Istanbul Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia Combo Ticket

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Basilica Cistern

  Step beneath the bustling streets of Istanbul and discover one of the city’s most mysterious and enchanting landmarks — the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı). Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, this vast underground reservoir once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. As you walk along the softly lit pathways, your expert guide will bring history to life — sharing stories of Byzantine engineering, hidden secrets, and legends that echo through the columns. Admire the 336 marble pillars, reflected in the still waters, and learn how this incredible structure was lost and rediscovered centuries later. Don’t miss the two Medusa Heads, carved in stone and placed mysteriously beneath the columns — one upside down, one sideways — symbols of both myth and protection. This tour combines atmosphere, history, and art, offering a journey into the heart of ancient Istanbul unlike any other site in the city.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

  Step inside one of the most extraordinary monuments in the world — Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the crown jewel of Istanbul. Built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, this magnificent structure has witnessed over 1,500 years of history, serving as a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and now one of the most visited landmarks in Turkey. With your expert licensed guide, you’ll explore its breathtaking architecture — from the giant dome that seems to float in the air to the stunning Byzantine mosaics, marble columns, and Ottoman calligraphy panels that tell the story of empires and faiths intertwined. Your guide will reveal fascinating facts and hidden details: how Hagia Sophia survived earthquakes, what secrets lie in its ancient symbols, and how it transformed through centuries of empire.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 3
  TopkapI Palace

  Enter the magnificent world of the Ottoman sultans with a guided visit to Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), Istanbul’s most impressive royal residence and one of the richest museums in the world. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, this sprawling complex once served as the administrative, residential, and spiritual center of the vast Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. Your licensed professional guide will lead you through majestic courtyards, lush gardens, and ornate chambers filled with centuries of treasures. Discover where the sultans lived, ruled, and prayed — and explore stories of intrigue, power, and royal life behind the palace walls.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tags