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Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern with Tickets

4.9(170 reviews)Istanbul, TurkeyOperated by Walks In Europe
  • Duration3 hours
  • GroupShared · max 20
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesGerman, English
  • BookingInstant confirmation

About this activity

Explore the rich history of Istanbul with a 3-hour guided tour visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern. Benefit from pre-reserved admission tickets that allow for seamless entry, avoiding long waits.

This small-group experience, limited to a personal setting, makes for a more engaging exploration of Ottoman and Byzantine heritage.

- Visit iconic landmarks: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern. - Enjoy expert guidance in a small-group setting for a more personalized experience. - Pre-reserved tickets ensure effortless entry to each site. - Discover fascinating histories and architectural wonders of Istanbul's past.

What to expect

3 hours4 stopsShared tourMax 20 travellers

  1. Blue Mosque

    Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye

    1 hourAdmission included

    Discover the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Admire its elegant domes, hand-painted İznik blue tiles, and peaceful courtyard. Your expert guide shares the story of Sultan Ahmet I and the mosque’s place in Ottoman history while you explore its impressive interior.

  2. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye

    1 hourAdmission included

    Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and uncover centuries of religious and architectural history. Take in the massive dome and the blend of Byzantine mosaics with Ottoman details. See famous artworks like the Deesis Mosaic, the Imperial Gate, and the Virgin Mary with Child as your guide brings their stories to life.

  3. Basilica Cistern

    Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul, 34410, Turkiye

    30 minutesAdmission included

    Descend into the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric underground sites. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it features a forest of marble columns and the mysterious Medusa heads. Enjoy the cool, quiet surroundings as your guide explains the cistern’s role in the city’s past.

  4. Hippodrome

    At MeydanI Cd No:21, Istanbul, 34122, Turkiye

    30 minutesAdmission included

    Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine civic life. Learn the history behind key monuments like the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the German Fountain—gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II as a symbol of Ottoman–German friendship.

Pickup & meeting point

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

Choose this option only if you are on a cruise ship! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe." Address: Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk located just beside 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.”

End / drop-off

Choose this option only if you are on a cruise ship! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe." Address: Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk located just beside 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.”

Redemption

Please meet your guide and join the tour. Your voucher is not an admission ticket.

Pickup details by option

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: English Tour from Sultanahmet

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk located just beside 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.”

End / drop-off

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk located just beside 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.”

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: German Tour from Sultanahmet

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk located just beside 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.”

End / drop-off

We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk located just beside 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.”

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: English Tour from Galataport

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

Choose this option only if you are on a cruise ship! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe." Address: Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

End / drop-off

Choose this option only if you are on a cruise ship! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe." Address: Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: German Tour from Galataport

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

Choose this option only if you are on a cruise ship! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe." Address: Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

End / drop-off

Choose this option only if you are on a cruise ship! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe." Address: Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

What's included

Included

  • Small-group tour for a more personal experience
  • Professional licensed tour guide
  • Pre-reserved tickets for Basilica Cistern
  • Headsets to hear the guide better
  • Guided visits to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern
  • Pre-reserved tickets for the Hagia Sophia

Not included

  • Transportation to the meeting spot

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 15 travellers per booking
  • At least one adult must be included in the booking
  • Age bands: Child (7–14), Adult (15–99)

Additional information

  • Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are functioning mosques and they can be closed to visitors for any reason, even without pre-notice (for a high-level state visit, for example)
  • Nobody can skip the line at either of the mosques although our guides make it easier and more efficient because they do it every day.
  • 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.
  • Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
  • Please note that women are 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.
  • You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
  • Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
  • Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
  • If Basilica Cistern is closed, we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
  • Please note that Hagia Sophia is currently undergoing restoration, which may temporarily affect visibility in some areas. These works are carried out independently of the tour.

Languages

Guide
German, English

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund

Important booking information

Confirmation
Confirmed immediately after booking.
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
Europe/Istanbul
Product code
51192P216

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Any special requirements

Traveller reviews

4.9/ 5170 reviews
  • 5162
  • 45
  • 31
  • 12

Ratings aggregated from Viator (130) and Tripadvisor (40).

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Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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