Istanbul: Private Basilica Cistern Shore Excursion Tour

The Istanbul: Private Basilica Cistern Shore Excursion Tour provides a captivating opportunity to explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Basilica Cistern. Situated in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, this underground marvel boasts impressive Corinthian columns and a serene ambiance that has enchanted visitors for centuries. With the option to extend the tour to include other renowned sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, this excursion offers a comprehensive glimpse into Istanbul’s rich past and architectural wonders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this immersive experience promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s remarkable history and cultural significance.

Key Points

• Comprehensive one-day shore excursion tour featuring the Basilica Cistern, with optional visits to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
• Priced from €80 per person, including licensed English-speaking guide, public transport, and pre-booked entrance tickets.
• Flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Tour available in both English and Spanish languages, catering to diverse international visitors.
• Private group setting for a more personalized experience, starting from the vibrant Galataport Istanbul hub.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Istanbul: Private Basilica Cistern Shore Excursion Tour" is a comprehensive, one-day experience that allows visitors to explore the iconic Basilica Cistern, along with optional visits to the Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in the heart of Istanbul.

Priced from €80 per person, the tour includes a licensed English-speaking guide, public transport to and from the port, and pre-booked entrance tickets to skip the lines.

Offering a private group setting, the tour is available in English and Spanish. Visitors can expect a 1-hour guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, along with the option to spend 2 hours at the Hagia Sophia and 1 hour at the Blue Mosque.

Pricing and Duration

This private tour is priced from €80 per person, offering an affordable and comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. Lasting a full day, the tour provides ample time to take in the city’s rich history and architectural wonders. The tour’s duration is particularly advantageous, allowing guests to avoid feeling rushed and fully appreciate each attraction.

Tour Details	Value
Tour Name	Istanbul: Private Basilica Cistern Shore Excursion Tour
Price	From €80 per person
Duration	1 day
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Languages Offered	English, Spanish

Cancellation Policy

As outlined in the tour details, this private Istanbul excursion offers guests a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This flexible policy provides peace of mind, allowing travelers to adjust their plans without penalty.

Key highlights of the cancellation policy include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour
• Full refund provided for cancelled bookings
• Flexibility to accommodate changes in travel plans

This hassle-free cancellation policy is a valuable addition to the overall tour experience, ensuring customers can book with confidence and make last-minute adjustments if needed.

Language Options

According to the tour details, the Istanbul: Private Basilica Cistern Shore Excursion Tour offers tours in two languages – English and Spanish.

Travelers can choose the language that best suits their needs, ensuring they can fully understand and engage with the tour’s content.

Whether visitors are native English or Spanish speakers, or simply prefer one language over the other, the tour provides an inclusive experience.

This language flexibility allows the tour to cater to a diverse range of international visitors, enhancing the overall experience and making it accessible to a wider audience.

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Group Type and Starting Location

The Istanbul: Private Basilica Cistern Shore Excursion Tour is offered as a private group experience. This means you’ll be exploring the city’s iconic landmarks with just your personal group, allowing for a more intimate and tailored tour.

The starting location is Galataport Istanbul, a vibrant hub perfect for beginning your journey.

Some key details about the group and starting point:

• Private group experience
• Starting location at Galataport Istanbul
• Convenient public transport (tram) used for transportation

This private tour setup ensures a personalized adventure as you explore the rich history and architecture of Istanbul’s renowned sites.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Galataport Istanbul, where participants board the public tram to embark on their private excursion.

The first stop is the Basilica Cistern, a 1-hour guided tour through the "Underground Palace" supported by 336 Corinthian columns.

Afterward, the tour offers an optional 2-hour visit to Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece built by Emperor Justinian and a significant historical site.

The final optional stop is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, renowned for its blue tiles and architectural beauty.

The tour concludes with shopping opportunities at the iconic Grand Bazaar, a historic marketplace.

Tour Experience

Exploring the Basilica Cistern, a true highlight of the tour, offers visitors a captivating journey into Istanbul’s rich history. Known as the "Underground Palace," this hidden gem is supported by 336 Corinthian columns, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The tour also includes optional visits to the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece built by Emperor Justinian, and the renowned Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque, renowned for its blue tiles and architectural beauty.

The tour concludes with an opportunity to explore the Grand Bazaar, a historic marketplace brimming with shopping possibilities.

Key tour experiences:

• Guided tour of the Basilica Cistern
• Optional visit to the Hagia Sophia
• Optional visit to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
• Concluding shopping at the Grand Bazaar

Inclusions and Important Information

This private tour from Galataport Istanbul includes a licensed English-speaking guide, port pick-up and drop-off via public transport, and all local taxes and entrance tickets.

Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and head coverings, as the Blue Mosque may close during prayer hours. Plus, the visiting conditions at Hagia Sophia may change, with currently only the upper gallery accessible.

Lunch and drinks aren’t specified in detail, and personal expenses and guide tips aren’t included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit the traveler’s preferences. Many providers offer the flexibility to adjust the itinerary, allowing visitors to focus on the sites that interest them most during their time in Istanbul.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Stop on the Tour?

The tour allocates 1 hour for the Basilica Cistern, 2 hours for the optional visit to Hagia Sophia, and 1 hour for the optional visit to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Blue Mosque. The remaining time is used for transportation and shopping.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Beyond the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t cover personal expenses or gratuity. Lunch and drinks are also not specified in the inclusions. Visitors may need to pay additional fees if they choose to visit the Hagia Sophia or during prayer hours at the Blue Mosque.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Vehicle Instead of Public Transport?

Yes, there is an option to book a private vehicle instead of public transport. This can provide a more personalized and comfortable tour experience but would likely increase the overall tour cost.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants or Shops?

The tour guide can typically provide recommendations for local restaurants and shops that offer a unique cultural experience. They often have insider knowledge of the best places to dine and browse in the area.

Recap

The Istanbul: Private Basilica Cistern Shore Excursion Tour offers an immersive one-day experience, showcasing the city’s architectural gems. With a licensed guide, guests can explore the captivating Basilica Cistern and opt to visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Priced at €80 per person, the tour provides a convenient and personalized way to discover Istanbul’s rich history and stunning landmarks.

You can check if your dates are available here: