Combos

Combo (Save 12%): Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide + Bosphorus Cruise

Tourist exploring the historic Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey.

Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern tour in Istanbul, showcasing historic architecture and cultural landmarks.

Bosphorus cruise ship passing Istanbul skyline with audio guide experience.

Pillars inside the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with dimly lit arches and reflections on water.

Uncover Istanbul's hidden treasures with this cost-saving combo. Explore the Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line tickets and sail the picturesque Bosphorus Strait.

Highlights

Step into the Byzantine architectural wonder that is the Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line tickets, and explore one of the most-visited museums in Istanbul.
Experience the mystery of the Medusa column bases in the Basilica Cistern, as your audio guide unravels intriguing theories about their origin.
Board a 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with an audio guide in 8 languages, offering a unique perspective of Istanbul’s beauty.
Witness architectural gems like the Galata Tower, once the tallest building in Istanbul, and the Dolmabahce Palace, the residence of 6 Ottoman sultans.
Fun fact: Each of the 336 columns of the Basilica Cistern is different from the other.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern
Multilingual audio guide

Bosphorus Cruise

2-hour Bosphorus cruise
Audio guide available in 8 languages

cancellation policy

These tickets can’t be cancelled. However, they are valid for an extended period of time.

Reviews

How do we collect reviews?

4.3

1.9K ratings

5/5

1.3K

4/5

341

3/5

2/5

129

1/5

105

Rachel

3/5

Jan, 2025

Boat trip goes up the Bosphprous, so doesn't cover Golden Horn. The boat ride was good, but the child tickets sold by Head out were incorrectly aged/priced, so we paid more than we should have.

Roberto

4/5

Jan, 2025

done off-season, it works as a line skip , probably makes more sense in high season. The "guide" drops you off at the entrance to the Harem, then it's free from there. Topkapi Palace is really big to visit completely. 3 hours minimum

View original review in Italian

Alec

5/5

Jan, 2025

Amazing experience! And with the headout tickets purchased online, a seamless and efficient entry into both the hagia sophia and cistern.

Alessandro

4/5

Jan, 2025

Overall it was worth it thanks to the "skip the line" at the Cistern Basilica and the escort inside the Topkapi Palace. For the St. Sophia basilica, unfortunately, the queue was for security checks (40') for which the "skip the line" option was not provided, as, moreover, indicated beforehand. Overall, the judgment is positive.

View original review in Italian

Loïc

4/5

Dec, 2024

well organized and interesting audio guides for the Cistern and St Sophia. On the other hand, the audio guide is confusing for the Tokapi Palace. On the mobile app, everything is first marked courtyard no. 1. You have to understand that you have to press 1 to scroll down. What's more, the battery on our cell phones means we can't listen to the whole audio guide.

View original review in French

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Ticket validity

These tickets are valid for an extended duration. The exact details will be present on the ticket.

Your experience

Enjoy a cost-saving combo that gives you access to two of Istanbul's must-visit sites: the Basilica Cistern and a cruise along the Bosphorus. Delve into Istanbul's rich history and mesmerizing beauty with this combo.

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Step back in time with a tour of the Basilica Cistern, a marvel of 6th-century Byzantine architecture. With your skip-the-line tickets, gain immediate access to this cavernous subterranean beauty. Walk along wooden platforms, surrounded by 336 massive columns, while listening to the enchanting sounds of water dripping from the vaulted ceiling. Witness the famous Hen’s Eye Column and the mystifying Medusa Pillar Bases, and learn about their intriguing history through the multilingual audio guide.

Bosphorus Cruise

Next, sail away along the beautiful Bosphorus waterway. This 2-hour cruise offers stunning views of Istanbul's landmarks, including the iconic Hagia Sophia and the popular Ortaköy Mosque. You'll also pass the legendary Bosphorus Bridge, a testament to the city's connection between Europe and Asia. An audio guide available in 8 languages will provide intriguing insights about the attractions you'll pass by.

Sites you'll come across

Galata Tower
Dolmabahce Palace
Ciragan Palace
Ortaköy Mosque
Bosphorus Bridge
Beylerbeyi Palace
Üsküdar
Maiden Tower
Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia
Seaside Villas

Operating hours

Basilica Cistern

Monday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Tuesday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Wednesday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Thursday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Friday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Saturday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM
Sunday	09:00 AM - 10:00 PM	last entry 06:30 PM

Know before you go

What to bring

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

Bosphorus Cruise

Don’t forget to bring along your headphones to listen to the audio tour.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

The attraction is wheelchair and stroller-accessible.

Additional information

Bosphorus Cruise

The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.
There is limited internet at the pier so please download the app before the tour.
The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded but ensure you have activated GPS.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

Ticket redemption points

Basilica Cistern

Show your ticket at Basilica Cistern.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
Landmark: In front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica.

Get directions to the redemption point

Bosphorus Cruise

Board your cruise at DENTUR Istanbul Welcome Card Kabatas Pier.
Address: Ömer Avni, Mahallesi, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No:3, 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul.
Landmark: It is located across tram line no 1 and the funicular, come to the wooden house behind the red petrol station and look for the Istanbul Welcome Card ticket window.

Get directions to the boarding point