Guided Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Basilica Cistern skip lines tour
Overview
Skip the long lines to get inside the Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cistern.
Tick most of the top sites of old Istanbul off your travel bucket list with our specialized small group tour.
It is a fully-guided tour inside Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome and Spice bazaar.
Along the way stop to hear the stories of the
Roman Hippodrome (including
Egyptian Obelisk, and
Serpent Column German Fountain ),
Million stone,
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Tickets will be provided in advance and there won't be time wasting in ticket lines
- Profesional licensed English speaking guide
- The fees for the tickets will need to paid to the guide at the start of the tour in cash
- Please note that; Entry tickets to Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cistern are not included but provided
- Guiding inside Hagia Sofia and skip line priority
- Entry to Blue mosque
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Guiding inside Basilica Cistern and priority to skip line
✗ Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch. Your guide will suggest you some local restaurants at the end of the tour for lunch.
- Total fee for both Hagia Sofia and Basilica Cistern entry tickets 65 Euro or 75 USD per person
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
This is a 17 century active mosque and the most visited one in Turkey. Original name is Sultanahmet mosque. Blue is the name give because of the blue tiles used inside. * it was closed due to renovation for last 6 years but it is open now since April 21st.
2
Stop 2
This is the base of the Roman hippodrome which was built in 4 century AD for chariot races. The monuments survived to present are Egyptian obelisk ( 1500 BC ) Serpent column ( 5th century BC ) , Constantine column ( 10 century AD).
3
Stop 3
This is a water reservoir which looks like an underground palace. Basilica Cistern one of the most impressive example of Roman architecture. Don't miss to walk to the end to see the gigantic Medusa heads turned upside down.
4
Stop 4
We visit this 6 century AD world heritage from inside. It is a unique building embrace two religion ( Islam and Christianity ) inside. You will see an unusual architecture, mosaics, chirography art, and your guide will give you information about its 1500 history, architecture and religion symbols.
5
Stop 5
We will have a tea/coffee break at this local cafe where the locals get socialize with tea and coffee drinking and smoking shisha/hookah. This was a former religious school until 1930s. Drinks are included to the tour price.
6
Stop 6
We will visit the Grand bazaar from inside where your guide will give you some tips on shopping. Tour will end nearby where you can come back for shopping. Please note that, Grand bazaar is closed on Sundays so it will be substituted with Spice bazaar. Additionally, both bazaars are closed on religious festivals twice a year and in those days it will be substituted with Arasta bazaar.
7
Stop 7
This a great way to see and learn how the handmade Turkish carpets are made. It is a shop suited in a 500 years old Caravanserai ( ancient hotel ). What makes this place different than others is that they are not pushy on selling, trustworthy on the carpets quality and shipping for those who buy. This is an optional activity at the end of the tour so only those who are interested will join.
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
Travel to the Sultanahmet Tram Station. From the tram station walk down the hill on the right side of the road toward to the little mosque Firuz ağa . Take the first right onto the Hippodrome ( square ). You will see the green domed fountain in front of you.
🏁
End Point
On Sunday, Grand bazaar is closed to the tour will end at the Spice Bazaar.
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Good to Know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kids age 6 + will be charged as adults
- Kids 5 and lower years old free of charge and need have their ID or passport to prof their age.
- Ladies need to bring a scarf to cover their hair while inside the Blue mosque and Hagai Sofia
- Please wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for both women and men
- Grand bazaar is close on Sundays, it will be substitute with Spice Bazaar
- Grand Bazaar and Spice bazaars are closed on religious days, it will be substituted with Arasta Bazaar
Known For:
Special Instructions
This tour involves entering mosques. Ladies and gentlemen are required to dress appropriately by covering their shoulders and ensure coverage past their knees. Ladies will need to cover their heads. Scarfs are available at the mosque, but feel free to bring your own scarf to use. In addition, for your convenience it is best to wear shoes that are easy to remove.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If your booking involve kids below 6 or younger years old then please bring their ID or passport for discounted Hagia Sofia entry.
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