Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, & Basilica Cistern Tour
Description
Explore Istanbul’s rich history on this tour of the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia—three iconic landmarks in the Old City that showcase Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Meet your English-speaking guide in the heart of the Old City, then admire the Blue Mosque’s famous blue Iznik tiles while learning about Islamic history and Istanbul’s evolution.
Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern and discover its captivating ancient underground chambers, grand columns, and legendary Medusa heads. Continue on foot past Old City highlights such as the Hippodrome and Million Stone, then hear the story of Hagia Sophia from the outside.
The tour concludes with skip-the-line entry and an audio guide for Hagia Sophia, allowing you to explore its interior at your own pace. Ideal for first-time visitors, history lovers, and anyone looking to see Istanbul’s top landmarks with ease—book now for a memorable sightseeing experience.
- ✓Old City highlights tour
- ✓Blue Mosque tour
- ✓Basilica Cistern skip-the-line entry ticket
- ✓Hagia Sophia skip-the-line ticket
- ✓Hagia Sophia audio guide
- ✓English-speaking guide
- ✓Basilica Cistern tour
- ✕Skip-the-line entry to the Blue Mosque
- ✕Scarf and body cover at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
What To Expect
Terms & Conditions
Non-English speaking visitors can choose to receive their tickets separetely along with an audio guide in the language they prefer, rather than joining the group for a guided tour in English.
The included tickets allow you to skip the ticket line of both Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, but it is not possible to skip the security line. The security line at Hagia Sophia can take up to 60 minutes in high season. The security check at Basilica Cistern can take up to 30 minutes
This Hagia Sophia ticket gives you access to the Visiting Area and Upper Gallery, not the prayer area
Men and women must cover their knees. If you wear shorts, you can buy a body cover for 100 TRY
Urgent Information – Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern may undergo renovations after April 28. In such a case, your guided visit will be conducted at either the Theodosius Cistern or the 1001 Columns Cistern.
- No wheelchair & stroller accessible.
- Reservation work is ongoing inside and outside Hagia Sophia.
