the tour price.
The entrance fee to Topkapı Palace is not included in the tour price.
The entrance fee to Basilica Cistern is not included in the tour price.
Meals and refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, your guide will be happy to recommend local spots if you'd like to take a break during the tour.
The Hippodrome was the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire, where chariot races, celebrations, and public events took place. Today, you can still see historic monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.
15 minutes
2
Blue Mosque
Built in the early 17th century, the Blue Mosque is famous for its beautiful blue İznik tiles, impressive dome, and six minarets. It remains an active mosque and is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
Dress Code: Modest clothing is required. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear clothing below the knees. Scarves are available at the entrance if needed. Children under 12 do not have a strict dress code.
30 minutes
3
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia served as a church, a mosque, a museum, and today is once again a mosque. Famous for its massive dome and unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, it is one of the most important landmarks in Istanbul and a symbol of the city’s rich history.
Dress Code: Modest clothing is required. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear clothing below the knees. Scarves are available at the entrance if needed. Children under 12 do not have a strict dress code.
45 minutes
4
Topkapi Palace
Home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the political and administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire. It offers beautiful courtyards, imperial treasures, sacred relics, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
2 hours and 30 minutes
5
Basilica Cistern
Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern is the largest ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul. Famous for its atmospheric lighting, marble columns, and mysterious Medusa heads, it is one of the city’s most fascinating Byzantine sites.
25 minutes
6
Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar dates back to the 15th century. With thousands of shops spread across dozens of streets.
Before entering the Grand Bazaar, your guide can recommend trusted local shops for Turkish carpets, ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, and spices. This can help you learn about traditional craftsmanship, compare quality, and enjoy a more comfortable shopping experience. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar on your own.
