Discover Istanbul's top historical sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern with a guided cultural tour in the Old City.
Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern Tour Itinerary
- Tour Day: Meeting Point Greeting - Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern Tour
Visit Highlights
- Hagia Sophia: A historic building that served as both a church and a mosque.
- Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Famous for its blue tiles and stunning architecture.
- Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Cistern): An ancient underground water reservoir.
What's Included
- Guidance.
- Entrance to the Blue Mosque and audio guide.
- Entrance to the Hagia Sophia, fast-track ticket and audio guide.
- Entrance to the Basilica Cistern fast-track ticket and audio guide.
- Istanbul Old City highlights tour.
- Coffee (Afternoon session).
What's Not Included
- Blue Mosque fast-track ticket.
- Scarves and body covers for entry to the Blue Mosque.
- Scarves and body covers for entry to the Hagia Sophia.
- Lunch and drinks with lunch (Morning session).
Tour Days and Times
- Monday: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.
- Thursday: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.
- Friday: 1:00 PM.
- Saturday: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.
- Sunday: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.
Meeting Point
- Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, At Meydanı Cd 12, İstanbul, 34122. Open in Google Maps.
Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern Tour Program
Tour Day: Meeting Point Greeting - Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern Tour
- After greeting at the meeting point, begin the Istanbul Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern Tour.
- Visit highlights: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern.
- Lunch served during the Tour (Morning session).
- Coffee served during the (Afternoon session).
Important Information
- Language: The tour is conducted in English.
- Audio Guide: The tour is available in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.
- Duration: This tour lasts 4 hours.
- Blue Mosque: No admission or ticket lines. Security check may take 30 minutes in mid season and up to 60 minutes in high season.
- Hagia Sophia: Skip the ticket lines, but the security line may take up to 30 minutes in mid season and up to 60 minutes in high season. Access includes the Visiting Area and Upper Gallery, but not the prayer area. Only Turkish citizens are allowed in the prayer area.
- During waiting, your guide will share interesting stories and facts about Istanbul.
- Men and women must cover their knees. Body covers are available for purchase if needed.
Cancellation and Refund Information
- This tour is non-refundable and cannot be canceled.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which historical sites are included in this tour?
This tour covers Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Cistern). It also includes a walking tour of Istanbul’s Old City highlights.
2. How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours. There are morning and afternoon sessions available throughout the week.
3. Is a tour guide included?
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour. Additionally, audio guides are available in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.
4. Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
Yes, the entrance fees and audio guides for Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Blue Mosque are included. However, the fast-track ticket for the Blue Mosque is not included.
5. On which days and times is the tour available?
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM
- Friday: Only 1:00 PM session is available
6. Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is: Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, At Meydanı Cd 12, Istanbul, 34122 - View on Google Maps
7. Is lunch included in the tour?
- Morning session: Lunch is included.
- Afternoon session: Coffee is included.
8. Are there any dress code requirements?
Yes. Both men and women must cover their knees. Women are also required to cover their heads inside the mosques. Body and head covers can be brought or purchased on site.
9. Which areas of Hagia Sophia can be visited?
You can access the Visitor Area and Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia. The prayer area is reserved for Turkish citizens only.
10. Is the tour refundable?
No. This tour is non-refundable and cannot be canceled or modified after booking.
Book Your Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern Tour In Istanbul for an Unforgettable Adventure
Start your journey with a skip the line experience on a comprehensive guided tour through Istanbul’s historic Old City. Begin at the Blue Mosque Tour, a masterpiece of architecture and history, where you’ll bypass the ticket lines with fast-track access. Explore the fascinating Basilica Cistern Tour, immersing yourself in its underground marvels with priority entry. Continue your journey at the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia Tour, another iconic landmark where you’ll enjoy fast-track access to this cultural gem. Savor a delightful lunch during the morning session and sip on a coffee during the afternoon tour, all while absorbing the essence of Istanbul’s past and present. This skip the line tour combines iconic landmarks with a unique cultural experience, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of Istanbul.
To explore all the details of this unforgettable full-day tour, check out the link below.