Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern skip lines tour
Skip the long lines to get inside the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cistern.
Tick most of the top sites of old Istanbul off your travel bucket list with our specialized small group tour.
It is a fully-guided tour inside Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Gulhane park, Orient express train station and Spice bazaar.
Along the way stop to hear the stories of the
Roman Hippodrome (including
Egyptian Obelisk, and
Serpent Column German Fountain ),
Million stone,
Options
Highlights of Istanbul - Walking tour by My Local Guide Istanbul
Duration: 4 hours: The tour may end earlier depend on the number of people in the group
What's included in Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern skip lines tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Blue Mosque
This is a 17 century active mosque and the most visited one in Turkey. Original name is Sultanahmet mosque. Blue is the name give because of the blue tiles used inside. * it was closed due to renovation for last 6 years but it is open now since April 21st.
Hippodrome
This is the base of the Roman hippodrome which was built in 4 century AD for chariot races. The monuments survived to present are Egyptian obelisk ( 1500 BC ) Serpent column ( 5th century BC ) , Constantine column ( 10 century AD).
Basilica Cistern
This is a water reservoir which looks like an underground palace. You will see what Roman has done for the water in 6th century AD.
Inclusions
- Entry ticket to Basilica Cistern and priority to skip line
- Entry to Blue mosque
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Profesional licensed English speaking guide
- Entry tickets to Hagia Sofia and skip line
- Tipping to the guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch. Your guide will suggest you some local restaurants at the end of the tour for lunch.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kids age 6 + will be charged as adults
- Kids 5 and lower years old free of charge and need have their ID or passport to prof their age.
- Ladies need to bring a scarf to cover their hair inside the blue mosque and Hagai Sofia
- Please wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for both women and men
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Travel to the Sultanahmet Tram Station. From the tram station walk down the hill on the right side of the road toward to the little mosque Firuz ağa . Take the first right onto the Hippodrome ( square ). You will see the green domed fountain in front of you.
End Points
- This tour will end with the included lunch near the spice bazaar.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
This tour involves entering mosques. Ladies and gentlemen are required to dress appropriately by covering their shoulders and ensure coverage past their knees. Ladies will need to cover their heads. Scarfs are available at the mosque, but feel free to bring your own scarf to use. In addition, for your convenience it is best to wear shoes that are easy to remove. • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • If your booking involve kids below 6 or younger years old then please bring their ID or passport for discounted Hagia Sofia entry.