Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

4.7 (54 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers

Overview

Explore the vibrant and storied "old town" of Istanbul on this tour, where you'll have the chance to capture incredible photographs at renowned landmarks such as the subterranean Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet. Take in the aromatic delights of the spice markets and delve into the rich Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Be inspired by the local art and craft scene, and discover the secrets of traditional carpet weaving during a visit to a historic carpet workshop.

• Enjoy priority access and skip the ticket lines at the Basilica Cistern
• Indulge in Turkish delights at the bustling Grand Bazaar
• Try your hand at weaving loom if you're feeling adventurous.
• Benefit from a smaller tour group that can be customised to your interests

Options

Without Entry Tickets

Landmarks & legends: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar: 3 hours walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide.

Entry Tickets are Included

(All Inclusive Option): Basilica Cistern Entry Fee is included in this option. Save time with priority access

What's included

  • Professional guide
  • Basilica Cistern entrance ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected)
  • Small Group
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Basilica Cistern

What to expect

  1. Basilica Cistern
    30m · Admission ticket included
    This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissioned by Emperor Justinian, largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul and has been backdrop for many movies over time.
  2. Blue Mosque
    30m
    Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration( blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design), is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center..
  3. Hippodrome
    10m
    The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople. Today it is a square with a few fragments of the original structure surviving. Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column...
  4. Grand Bazaar
    10m
    Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is high on most tourists' itineraries, and for a good reason. This enormous site is the largest covered market in the world with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m², attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily...
  5. Sultanahmet District
    10m
    "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled
  6. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
    Pass by
    A fifteen hundred years old splendid monument, is a must see in Istanbul, built to be the world’s largest place of worship by Emperor Justinian in 532 AD.
  7. Sultanahmet Square
    10m
    This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In front (outside) of FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE. It is approximately 2 minutes walking distance from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.

End point

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Modest clothing should be preferred when visiting the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Shorts for men or women should be below the knee. Women cover their heads and exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl, skirt should be below the knee.
  • It may be challenging to do the tour with a stroller, not recommended
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
  • IF “All Inclusive Option” not selected: Basilica Cistern (2250TL per person) is not included in the tour price. Once you pay your entrance fee to your tour guide, you will have the privilege of skipping the ticket queue. You can pay the tour guide preferably cash in TRY (or in equivalent to USD or EURO).

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.7 (54)
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€67.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Tematique Tours · Booked through Viator
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