Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Tour
Overview
Discover the secrets of an ancient Basilica Cistern hidden in the underground of Istanbul's Old City.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Basilica Cistern
Visit the ancient Basilica Cistern to discover Byzantinian history and legends, and see the attractions of the Old City, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (outside only)
3,5-hour: Basilica Cistern with Transport
Book a 1,5-hour round-trip transfer and a 2-hour private tour of Basilica Cistern and the Old City with highlights such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (outside only)
3-hour: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia
Visit the ancient Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia to discover Byzantinian history and legends, and see the attractions of the Old City, such as the Blue Mosque (outside only)
4,5-hour: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia with Transport
Book a 1,5-hour round-trip transfer and a 3-hour private tour of the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and the Old City.
What's Included
- Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (3,5- and 4,5H options only)
- - (number of attractions depends on the option selected)
- Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (3- and 4,5-hour options only)
- Skip-the-line tickets to Basilica Cistern (all options)
- 5-Star Licensed Guide who fluent in the language of your choice
- Private Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and the Old City
- Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in 2- and 3,5-hour options)
- Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 2- and 3-hour options)
Meeting and Pickup
Included with the options “4,5H:Cistern & Hagia+Transport” and “3,5H:BasilicaCistern+Transport”.
Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
For the options “3H:BasilicaCistern&HagiaSophia” and “2H: Basilica Cistern”.
Divanyolu Caddesi
Alemdar, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
World Heritage Center Hotel
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Istanbul
1 hour 20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Basilica Cistern
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. Private car transfers and a guided tour of Hagia Sophia are not included in a 2-hour tour.
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Basilica Cistern allow you to enter faster without purchasing tickets on the spot, but you will have to wait in line for ticket validation and mandatory security checks.
- Hagia Sophia is a functioning mosque, so there are special rules for visitors with free admission. Women are not allowed outside the women's and visitor area and some parts of the mosque are closed to non-Muslims during prayer hours. All visitors must undergo mandatory security checks and adhere to mosque etiquette, which includes a modest dress (head scarves for women only; covered shoulders and knees, no hats and shoes for men and women).
- For the convenience of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are more than 26 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
- The 3,5 and 5,5-hour options include an estimated 1,5-hour transfer time between the meeting point and the accommodation address provided when booking. Please note that the transfer time quoted is for information purposes only and may take longer or shorter depending on the distance and traffic.
- We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van or minibus for groups of 5 people and more. If you're traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-270904P301
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 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).
- Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (3,5- and 4,5H options only).
- - (number of attractions depends on the option selected).
- Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (3- and 4,5-hour options only).
- Skip-the-line tickets to Basilica Cistern (all options).
- 5-Star Licensed Guide who fluent in the language of your choice.
- Private Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and the Old City.
- Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in 2- and 3,5-hour options).
- Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 2- and 3-hour options).
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
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 Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- 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 Skip-the-line Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Tour 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
- Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (3,5- and 4,5H options only)
- - (number of attractions depends on the option selected)
- Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (3- and 4,5-hour options only)
- Skip-the-line tickets to Basilica Cistern (all options)
- 5-Star Licensed Guide who fluent in the language of your choice
- Private Guided Tour of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and the Old City
- Free entry to Hagia Sophia Mosque (in 2- and 3,5-hour options)
- Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 2- and 3-hour options)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. Private car transfers and a guided tour of Hagia Sophia are not included in a 2-hour tour.
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Basilica Cistern allow you to enter faster without purchasing tickets on the spot, but you will have to wait in line for ticket validation and mandatory security checks.
- Hagia Sophia is a functioning mosque, so there are special rules for visitors with free admission. Women are not allowed outside the women's and visitor area and some parts of the mosque are closed to non-Muslims during prayer hours. All visitors must undergo mandatory security checks and adhere to mosque etiquette, which includes a modest dress (head scarves for women only; covered shoulders and knees, no hats and shoes for men and women).
- For the convenience of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are more than 26 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
- The 3,5 and 5,5-hour options include an estimated 1,5-hour transfer time between the meeting point and the accommodation address provided when booking. Please note that the transfer time quoted is for information purposes only and may take longer or shorter depending on the distance and traffic.
- We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van or minibus for groups of 5 people and more. If you're traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.
