Private Guided Basilica Cistern Tour with Skip the Line Access
5.0
18 Ratings
Fatih
Join a private guided Basilica Cistern tour with skip the line access. Explore the ancient water cistern, learn about its history, and discover its connection to famous movies. Enjoy a personalized and efficient tour experience.
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica Cistern - Explore the striking must-see place Basilica Cistern during your visit to Istanbul. Journey beneath the earth’s surface and admire the distinctive architecture while listening to your guide who will give you insights into the history of this place. Medusa heads’ mythology, movies made in here, Istanbul’s water infrastructure history with aqueducts.
What's Included
  • Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
Additional Information

I want to pass on my knowledge and passion to my guests, ensuring +25 year of experience and offer a tour in safety and comfort; with friendly personal touches. We will visit the Basilica Cistern. Avoid the lengthy queues and explore the largest ancient water cistern housing two Medusa heads. Enhance your understanding of this cathedral-sized cistern by joining a guided tour conducted in English. Be captivated by the submerged palace and uncover an expansive man-made freshwater lake equivalent in size to two football fields. Experience elements of the cistern that played a prominent role in beloved James Bond film and Dan Brown movie. I will arrange the tour according to all guest’s needs and interests and use their time as efficient as possible. I will be designing program itineraries according to highlights and not waiting the ques, skiping the lines.

  • Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia, and can be quite high humid
Location
Turşucuzade Konağı
Yerebatan Caddesi
Go across the exit of Basilica Cistern, an old wooden house, and look for a guide with a HASAN ALICI named guiding batch.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(18 Ratings)
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Imunshi
Jun 5, 2024
Aya Sofia private tour - We met Hasan outside Aya Sofia on a hot afternoon. He not only helped us with his skip-the-line tickets (being a licensed tour guide) but helped us understand the history and cultural significance of this marvelous monument. Hasan has a very nice demeanor and speaks very good english. I would highly recommend Hasan if you’re seeking a private guide in Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tahnees_86
May 19, 2024
Amazing spot showed by great guide - The Basilica Cistern was amazing. I have been there before, 10 years ago. It was even more beautiful now, because of the lighting, the temporary art and they got rid of the commercial photo spot. Lines where way shorter and another entrance was used (the authentic one). Nowadays it is much more crowded and they have build another, modern entrance. Because of the long line, I decided to go with Hasan on a private tour, who I met near the Cistern. Hasan speaks English very well and knows a lot about the Cistern Basilica. He shows video's on his phone about history, the building and how is worked/works. Very interesting to see while you're in there. Also he knows where to take good photos and is willing to take many pictures of you (convenient when traveling alone ;)). Also he knows some funny photo stops and special details about the Cistern. He is very patient (I wanted to take many photos;)). I completely forgot to take a selfie with him in the end. The entire experience was really great! Beautiful place to go and great guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Willycv12
May 11, 2024
Well worth it! - Had an excellent tour with Hasan. As promised we were able to bypass the extremely long queue and start our very informative tour. Hasan explained in perfect English the history of the Cistern complete with videos as well as showing us parts of the area we would have been unaware of had we toured on our own. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_r
May 6, 2024
Highly Recommended - Hassan was an incredible tour guide. He knew extensive history of the Basilica Cistern and was very friendly and personable. Would highly recommend getting this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Meander07003013853
Apr 16, 2024
Get the tour if you want to really appreciate the experience. - We an absolutely fantastic tour with Hasan. We skipped the lines and went directly to the tour. The tour was fantastic. Hasan, with us humour, wit, and expert knowledge, really brought the place to life. Get the tour if you want to really appreciate the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marty
Feb 10, 2024
Excellent Tour Highly Recommend - I would highly recommend this tour. It is an excellent value and our tour guide Hasan was both knowledgeable and entertaining.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explorerjude
Feb 4, 2024
Otherworldly Basilica Cistern See it with Hasan Alicia! - My daughter and I were dropped off at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul with an hour of free time. I wanted to see the Basilica Cistern. By the time we found it and saw the line, we thought that we would have to miss it. That is when we were lucky enough to meet Hasan Alici. He offered us a private tour and skip the line. Hasan got us into the Basilica Cistern really quickly and gave us an excellent tour. He is both super knowledgeable and nice. He even took some pics with us at the end. We wish that we would have had more time with him. Book this tour with Hasan. The Basilica Cistern something that you should not miss and Hasan is the man to show it to you. 🙂
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dylan
Jan 3, 2024
You must speak to Hasan before you visit the Basilica!! - Hasan is the best guide we have ever had! Extremely knowledgeable, very polite and spoke perfect english to match. He answered all of our questions expertly and delivered a very polished tour, it truly made the visit! Such great value for money, 100% Recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
367harrietw
Dec 29, 2023
Incredible Tour Guide - Istanbul is one of the most magical cities I have been to and it was made even more special thanks to Hasan and his incredible tours. His knowledge of his country is exceptional and inspiring.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnga3532di
Dec 29, 2023
Destiny & Ben for the knots and weaving of a tapestry - 😇Thank you Hasan for your careful introduction into the wonderful cultural significance of Türkiye 'the land of four seasons' and Istanbul “The City on Seven Hills” World’s apart from a double decker bus sightseeing tour. Your guidance surpasses all AI of today’s world. I evolved myself for months into the study of the Ottoman Empire not least I was intrigued and enlightened upon finding a Harem is not what we in the western world are led to believe but a caring respectful and carefully designed institution, correct me if I’m mistaken. Thank you Destiny & Ben for weaving this fine plan of action into your Bosporus wedding schedule.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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