Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets
Overview
Enjoy included admission tickets for Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.
Visit two major highlights of Istanbul on a small-group tour led by an expert guide.
Explore the world-famous Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern with tickets.
Learn about the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.
Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to explore Istanbul.
Benefit from convenient pickup at Galata Port or meeting point in Sultanahmet.
What's Included
- Priority entry tickets for Hagia Sophia
- Priority entry tickets for Basilica Cistern
- Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
- 2 hours guided tour
- Headsets to hear the guide better
- Professional and local guide with a license
- Transport to the meeting spot
Meeting Location
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Sultanahmet Square (pass by)
Basilica Cistern
40 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Hippodrome
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Sultanahmet Square (pass by)
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
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
- If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
- Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during holidays.
- Basilica Cistern has 50 steps going down and then up. There is no lift.
- Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
- Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
- Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
- Please note that women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- Please note that wearing or displaying any specific religious symbols or attire is not permitted.
- You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
- Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
- Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
- Please note that Hagia Sophia is currently undergoing restoration, which may temporarily affect visibility in some areas. These works are carried out independently of the tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-51192P186
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.75 out of 5 stars based on 4 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).
- Priority entry tickets for Hagia Sophia.
- Priority entry tickets for Basilica Cistern.
- Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected).
- 2 hours guided tour.
- Headsets to hear the guide better.
- Professional and local guide with a license.
- Transport to the meeting spot.
The minimum age to participate is 7. 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 Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets 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 Istanbul Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Tickets 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
- Priority entry tickets for Hagia Sophia
- Priority entry tickets for Basilica Cistern
- Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
- 2 hours guided tour
- Headsets to hear the guide better
- Professional and local guide with a license
- Transport to the meeting spot
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
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- Hagia Sophia may be closed unannounced due to high-level state visits.
- If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
- Expect long lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, especially during holidays.
- Basilica Cistern has 50 steps going down and then up. There is no lift.
- Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
- Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
- Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
- Please note that women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- Please note that wearing or displaying any specific religious symbols or attire is not permitted.
- You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
- Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
- Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
- Please note that Hagia Sophia is currently undergoing restoration, which may temporarily affect visibility in some areas. These works are carried out independently of the tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
