Explore Istanbul's most wondrous monuments including Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern on this afternoon tour of the historic city. Stroll through the ancient streets of the Grand Bazaar and sift through tiny treasures created by local craftsmen.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 4 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: Your centrally-located hotel in Istanbul.

Highlights

Explore some of Istanbul's most breathtaking sites
Stroll the streets of the Old Bazaar
Admire the architectural beauty of the Basilica Cistern
Sift through tiny treasures created by local craftsmen
See the amazing Hagia Sophia

Full description

Begin the tour of the Sultanahmet district in the heart of old Istanbul at Hagia Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is a marvel of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famous for its mosaics including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses. Then discover the Basilica Cistern, s the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul; was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Explore the Grand Bazaar which was the commercial heart of the old city. Its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods.

Includes

Entrance fees
Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off (from/to your hotel or the pier)

Customary tips
Personal expenses

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Important information

Know before you go

The tour operator reserves the right to change the tour itinerary due to unexpected conditions
Please re-confirm your booking 24 hours prior to tour departure

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 19 reviews

Review summary

Transportation
1/5
Value for money
3.7/5
Safety
4.4/5
Service
4.1/5

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Breath-Taking acoustics in Cistern and colourful bazaar

Lovely places to visit - There is not much to do at the Baslica Cistern apart from take pictures at different angles to get some lovely effects. When music is playing it resonates throughout and is pleasing to the ears. Grand Bazaar is awesome and a wealth of things to see and do. Do not like the repetition of so much of the same thing. After a while it all merges into one!!!! Hagia Sophia is interesting to view and worth the visit and understanding some of its history.

February 25, 2019

Excellent short tour and guide!

An excellent short tour to experience the main attractions of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. The Basilica Cisterns too by the way. Very good guide (sadly forget the name!), he was very detailed and patiently explained everything the tour party posed. Fluent english. The pick-up and drop to the hotel too was efficient.

November 19, 2016

Interesting at the start, to end up locked in with badges of rugs

Visits at no charge, to end up locked in a room with carpet merchants 2 hours then jewelers 1 hour to finish in a bag ditch. More interest by the commission of traders really BAD for a circuit that should be much more interesting

October 15, 2018

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia

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Breath-Taking acoustics in Cistern and colourful bazaar

Excellent short tour and guide!

Interesting at the start, to end up locked in with badges of rugs