Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more
Discover the vibrant soul of Istanbul on this tailored private tour designed for first-time visitors. Explore iconic landmarks like the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the serene Blue Mosque, and the historic Hippodrome. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern and wander through the lively Grand Bazaar, soaking up the local atmosphere. With the flexibility to customize your itinerary, this tour ensures a personal experience guided by a dedicated licensed expert, revealing the city's hidden gems and bustling streets.
- Tailor your tour itinerary to match your interests and preferences
- Visit top sights including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and more
- Experience the energy of Istanbul's bazaars and local culture
- Enjoy a private tour with a licensed guide for personalized insights
Options
Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more
What's included in Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The Hagia Sophia with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics, has been fighting against time for centuries. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its breathtaking domes that look like hanging in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics are one of the wonders of the world’s architectural history. The sheer dazzling beauty of the mosque with its magnificent play on space, light, and color provokes worship in the believer. *Reminding that as it's not a museum anymore, tour guides don't have skip-the-line priority. You may need to wait in the security line up to 1 hour.
Basilica Cistern
There are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden underneath the streets and houses of Istanbul. Of the two that are open to the public, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is the largest and Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attraction. Built-in 532 by Emperor Justinian, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature finely carved capitals. Its symmetry and sheer grandeur of conception are quite breathtaking, and its cavernous depths make a great retreat on summer days.
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
Inclusions
- Basilica Cistern Ticket - 32€
- Hagia Sophia Ticket - 25€
- English Speaking Professional Tour Guide
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Gratuities
- Transportation
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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
- We will meet just in front of the Pudding Shop. Your guide contact will be sent one day tour.