Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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
Available options
Entry Tickets are Included
(All Inclusive Option): Basilica Cistern Entry Fee is included in this option. Save time with priority access
Without Entry Tickets
Landmarks & legends: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar: 4 hours walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide.
What's included
Professional guide
Basilica Cistern entrance ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected)
Small Group
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
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
Stop 2
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
Stop 3
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
Stop 4
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
Stop 5
"Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled
6
Stop 6
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
Stop 7
This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Basilica Cistern
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
22 reviews
5★
20
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.8
32 reviews
5★
29
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Important 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 (1.500TL 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).
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.
Important notes
⚠️ Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the activity starts as finding a taxi and traffic congestion are always a problem. The tour starts on time as it is a shared tour with other participants.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
