The Best of Istanbul Skip the Line Hagia Sophia Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
Rating: 
Trip Type: Full-day Tours
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
See the best of the historic Sulthanmet area of Istanbul on this intimate small group tour. Traveling with a hand-picked local guide, you’ll save hours otherwise spent queuing for Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, and arrive at the Blue Mosque before the crowds of the day. With their help you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the incredible structures before you.
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See the best of the historic Sulthanmet area of Istanbul on this intimate small group tour. Traveling with a hand-picked local guide, you’ll save hours otherwise spent queuing for Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, and arrive at the Blue Mosque before the crowds of the day. With their help you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the incredible structures before you.
Your tour starts at the Blue Mosque where you meet early to avoid the rush of the day. As you wait for the doors to open your guide will teach you about the history and architecture of this incredible temple, and about the nuances and cultural effects of Islam in Istanbul. Once the doors open, slip off your shoes and (ladies) don your headscarf to explore the beautiful tiled and carpeted interior of Istanbul’s foremost religious building.
Across the ancient Hippodrome next, and on to Hagia Sophia. Once a church, then a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Sophia (also know as Aya Sofya) has many tales to tell, offering a unique experience that spans continents, religions and cultures.
The last stop of the morning is the Basilica Cistern. Once a cistern which provided water to the city, it’s now a beautifully preserved space full of medusa-head columns and eerie lighting.
Traveling in small groups of 15 people or fewer with headsets for every guest, your tour will be more friendly and comfortable. A good thing too since these guides are some of the best in Istanbul, hand-chosen for their excellent English language skills, passion and fantastic inter-personal skills.
This tour is all-inclusive pricing and a No Surprise Guarantee. Guides have no external affiliations, guaranteeing that you’ll never have to visit a carpet shop or feel pressure at any point in your tour: So you can relax and enjoy the very best of Istanbul without waiting in line!
Across the ancient Hippodrome next, and on to Hagia Sophia. Once a church, then a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Sophia (also know as Aya Sofya) has many tales to tell, offering a unique experience that spans continents, religions and cultures.
The last stop of the morning is the Basilica Cistern. Once a cistern which provided water to the city, it’s now a beautifully preserved space full of medusa-head columns and eerie lighting.
Traveling in small groups of 15 people or fewer with headsets for every guest, your tour will be more friendly and comfortable. A good thing too since these guides are some of the best in Istanbul, hand-chosen for their excellent English language skills, passion and fantastic inter-personal skills.
This tour is all-inclusive pricing and a No Surprise Guarantee. Guides have no external affiliations, guaranteeing that you’ll never have to visit a carpet shop or feel pressure at any point in your tour: So you can relax and enjoy the very best of Istanbul without waiting in line!
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