Guided Tours

Istanbul Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Bosphorus Cruise Guided Tour & Tickets

Basilica Cistern - visitors taking photos

Delve into Istanbul’s history with a tour of the iconic Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the lively Old City. Conclude with a scenic Bosphorus cruise and skyline views.

Highlights

Enjoy a guided Old City tour, Blue Mosque visit, Basilica Cistern exploration, and a serene Bosphorus Cruise, led by an expert English-speaking guide.
Witness the Ottoman architecture of the Blue Mosque with its graceful domes and 6 minarets with Iznik tiles in vibrant blues, greens, and turquoises.
Benefit from skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern’s eerie, ancient underground chambers with an audio guide and explore Old City’s vibrant shops, hotels, and eateries.
In a serene Bosphorus Cruise, take in views of historic bridges and opulent palaces. Opt for the sunset cruise and watch the city glow in hues of gold.
Did you know? The two Medusa columns in the Basilica Cistern are reused from an older building. The Romans commonly recycled architectural elements in this way.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
Guided tour of Basilica Cistern
Audio guide in English, German, Italian, Spanish & French (for the Basilica Cistern tour)
Guided tour of Old City
Guided tour of Blue Mosque
2-hour Bosphorus cruise or sunset cruise (between April to October)
Headsets

Exclusions

Skip the security lines at Blue Mosque or Basilica Cistern
Tour guide on the Bosphorus cruise

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Explore the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern with expert guidance

Guided by an experienced, English-speaking tour guide, you'll discover the ancient secrets hiding within the Blue Mosque, a stunning architectural marvel from the Ottoman era. You'll be immersed in a world of towering minarets and cascading domes, all adorned with over 20,000 handmade tiles in hues of celestial blue. Continue your adventure to the Basilica Cistern, where a skip-the-line ticket affords you quick access to its subterranean splendors. With the provided audio guide, explore the enchanting underground chamber and learn about the ancient engineering that made this water reservoir possible.

From ancient walls to sunset sails

Explore the Old City, nestled in the heart of Old Istanbul. Perched on a peninsula with views across the Bosphorus to Asia, this area has been a pivotal center for the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Wander ancient city walls, explore historic bazaars, and visit sacred mosques. Surrounded by shops, hotels, and eateries, the Old City showcases Istanbul’s transformation from Constantinople with its majestic mosques and palaces. Later, experience Istanbul’s defining natural beauty on a relaxed Bosphorus cruise. As you glide over the tranquil waters, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline, historic bridges, and waterfront palaces. Opt for the sunset cruise to witness the city's metamorphosis under a golden glow.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring along your walking shoes, a water bottle, a hat, sunglasses, and some snacks for comfortable exploration.
Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What's not allowed

Strict dress code to visit Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia: Women should not wear knee-length shorts, skirts, or clothing with exposed shoulders or chests. Hair should be partially covered with a scarf. Men should not wear knee-length shorts or clothing with exposed shoulders. If needed, scarves (€1) and body covers (€3) are available at the entrance.

Accessibility

Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for mobility issues.

Additional information

The Blue Mosque has a security check that may take 30 minutes in the low season and up to 60 minutes in the high season. During this time, your guide will enrich the wait with fascinating stories and insights about Istanbul.
The Bosphorus cruise departs daily at 12pm and 3pm year-round. Enjoy an extra sunset departure at 6pm from April to October.
If you can't make the Bosphorus Cruise the same day, you can use the tickets the next day.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Dsign Cafe.
Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
Landmark: In front of the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum located on the Hippodrome, right next to Egyptian Obelisk.

Get directions to the meeting point

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