Istanbul Day tour Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tour

About this tour

Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and

Basilica Cistern on a 3-hour guided tour. Explore in small groups with skip the line tickets included. Learn about Istanbul’s rich Ottoman and Byzantine history.

Explore Istanbul’s historic center on a 3hour guided tour to see its most iconic landmarks. Benefit from all included prereserved skip the line admission tickets to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Enjoy a smooth and personal experience in a small-group setting led by an expert guide.

Begin your journey at the stunning Blue Mosque, renowned for its exquisite iznik blue tiles and elegant domes.

Commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I, this imperial mosque stands as a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Your expert guide will share captivating stories of its construction and significance while you admire its grand interior and peaceful courtyard views.

Continue with a stroll through the

Hippodrome, once the vibrant center of Byzantine civic life. Uncover the meanings behind its ancient monuments, including the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the charming German

Fountain, a symbol of late OttomanGerman friendship gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm Il.

With pre-reserved tickets, step inside the majestic Hagia Sophia. Originally a Greek Orthodox cathedral and later an imperial mosque, this architectural wonder blends Christian mosaics with Islamic calligraphy under its awe-inspiring central dome, one of the largest of its time. Admire famous mosaics like the Deesis Mosaic, the Imperial Gate Mosaic, and the enchanting image of the Virgin Mary with Child, each telling stories of faith, power, and artistry across centuries.

Finally, descend into the enchanting depths of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir built during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Marvel at its forest of marble columns, mysterious Medusa heads, and the magical ambiance of one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric

sites.

Ending in Sultanahmet Square, your guide will leave you full of insights and local tips to continue exploring Istanbul’s historic heart with confidence