Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Overview
Explore the vibrant and storied "old town" of Istanbul on this tour, where you'll have the chance to capture incredible photographs at renowned landmarks such as the subterranean Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet. Take in the aromatic delights of the spice markets and delve into the rich Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Be inspired by the local art and craft scene, and discover the secrets of traditional carpet weaving during a visit to a historic carpet workshop.
• Enjoy priority access and skip the ticket lines at the Basilica Cistern
• Indulge in Turkish delights at the bustling Grand Bazaar
• Try your hand at weaving loom if you're feeling adventurous.
• Benefit from a smaller tour group that can be customised to your interests
What's Included
- Basilica Cistern entrance ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected)
- Small Group
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Basilica Cistern
Meeting Location
Alemdar
Muhterem Efendi Sk. No:13, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Tahtakale
34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
What To Expect
Book Online
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Basilica Cistern
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Blue Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hippodrome
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Grand Bazaar
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Sultanahmet District
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (pass by)
Sultanahmet Square
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Modest clothing should be preferred when visiting the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Shorts for men or women should be below the knee. Women cover their heads and exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl, skirt should be below the knee.
- It may be challenging to do the tour with a stroller, not recommended
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- IF “All Inclusive Option” not selected: Basilica Cistern (2250TL per person) is not included in the tour price. Once you pay your entrance fee to your tour guide, you will have the privilege of skipping the ticket queue. You can pay the tour guide preferably cash in TRY (or in equivalent to USD or EURO).
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern – Blue Mosque – Grand Bazaar?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-15459P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.77 out of 5 stars based on 47 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- 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).
- Basilica Cistern entrance ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected).
- Small Group.
- Professional guide.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Gratuities.
- Basilica Cistern.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern – Blue Mosque – Grand Bazaar will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Basilica Cistern entrance ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected)
- Small Group
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Basilica Cistern
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Modest clothing should be preferred when visiting the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Shorts for men or women should be below the knee. Women cover their heads and exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl, skirt should be below the knee.
- It may be challenging to do the tour with a stroller, not recommended
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
- IF “All Inclusive Option” not selected: Basilica Cistern (2250TL per person) is not included in the tour price. Once you pay your entrance fee to your tour guide, you will have the privilege of skipping the ticket queue. You can pay the tour guide preferably cash in TRY (or in equivalent to USD or EURO).
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
