You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more

14 Reviews 4.71 out of 5 stars Based on 14 reviews collected by City Sky Diving and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 93% of reviewers | Istanbul, Turkey
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

4 to 5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the vibrant soul of Istanbul on this tailored private tour designed for first-time visitors. Explore iconic landmarks like the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the serene Blue Mosque, and the historic Hippodrome. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern and wander through the lively Grand Bazaar, soaking up the local atmosphere. With the flexibility to customize your itinerary, this tour ensures a personal experience guided by a dedicated licensed expert, revealing the city's hidden gems and bustling streets.

- Tailor your tour itinerary to match your interests and preferences
- Visit top sights including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and more
- Experience the energy of Istanbul's bazaars and local culture
- Enjoy a private tour with a licensed guide for personalized insights

What's Included

  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Lunch
  • Basilica Cistern Ticket - 32€
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation
See 2 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Alemdar
Divan Yolu Cd. No:6, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The Hagia Sophia with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics, has been fighting against time for centuries. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its breathtaking domes that look like hanging in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics are one of the wonders of the world’s architectural history. The sheer dazzling beauty of the mosque with its magnificent play on space, light, and color provokes worship in the believer.
Read more

1 hour 15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Basilica Cistern

There are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden underneath the streets and houses of Istanbul. Of the two that are open to the public, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is the largest and Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attraction. Built-in 532 by Emperor Justinian, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature finely carved capitals. Its symmetry and sheer grandeur of conception are quite breathtaking, and its cavernous depths make a great retreat on summer days.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

Hippodrome - German Fountain - Obelisk of Theodosius - Serpent Column - Walled Obelisk
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Bazaar

Welcome to The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, attracting more than 300,000 visitors daily. Sellers hawk their wares at the top of the voice, and everyone has their own technique to entice you in, the colors, lights, and sounds create an exotic and unique atmosphere. Get ready to experience it.
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5594506P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.71
14 reviews

Average 4.71 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by City Sky Diving and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
13
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Your Day, Your Way: Private Customizable Istanbul Tour

Our tour offers an immersive and personalized journey through Istanbul, designed completely around your interests and preferences. Unlike standard, pre-set itineraries, you’ll work directly with …More

Our tour offers an immersive and personalized journey through Istanbul, designed completely around your interests and preferences. Unlike standard, pre-set itineraries, you’ll work directly with...

4 to 8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$14

Daily Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul

Highlights Cappadocia trip from Istanbul with an expert local guide Trek through Rose Valley, explore the village of Çavusin and then visit Kaymakli Underground City …More

Highlights Cappadocia trip from Istanbul with an expert local guide Trek through Rose Valley, explore the village of Çavusin and then visit Kaymakli Underground City...

16 hours Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (1)
from
$395

Istanbul Old Town Photoshoot

Hello, I am Elmir, I am here to make Istanbul unforgettable for you. I am 27 years old. I completed my master's degree in Rome, …More

5.0 (12)

Istanbul Old Town Photoshoot

5.0 (12)

Hello, I am Elmir, I am here to make Istanbul unforgettable for you. I am 27 years old. I completed my master's degree in Rome,...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (12)
from
$113

Ultimate Private Ephesus Experience All-Inclusive from Istanbul

Join me for a private day trip from Istanbul to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s greatest cities. Walk through ruins where 250,000 once lived, …More

Join me for a private day trip from Istanbul to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s greatest cities. Walk through ruins where 250,000 once lived,...

12 to 14 hours Hotel pickup offered
from
$1,061

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,050)
from
$7

Istanbul E-pass: Top Istanbul Attractions with Skip The Ticket Line

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the …More

Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...

1 to 7 days Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,421)
from
$141

Istanbul Mega Lufer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show Pvt Table

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your …More

With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,621)
from
$32

Short Bosphorus Cruise with Pickup and Audio Guide

This is not just a boat ride — it’s the easiest and most scenic way to explore the heart of Istanbul in just two hours. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This is not just a boat ride — it’s the easiest and most scenic way to explore the heart of Istanbul in just two hours....

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (498)
from
$23

What's Included

Activity name

  • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
  • Lunch
  • Basilica Cistern Ticket - 32€
  • Hagia Sophia Ticket - 25€
  • English Speaking Professional Tour Guide
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name