Basilica Cistern Private Guided Tour
5.0
15 Ratings
Fatih
Uncover the secrets of the Basilica Cistern on a private guided tour. Explore its rich history, mythical legends, and iconic film locations. Experience true Turkish hospitality and discover the hidden mysteries of Istanbul.
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica Cistern Museum - Our tour is an almost hour-long, small group (maximum of six people) private guided tour with visual aids. It may be boring and unhealthy for children under 12 years old due to the high humidity inside.

After meeting, we will start our tour. Since I am a licensed guide, we have priority and will not wait in line.

Tickets are not included.

Please do not book the tour just to skip the line. The tour is designed for a unique experience!

We will be using a tablet and a sound system for a better experience of the cistern. I will show you the top photo spots and am ready to be your private photographer whenever you like.

What's Included
  • Tickets
  • Visual information
What's Not Included
  • TICKET FEE
Additional Information

PLEASE read before booking.

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR GUESTS WITH ASTHMA AND CLAUSTROPHOBIA.

Many of the things I will tell you about CISTERN are still not proven to be 100% ACCURATE.

P.S. The Basilica Cistern Museum
FEES/TICKETS
EXCLUDING.
Ticket cost 800 Turkish lira per person after 19:30 1350 lira.

Basilica Cistern is the second most visited museum in Turkey. In addition to its 1500-year history, it is full of structures made of spolia (Medusa head, weeping or sweating column) and many other structures brought from different dates and different places. In addition to historical information, we will also learn myths and legends. Recently, the 1963 Sean Connery’s 007 James Bond movie and the 2016 Inferno movie, adapted from Dan Brown’s book Inferno and starring Tom Hanks, were shot here.

I will share with you the beauties & hidden mysteries of Cistern.

My priority is to provide the most special and privileged service for my guests.

All photos were taken by me.

Location
Green Corner Cafe & Restaurant
Caferiye Sokak
We will meet in front of the GREEN CORNER Cafe opposite the ENTER gate of the Basilica Cistern museum.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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Kkmacg
Jun 8, 2024
Get ready for an informative and entertaining visit that everyone will enjoy - Ayhan showed me and my wife around last year. We enjoyed it so much I took the tour again when I returned to Istanbul with my son. Ayhan is specialised in the Cistern. He shares a lot of interesting facts about the history but also adds some videos that bring things to life in an entertaining way. Be prepared for a lively and fun experience. And jumping the queue is a back bonus as the lines are usually very long.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ajp995
May 28, 2024
A private basilica tour - Ayhan was A phenomenal tour guide. Highly recommended!! 1 hour tour, packed with a exciting information and crazy views of history of the site
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly
Apr 28, 2024
Best guide for Basilica Cisterns - Ayhan is the best! He saw us frantically trying to get tickets right before the cistern closed and he saved us! He helped us skip the line, and his informative tour was just what we needed. He is trustworthy and friendly and you will not regret choosing him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Megazettai
Apr 13, 2024
Ayhan is the man! - I wish the tour is longer! That's how good he is😆😆😆 Super story teller & enganging. The video/visualization really helps with explanation (especially with the architecture behind the cistern). Unique and memorable experience too (i.e.welcome gifts for participants). No need to think twice. Ayhan is the man! Try him and you'll know what I mean. Cheers!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Natalie_s
Apr 5, 2024
Quick and interesting! - Ayhan was super informative and made a trip to the cistern much more interesting than going on my own! Plus a certified guide means skipping the line!
Review provided by Viator
M5650yzalexandraf
Apr 3, 2024
With Ayhan you learn more and save time at the amazing Cisterns! - The fascinating Basilica Cisterns were a highlight of our time in Istanbul, and were my husbands #1 most important site to visit in Istanbul. The day we planned our visit was Election Day in Turkey and the cisterns were closed. When we tried the next day the lines were HUGE! But Ayhan saved the day! We found him by chance at the venue, and we feel so lucky we did. He helped us skip the line, he had a clear, informative presentation ready to go, and then he gave us the space to walk through at our own speed. Ayhan made our visit much more efficient and informative. The cisterns are very cool - we loved learning about the history, engineering, art, and appearances in pop culture. Thanks, Ayhan!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marigelazc
Mar 26, 2024
Ayhan Guided Tour - Ayhan was the best tour guide my family and I could’ve imagined. He was amazing with the knowledge on history he possesses as well as his kindness. Always ready to make any food reservations, with ferry tickets, and historical place tickets. Truly a 10/10 experience and would recommend to anyone ⭐️.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel37632416277
Mar 13, 2024
Basilica Cistern Guided Tour - We booked our guided tour with Ayhan on March 8, 2024. We went in expecting a nice experience, but were pleasantly surprised at the splendid experience that we had! The Basilica Cistern is absolutely one of a kind, to say the least. Ayhan was so friendly and warm and genuinely nice. He possesses a great deal of knowledge and is fun to go around with. 10/10 recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mniox10
Mar 3, 2024
Best guide - We had limited time and within 2 mins Ayhan managed to get tickets and got us into the cistern. He covered all cistern in time. Would recommend him to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goh257
Feb 24, 2024
Journey w Arhan in Basilica Cistern - A fabulous n wonderful journey thru the cistern w Arkhan he is friendly n knowledgeable don’t missed the opportunity to come w Arhan every moment is valuable lessons of history n facts n fabled
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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