Istanbul Guided Tour Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Cistern with Tickets

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Sultanahmet

   Meet your expert guide and join your small-group walking tour in the heart of Istanbul's old town Sultanahmet to visit the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.

   20 minutes•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   Basilica Cistern

   Make the most of your time in Istanbul with a skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern. Explore the famous Basilica Cistern and travel back in time on a tour led by a local guide. See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head.

   30 minutes•Admission included•See on map

3. 3

   Hagia Sophia

   Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard.

   1 hour•Admission included•See on map

4. 4

   Topkapi Palace

   Continue your journey to Topkapi Palace, and enter the museum with priority admission. Here you can explore the palace grounds, courtyards, and several exhibitions on a guided tour. Marvel at its opulence and mystery as you learn about this period in Istanbul’s history. Later on, choose to visit the Harem at your leisure. Tour includes admission tickets for the Harem

   2 hours•Admission included•See on map

5. 5

   Viaport Marina

   At the end of our guided tour, choose to visit the Harem, at your own leisure with your included tickets.

   15 minutes•Admission included•See on map

Meeting point

Choose this option only if you are on a cruise ship! We will meet at Galataport Clock Tower Square, next to the clock tower. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks In Europe." Address: Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

The map shows Istanbul. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with multiple sections open for visit. During our tour, we’ll visit the most magnificent masterpieces. However, if you wish to explore all sections at your leisure, we recommend allocating the afternoon to explore the rest of the Palace grounds.
• Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
• Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
• Women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
• Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
• Do not bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
• Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
• Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
• Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
• Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• Please meet your guide and join the tour. Your voucher is not an admission ticket. Your guide will have the necessary pre-reserved tickets with them.

Cancellation and refunds

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