Basilica Cistern Tour: Explore Istanbul's Hidden Gem

Uncover the hidden secrets of Istanbul’s Old City on a Basilica Cistern tour. Explore Byzantinian history, legends, and iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • World Heritage Center Hotel - Meet your guide in front of the World Heritage Center Hotel, Alemdar, Divanyolu Caddesi, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
What's Included
  • Complimentary private car transfers with hotel pickup and drop-off (select options)
  • Expert 5-Star Licensed Guide fluent in your language
  • Exclusive private tour of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and the Old City
  • Free admission to Hagia Sophia Mosque with certain tour durations
  • Priority access with skip-the-line tickets to Basilica Cistern
What's Not Included
  • Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in 2- and 3,5-hour options)
  • Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 2- and 3-hour options)
Additional Information

Uncover the mysteries of the historic Basilica Cistern hidden beneath the soil of Istanbul’s Ancient City.
Choose from our variety of excellent tours designed to suit your preferences and curiosities:
2-hour: Basilica Cistern
Embark on a journey to the age-old Basilica Cistern to unravel Byzantine narratives and spectacles, and explore notable…

Location
World Heritage Center Hotel
Doktor Eminpaşa Sokak
Meet your guide in front of the World Heritage Center Hotel, Alemdar, Divanyolu Caddesi, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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Tifany_s
Jun 14, 2024
Best Day In Istanbul - Our tour guide Rasim was awesome. He was very knowledgeable, funny and showed us many of the wonderful parts of Istanbul. He had amazing recommendations on local food and how to maximize our short amount of time in Istanbul. He was very communicative leading up to our trip, which was much appreciated with it being our first time here.
Review provided by Viator
Aseem1976
Nov 3, 2023
Istanbul is an amazing, surreal, haunting, and beautiful city. - I had always been eager to visit Istanbul, and this trip marked my first experience in this stunning city. We had arranged a private tour and were fortunate to have Mustafa as our guide. He did a good job of providing overall historical context. It was truly a remarkable experience, and we highly recommend both this tour and guide. Our first stop was the Basilica Cistern, a mesmerizing retreat into an ancient world beneath the bustling city. With its mystical atmosphere and stunning architecture, it offered a serene sanctuary that left us in awe of its grandeur. Next, we visited the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a beautiful structure both from the outside and within. The building reflects the religious changes that have unfolded in the region over the centuries, with minarets and Islamic inscriptions alongside the lavish mosaics of Christianity. Later, we explored the Old City in Istanbul, which felt like immersing ourselves in a living history book. Ancient landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar offered a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. Pro Tip : It's advisable to book skip-the-line tickets in advance as the queues can be very long at both attractions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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February 2025
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