Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar
Overview
Visit the historic ‘old town’ of bustling Istanbul on this tour. Photo opportunities await at Sultanahmet’s notable religious sites including the Underground Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque. Wander through aromatic spice markets after exploring the Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Witness the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire influences in this part of Turkey's great metropolis.
⦿ Tour the historic reference points of the old town with an English speaking tour guide
⦿ Benefit from a smaller tour group that can be customised to your interests
⦿ Sample Turkish delights in the Grand Bazaar and visit a local carpet workshop
⦿ Enjoy the best scenery of Istanbul from Blue Mosque
What's Included
- Basilica Cistern entry 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
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Basilica Cistern
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Blue Mosque
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hippodrome
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Sultanahmet Square
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (pass by)
Historic Areas of Istanbul (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
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Modest clothing is recommended when visiting the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Shorts and skirts should be below the knee. Women are kindly asked to cover their heads and any exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl. If you do not have suitable clothing, complimentary coverings are available at the entrance, including overalls and headscarves.
- The Blue Mosque has one tourist entrance for all visitors. There is no skip-the-line option, so waiting time may occur depending on the crowd. We kindly ask for your understanding and patience.
- IF ALL INCLUSIVE OPTION IS NOT SELECTED: Entrance to Basilica Cistern (€45 per person) is not included in the tour price.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. On Sundays, we visit the Spice Market (Egyptian Market) instead, allowing you to enjoy another of Istanbul’s historic and vibrant markets.
- Total walking distance approx. 3–4 km with frequent stops; includes stairs at Basilica Cistern and uneven surfaces in Sultanahmet
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern – Blue Mosque – Grand Bazaar?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-66000P19
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Reviews
Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 119 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 (8)
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).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Basilica Cistern entry ticket (*if all-inclusive option selected).
- Small Group.
- Professional Guide.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Gratuities.
- Basilica Cistern.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There 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 Istanbul Old City: 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 Istanbul Old City: 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 entry 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 is recommended when visiting the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Shorts and skirts should be below the knee. Women are kindly asked to cover their heads and any exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl. If you do not have suitable clothing, complimentary coverings are available at the entrance, including overalls and headscarves.
- The Blue Mosque has one tourist entrance for all visitors. There is no skip-the-line option, so waiting time may occur depending on the crowd. We kindly ask for your understanding and patience.
- IF ALL INCLUSIVE OPTION IS NOT SELECTED: Entrance to Basilica Cistern (€45 per person) is not included in the tour price.
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. On Sundays, we visit the Spice Market (Egyptian Market) instead, allowing you to enjoy another of Istanbul’s historic and vibrant markets.
- Total walking distance approx. 3–4 km with frequent stops; includes stairs at Basilica Cistern and uneven surfaces in Sultanahmet
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
