• World Heritage Center Hotel - Meet the guide at the World Heritage Center Hotel, located at Alemdar, Divanyolu Caddesi, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey. Please refrain from entering the hotel, as it serves solely as a meeting point and the staff is not briefed about the tour.
• Istanbul - Reserve private transfers that include a 2-hour private tour of the Basilica Cistern and nearby attractions. This package features a 1.5-hour round-trip transfer with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Istanbul. A Professional Driver and a clean, air-conditioned private car, van, or bus will be arranged for this service.
• Basilica Cistern - Explore the Basilica Cistern. The Private Guide will meet you in the Sultanahmet Old City, near the historical site of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, and highlight its features while sharing stories from the Byzantine Empire era. Constructed in the 6th century beneath an early Roman basilica facing the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern is now maintained with minimal water, allowing visitors to access the underground chamber. It is a highly popular attraction in Istanbul, but with fast-track tickets, the wait time is reduced. Inside the expansive Basilica Cistern, measuring approximately 138 meters (453 ft) by 65 meters (213 ft), you will find 336 marble columns, many of which are repurposed from ancient structures. Two columns feature old blocks carved with Medusa’s face, and there are also several modern art installations within the cistern.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque - Visit both the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. These two attractions are the most significant heritage sites of Byzantium, and visiting both is essential to fully appreciate ancient Constantinople. The historical, cultural, and architectural importance of Hagia Sophia will leave you in awe. Inside, admire the breathtaking architecture and art that seamlessly blends Christian and Islamic elements, and discover how a 6th-century basilica was transformed into a mosque.

• 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

• 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)

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 destinations of the Ancient City, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (exterior visit only).

3.5-hour: Basilica Cistern with Transport
Avail of a 1.5-hour return journey service and a 2-hour exclusive tour of the Basilica Cistern and the Ancient City featuring central attractions like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (exterior visit only).

3-hour: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia
Investigate the historical mysteries of the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia in order to learn about Byzantine tales and incidences, and view the sites of the Ancient City, including the Blue Mosque (exterior visit only).

4.5-hour: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia with Transport
Arrange for a 1.5-hour return transport service and a 3-hour unique tour of the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and the Ancient City.

• Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
• Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. Private car transfers and a guided tour of Hagia Sophia are not included in a 2-hour tour.
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Basilica Cistern allow you to enter faster without purchasing tickets on the spot, but you will have to wait in line for ticket validation and mandatory security checks.
• Hagia Sophia is a functioning mosque, so there are special rules for visitors with free admission. Women are not allowed outside the women’s and visitor area and some parts of the mosque are closed to non-Muslims during prayer hours. All visitors must undergo mandatory security checks and adhere to mosque etiquette, which includes a modest dress (head scarves for women only; covered shoulders and knees, no hats and shoes for men and women).
• For the convenience of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are more than 26 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
• The 3,5 and 5,5-hour options include an estimated 1,5-hour transfer time between the meeting point and the accommodation address provided when booking. Please note that the transfer time quoted is for information purposes only and may take longer or shorter depending on the distance and traffic.
• We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van or minibus for groups of 5 people and more. If you’re traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.

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