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Istanbul Essential Highlights: Hagia Sophia and Cistern and more

14 Reviews 4.71 out of 5 stars Based on 14 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours 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
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

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

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

End point

Beyazıt
34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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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.
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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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hippodrome

Hippodrome - German Fountain - Obelisk of Theodosius - Serpent Column - Walled Obelisk
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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.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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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.

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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 Balloon Tours 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.

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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

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Activity name