Istanbul Basilica Cistern Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Old City

Istanbul’s Old City is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and cultural heritage. At its heart lie three iconic landmarks that have long captivated visitors: the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir, casts a spell with its atmospheric ambiance and towering columns. Nearby, the former church and mosque of Hagia Sophia enchants with its breathtaking mosaics and vast dome. The Blue Mosque, renowned for its intricate Iznik tiles and soaring minarets, stands as a testament to Ottoman grandeur. Exploring these wonders offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past, leaving one eager to uncover more of Istanbul’s captivating stories.

Key Points

• This guided walking tour in Istanbul covers the top attractions, including the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Old City, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia.
• The tour provides priority admission to the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia, allowing you to skip the lines.
• Highlights include exploring the stunning interior of Hagia Sophia, admiring the intricate Iznik tiles of the Blue Mosque, and discovering the ancient Hippodrome.
• The tour includes an English-speaking guide, with hotel pickup and entry tickets for the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.
• The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, and appropriate attire is recommended for the sacred sites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This guided walking tour of Istanbul’s top attractions offers visitors a rundown of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, covering key landmarks such as the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Old City, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia.

Priced from Kč425 per person, the 3-hour tour provides priority admission to the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. Guests can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the convenience of a reserve now and pay later option.

With an experienced, English-speaking guide, travelers can explore these iconic sites, learning about their history and significance along the way.

Itinerary Highlights

The walking tour takes visitors on an engaging journey through Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, beginning with the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a former Greek Orthodox church from the 6th century.

Guests will learn about its rich history and significance as they explore the stunning interior.

Next, they’ll visit the Blue Mosque, marveling at the intricate Iznik tiles that adorn the walls and the towering six minarets.

The tour then leads them to the ancient Hippodrome, where they’ll discover the German Fountain, Bronze Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and Column of Constantine.

Inclusions and Exclusions

In the Istanbul tour package, the inclusions and exclusions are well-defined. The tour includes hotel pickup (if selected), an English-speaking guide, and entry tickets for the Basilica Cistern (800TL, cash) and Hagia Sophia.

However, the tour excludes:

1. Gratuities for the guide and other service providers.
2. Food and drinks during the tour.
3. Hotel drop-off at the end of the tour.

It’s important to note that there’s a dress code for the sacred sites, with a recommendation to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and headscarves.

Visitors should also be aware of any changes, such as the closure of Hagia Sophia’s main salon starting in January 2024.

Important Information

Visitors should be aware of a few important details regarding this Istanbul tour. Hagia Sophia’s main salon will be closed to travelers starting in January 2024, and an additional fee of 25 Euros will be required for the mosque visit. Plus, the Grand Bazaar is closed on religious holidays and Sundays. The meeting point is in front of Buhara 93 Restaurant, Sultanahmet Square, with the Aljazeera Tour Logo Flag.

Hagia Sophia	Grand Bazaar	Meeting Point
Main salon closed from Jan 2024	Closed on religious holidays and Sundays	Buhara 93 Restaurant, Sultanahmet Square
Additional 25 Euro fee for mosque visit		Aljazeera Tour Logo Flag

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Customer Reviews Summary

Reviewers generally praise the knowledgeable tour guides, though some mention issues with the tour ending at a leather store featuring aggressive sales tactics.

The tour is rated 4 out of 5 stars based on 14 reviews.

The highlights of the tour include:

1. Informative and engaging guides who provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the major attractions.

2. The value for money is rated 4 out of 5, indicating that customers feel they’re getting a good deal for the price.

3. While the majority of reviewers are satisfied, a few have noted the high-pressure sales tactics at the leather store, which may detract from the overall tour experience.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Istanbul tour is in front of Buhara 93 Restaurant, located in Sultanahmet Square, marked by the Aljazeera Tour Logo Flag.

This central location makes it easy for participants to find and join the tour. The tour guide will be waiting at this meeting point, holding the distinctive Aljazeera Tour Flag so travelers can quickly identify them.

Sultanahmet Square is a bustling hub in the heart of the Old City, providing a convenient and accessible starting point for the walking tour of Istanbul’s top attractions.

Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth start to the day’s sightseeing adventure.

Dress Code

When visiting sacred sites like the Blue Mosque, guests are recommended to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and headscarves to respect the conservative dress code and cultural norms. This shows consideration for the religious and cultural significance of these historic landmarks.

Some key points about the dress code:

1. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts help cover up exposed skin, which is important when entering mosques and other sacred spaces.

2. Headscarves, or hijabs, are suggested for women to cover their hair as a sign of modesty and respect.

3. Dressing appropriately allows visitors to fully enjoy the experience and avoid any potential issues or restrictions when accessing the sites.

Cancellation Policy

Visitors can take advantage of the tour operator’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance of the scheduled tour. This policy provides peace of mind and flexibility for travelers, ensuring they can make last-minute changes without incurring additional costs. The table below outlines the cancellation policy in more detail:

Cancellation Period	Refund Amount
Up to 24 hours	100%
24-48 hours	50%
48 hours or less	No Refund
No-show	No Refund

This user-friendly policy allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without facing significant financial penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Basilica Cistern?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Basilica Cistern. Visitors can take photos throughout the underground chambers, including the famous Medusa heads. However, tripods and flash photography are typically prohibited to preserve the site’s historical ambiance.

Can I Visit the Topkapi Palace on This Tour?

The tour doesn’t include a visit to Topkapi Palace. It focuses on the historical landmarks of Sultanahmet, like the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar. To visit Topkapi Palace, you’d need to book a separate tour or explore it independently.

How Accessible Are the Sites for People With Disabilities?

The tour sites are moderately accessible for people with disabilities. The Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia have ramps and elevators, but the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar have uneven surfaces that may be challenging. Visitors should inquire about specific accessibility accommodations when booking.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Grand Bazaar?

The dress code for visiting the Grand Bazaar is generally casual, though long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and headscarves are recommended for women at the Grand Bazaar, as it’s a religious site. Modest attire is preferred, but there’s no strict dress code enforced.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Sites Included in the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the sites included in the tour. The Grand Bazaar offers countless shops selling traditional Turkish handicrafts, spices, and other local goods. However, souvenirs may not be available at the Basilica Cistern or Hagia Sophia.

Recap

The Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque offer a captivating glimpse into Istanbul’s remarkable past.

Visitors are enchanted by the cistern’s atmospheric ambiance, Hagia Sophia’s breathtaking mosaics, and the Blue Mosque’s ornate Iznik tiles.

Nestled within the vibrant Old City, these iconic landmarks showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor, leaving a lasting impression on all who explore them.

You can check if your dates are available here: