Istanbul's Iconic Duo: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern
Experience Istanbul’s ancient splendor on our guided tour of Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. Skip the lines and uncover centuries of history with an expert local guide. Marvel at Hagia Sophia’s Byzantine and Ottoman mosaics, intricate stonework, and hidden stories. Descend into the Basilica Cistern to explore history, architecture, and the mysterious Medusa heads. Discover the Roman engineering that preserved this stunning underground marvel.
Exclusive Skip-the-Line Access: Save time with priority entry to both Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.
Expert Local Guide: Benefit from immersive storytelling by a knowledgeable guide passionate about Istanbul’s rich history.
Uncover Hidden Stories and Legends: Dive into the untold tales of Hagia Sophia and the mystery of the Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern.
Marvel at Historical Masterpieces: From intricate mosaics and stone carvings to ancient Roman engineering.
Duration: +90 Minutes
English
Entry Tickets are not included
Options
Istanbul's Iconic Duo: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern
What's included in Istanbul's Iconic Duo: Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Ayasofya Camii
- Embark on a journey through time with the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern tour - an essential experience for travelers who crave more than the ordinary. Immerse yourself in the profound history and unparalleled architectural splendour with our tour. Take in the majestic beauty of the Hagia Sophia, its commanding presence adorned by time-honoured mosaics that whisper tales of a deep history. Immerse yourself in the symphony of interfaith unity expressed through the elaborate art and magnificent architecture of Hagia Sophia. - Tickets are priced at 50€ per person and must be paid to the tour guide before the activity begins during the meeting. Due to the museum's pricing policies, we cannot predict future entry fees, and these are not included in our services. Please note that the entry price may vary on the day of your visit, so we may need to collect the current entry fee at that time. All guests should come prepared to pay in cash at the meeting point.
Basilica Cistern
- Then, go beyond the surface and venture underground into the shadowy charm of the Basilica Cistern. Moving among the damp columns, you can lose yourself in the endless maze of waterways and channels, while on a quest to find Medusa hidden in the depths of mythological stories. Led by our expert historian guide, prepare to delve into multitude of centuries, cultures, and more. Your unforgettable journey through these landmarks will leave you with a rich trove of tales to share. - Tickets are priced at 50€ per person and must be paid to the tour guide before the activity begins during the meeting. Due to the museum's pricing policies, we cannot predict future entry fees, and these are not included in our services. Please note that the entry price may vary on the day of your visit, so we may need to collect the current entry fee at that time. All guests should come prepared to pay in cash at the meeting point.
Inclusions
- 1 hour of active guiding at Hagia Sophia.
- Headsets to hear the tour guide clearly for over 8+ groups.
- Strategically scheduled our tours to avoid the busiest hours.
- Upgraded Experience with Tech.
- Skip the Lines at Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia.
- 30 min. guiding for Basilica Cistern.
- Gratuities
- Head coverings for women (It's 20 Turkish Liras or less than 1 $)
- Entry Tickets
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- The meeting point is in the park behind the Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque) Tram stop.
End Points
- Our guests will visit Basilica Cistern after being welcomed at our meeting point. When the tour is done, they can continue their visit by meeting at the same meeting point from where they left off, taking into account the tour program for Hagia Sophia.
- Our guests will visit Hagia Sophia after being welcomed at our meeting point. When the tour is done, they can continue their visit by meeting at the same meeting point from where they left off, taking into account the tour program for Basilica Cistern.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Tickets are priced at 50€ per person and must be paid to the tour guide before the activity begins during the meeting. Due to the museum's pricing policies, we cannot predict future entry fees, and these are not included in our services. Please note that the entry price may vary on the day of your visit, so we may need to collect the current entry fee at that time. All guests should come prepared to pay in cash at the meeting point. The places mentioned in this program can be visited during the following tour hours (There won't be any session on Tuesdays). Here is the timetable: Hagia Sophia: 9.00 - 16.00 (except Fridays*** and the sessions on Friday will be performed 16.00 o'clock.) Basilica Cistern: 12.00 - 13.00 - 14.00 - 15.00 (There's 11.00 o'clock session on Fridays only.)
