Did you know that the Basilica Cistern beneath Istanbul’s surface can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water?
This remarkable tour not only unveils the secrets of the cistern but also takes you through the Old City and Hagia Sophia.
As you walk through the ancient corridors and witness the stunning architecture, you’ll find yourself transported back in time.
But there’s something even more intriguing awaiting discovery; continue to unravel the mysteries of Istanbul with this exclusive tour.
Good To Know

- Gain in-depth insights into Istanbul’s historical heart
- Explore iconic sites like Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
- Benefit from knowledgeable local guides for a rich cultural experience
- Enjoy priority admission and a 2-hour guided tour for a seamless exploration
Tour Overview

Embark on an immersive journey through the historical heart of Istanbul with a guided tour that highlights the iconic Basilica Cistern, Old City, and Hagia Sophia.
Exploration options abound as visitors explore the rich cultural insights provided by knowledgeable guides. Gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history and significance as you wander through these renowned landmarks.
The Basilica Cistern offers a unique perspective on Byzantine architecture, while the Old City exudes a charm that harks back to ancient times. Hagia Sophia, though currently closed for tourist visits, still provides a fascinating backdrop for the guide’s historical narratives.
Enjoy the vibrant tapestry of Istanbul’s past as you explore these key sites with a local expert.
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Activity Details

Activity details for the Istanbul tour encompass a range of features such as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, a duration of 2 hours, and priority admission at the Basilica Cistern, ensuring a smooth and informative experience for visitors.
Tour highlights include exploring iconic sights in Istanbul with a knowledgeable local guide providing unique insights into the city’s rich history. Visitors can expect to gain local insights into the culture and heritage of Istanbul while delving into the fascinating stories behind each location visited.
This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to take in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old City, all while receiving expert guidance and priority access at the Basilica Cistern, making it a memorable and enriching experience.
Important Information
Visitors to the Istanbul tour should take note of essential information regarding the closure of the Hagia Sophia Mosque for tourist visits. An expert guide provides historical context from outside the monument.
For an additional fee of 25 Euro, visitors have the option to access the Visiting Area & Upper Gallery. Entrance fees are required for this added experience. It’s important to be aware of these tour modifications to make the most of the visit.
The meeting point is Dsign Cafe near the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. Check availability and starting times to ensure a smooth experience exploring the iconic sights of Istanbul with a local guide.
Customer Reviews
Upon exploring the reviews, travelers have consistently lauded the informative and punctual local guide on the Istanbul tour. Visitors appreciated the organization, meeting point, and punctuality of the tours. Some reviewers mentioned the lack of discount options for children but praised the knowledge shared during the experience. To provide a clearer picture of the feedback, a summary table is shown below:
| Review Highlights | Positive Comments | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Informative Guide | Appreciation for knowledge shared | Lack of discount options for children |
| Punctuality | Praise for organization | |
| Meeting Point |
This table encapsulates the key points from the customer reviews, highlighting the tour’s strengths and areas where improvements could be made.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyReview Summary
The review summary showcases travelers’ positive reactions to the Istanbul tour. Emphasizing the knowledgeable and engaging guide, Emre, along with the tour’s well-organized structure and punctuality. Emre’s insights were highly appreciated by visitors, with comments highlighting the depth of historical knowledge he provided during the tour.
Travelers praised the tour’s organization, meeting point convenience, and the guide’s punctuality. While some reviewers suggested discounts for children, the majority enjoyed the informative and engaging nature of the tour, particularly due to Emre’s expertise.
The flexibility and free time at the end of the tours were also mentioned positively, allowing visitors to explore further or reflect on the experience. The review summary reflects a high level of satisfaction with Emre’s guidance and the tour’s arrangements.
Pricing Information
Emre’s insightful guidance and the well-structured tour experience in Istanbul are complemented by transparent pricing information starting from €35 per person. Travelers interested in this tour can expect the following pricing details:
- Starting Price: €35 per person
- Flexible Payment: Reserve now & pay later option available
- Gift Options: Gift option for booking available
- Child Discounts: Check for possible child discounts
This pricing structure ensures that participants can easily plan and book their tour while also considering options for gifting the experience or potential discounts for children.
Booking Details
Discover convenient ways to secure your spot for the Istanbul tour experience, offering flexible booking options and a seamless reservation process for travelers seeking to explore the city’s iconic landmarks.
The booking options for the Istanbul tour include a reserve now & pay later feature, allowing for payment flexibility and accommodating travelers with varying schedules. Plus, there’s a gift option available for booking, and it’s possible to secure your spot without immediate payment. This flexibility ensures that visitors can plan their trip to Istanbul with ease, selecting the desired dates and times for the tour.
Directions
Navigating your way to the meeting point at Dsign Cafe near the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is a vital step in starting your Istanbul tour adventure. To ensure you arrive smoothly, follow these directions:
From Sultanahmet Tram Station:
- Head southeast on Binbirdirek Mh. towards Alemdar Cd.
- Turn left onto Alemdar Cd.
- Continue straight until you reach the meeting point.
From the Grand Bazaar:
- Exit the Grand Bazaar and turn left onto Kalpakçılar Cd.
- Continue straight and then turn right onto Yerebatan Cd.
- Walk along Yerebatan Cd. until you find Dsign Cafe.
Using Public Transportation:
- Take the tram to Gülhane Station.
- Walk northeast on Alemdar Cd. towards Binbirdirek Mh.
- Find Dsign Cafe near the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum.
Local Tip:
- Don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions or recommendations for hidden gems along the way.
The Sum Up
Experience the charm and history of Istanbul like never before with the ‘Istanbul: Basilica Cistern, Old City and Hagia Sophia Tour.’
From the underground wonders of the Basilica Cistern to the iconic Hagia Sophia Mosque, this tour offers a unique insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
With expert guides, priority admission, and flexible booking options, this tour is a must-do for any traveler looking to explore Istanbul’s treasures.
Book now and embark on an unforgettable journey through this enchanting city.
You can check if your dates are available here:More City Tours in Istanbul
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