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Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more

14 Reviews 4.71 out of 5 stars Based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 93% of reviewers
93% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Istanbul, Turkey
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from $172 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
4 to 5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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

What's Included

  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Lunch
  • Basilica Cistern Ticket - 32€
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation
See 2 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Alemdar
Divan Yolu Cd. No:6, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

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.
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1 hour 15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

Hippodrome - German Fountain - Obelisk of Theodosius - Serpent Column - Walled Obelisk
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Welcome to The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, attracting more than 300,000 visitors daily. Sellers hawk their wares at the top of the voice, and everyone has their own technique to entice you in, the colors, lights, and sounds create an exotic and unique atmosphere. Get ready to experience it.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5594506P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.71
14 reviews

Average 4.71 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
13
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
  • Lunch.
  • Basilica Cistern Ticket - 32€.
  • Hagia Sophia Ticket - 25€.
  • English Speaking Professional Tour Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
  • Transportation.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
  • Lunch
  • Basilica Cistern Ticket - 32€
  • Hagia Sophia Ticket - 25€
  • English Speaking Professional Tour Guide
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name