Guided Tours

Combo: Basilica Cistern + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Medusa sculpture inside the basilica cistern

See 3 of Istanbul's most famous landmarks – Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia – with this cost-effective combo ticket along with an expert English-speaking guide.

Highlights

Enjoy fast-track entry into Basilica Cistern, one of the largest cisterns located in Istanbul with vaulted ceilings and raised wooden platforms with an expert guide.
Discover the heritage of a once-great Ottoman Empire and Istanbul’s spiritual side at the amazing Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia and listen to how it was once a church and later became a mosque, and finally a museum.
Learn about the history and architecture of Hagia Sophia from your insightful audio guide.
Fun Fact: The Blue mosque was located on a square known as the Sultanahmet Square, originally known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople and used to be a huge stadium for chariot races.

Inclusions

Basilica Cistern

30-min guided tour of the Basilica Cistern
Skip-the-line ticket to Basilica Cistern
Expert English-speaking guide

Blue Mosque

60-min guided tour of the Blue Mosque
Entry to the Blue Mosque
English-speaking guide

Hagia Sophia

60-min guided tour of Hagia Sophia
Skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia
English-speaking tour guide
Audio guide inside Hagia Sophia

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.0

429 ratings

5/5

221

4/5

111

3/5

2/5

1/5

Meganrose

3/5

Aug, 2024

Great to be part of a guided tour and be able to skip the queues. While our tour guide was very nice and clearly knowledgeable about the subject matter, he was difficult to understand at times and spent far too long talking. There were periods where we were standing in the hot sun (on the street outside the Hagia Sofia) or sitting on the floor (inside the Blue Mosque) for 30-40+ minutes - this was very uncomfortable and meant we had less time to enjoy the sites at our leisure. There was also a break for lunch not outlined in the ticket which meant the overall tour took hours longer than anticipated.

Christiana

3/5

Aug, 2024

Despite the guide's efforts to make it a nice experience (he was sympathic and knowledgeable), the experience was just OK. I'd expect us to have ear devices to be able to hear the guide regardless of the crowd surrounding us. With no devices, we had to keep finding spaces to get together and hear him out. Plus, the tour said it would end at 2pm but finally the guide suggested a pause for coffee, which meant it ended past 3pm. It was sold as if we were buying tickets for stuff that were free any way, like Blue mosque and audio guides. It was OK, but the whole experience did not feel very professional. Combined with my terrible experience the day before at Topkapi Palace Museum & Harem, I don't think I ever will buy tickets from Headout again.

Sónia

3/5

Aug, 2024

Unfortunately, I lost my internet connection and arrived 15 minutes late. I visited all three sites on my own because they wouldn't let me join the group (???) . I didn't understand why they added the Blue Mosque to the price when it was free. I won't be buying tickets here again.

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Marta

5/5

Aug, 2024

Skip the line tickets were the best thing we could do, it saved us hours of waiting in long queues under the sun. The group was quite small which make it easy to hear our guide. Our guide was great, he spoke very good English and explained everything in a very interesting way. I really liked that he also told us about Turkish history, culture, current situation in the country etc., I found it very interesting. Hagia Sofia was amazing and breathtaking. Basilica cistern was a big surprise, it's a beautiful place worth visiting. The time given in each place was enough for exploration and pictures. The tour overall took 4 hours. I highly recommend this tour when in Istanbul.

Angela

5/5

Aug, 2024

Wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide. He was kind and patient with us and answered all of our questions thoughtfully. I was so amazed by the ancient craftsmanship of the cistern and the sacred beauty of the mosques. I am not Muslim but I felt welcomed at the mosques. If you identify as a woman, please bring a headscarf. And in case the event guide doesn't tell you, all genders should wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, below the knee. Sandals are okay, but know that you'll be asked to take your shoes off at one of the mosques. This was not a problem for me. If any of that is a problem for you, please choose another of Istanbul's many excursions. I had an absolutely wonderful experience!

Ticket validity

These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of purchase.

Your Experience

Save big with this money-saving combo and enter 3 of Istanbul’s top attractions, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, with the benefit of total flexibility and a validity of 2 days.

Basilica Cistern

Skip the line and beat the long queues to enter Basilica Cistern with your English-speaking guide. See this popular movie location and the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie hidden beneath the city of Istanbul. Admire the unique Byzantine artworks, including the 336 illuminated marble, granite columns, and Medusa heads. The artificial freshwater lake, the size of around 2 football fields, will leave you astonished. Your guide will continue sharing fascinating backstories with you and assist you at all times.

Blue Mosque

This 60-minute guided tour of the Blue Mosque will have you marveling at one of the most beautiful and magnificent buildings in all of Turkey! Start the tour with a walking tour of the courtyards at the Blue Mosque and the Old City around it, which is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site. Enter the mosque, a majestic structure with a bluish-gray tinge, that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Marvel at its 20,000 handmade blue ceramic tiles adorned with flowers, fruit, and cypresses. Your friendly English-speaking guide will share with you the religious importance of the mosque as well as the stunning architecture that went into making it. Learn about the elephant foot pillars, Mehmet Aga the architect, and its gold minarets.

Hagia Sophia

Originally a church, Hagia Sophia later became a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, and finally, a museum where it proudly showcases its unique history through the various galleries and art pieces. Besides its amazing history, this magnificent building is also known for its brilliant architecture. It has stunning interior mosaics and religious icons. Gaze up at its intricate dome, the decorations and multiple iconoclasms. Learn from your guide how Hagia Sophia has been a major part of Istanbul’s cultural fabric in both ancient and modern times.

Know before you go

Additional information

Basilica Cistern

It's recommended to wear comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes.
The following are allowed during the tour: Outside food and drinks.

Blue Mosque

Please note that the security line can take up to 60 minutes in the high season.
This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
If you do not have a scarf or body cover, you can buy them at the entrance (a scarf is 1€ and a body cover is 3€).
The following are allowed during the tour: Photography and outside food and drinks.

Hagia Sophia

Please expect a considerable wait time as you enter the attraction, especially during holidays and weekends.
Security checks at Hagia Sophia take approximately 30 minutes.
This tour is not available on Tuesdays.
Since it is a religious place, guests are requested to wear clothes that cover their arms and head, and body cover available at the venue.
While photography is allowed, all visitors are requested to refrain from turning on the flash and using bulky accessories like tripods.
It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.
For an enhanced experience, kindly remember to bring your earphones along with you to the venue. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the rich history of Hagia Sophia using the provided audio guide.
These tickets are valid for 2 days from the date of experience.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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: Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, Hippodrome.
Your guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point with Headout or Istanbul Welcome Card Flags.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

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