Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

📍 İstanbul, Türkiye

4.9 ( 357 reviews)

Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

From

Duration4 hours

FitnessEasy

CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time

🔒Secure payment

✅Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore the vibrant and storied old town of Istanbul on this tour, where you'll have the chance to capture incredible photographs at renowned landmarks such as the subterranean Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet. Take in the aromatic delights of the spice markets and delve into the rich Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Be inspired by the local art and craft scene, and discover the secrets of traditional carpet weaving during a visit to a historic carpet workshop.

What you will be doing

Galata Tower

We will see a great Istanbul panorama from the top of this tower. One of the city's most distinctive sights, this great fortification dating back to 1348 was erected by Genoese Italians.

Beyoglu

In the Ottoman era, Beyoglu (then known as Pera) was the European Quarter of Istanbul. Home to embassies and trading centres, as well as fine 19th-century, Parisian-style apartment houses.

The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews

Museum of Turkish Jews were an artefact chronicling the history of Jewish people in Turkey, plus an art gallery & synagogue. Great to understand the history of the Jewish people in Turkey

Kamondo Stairs

Elegant set of 19th-century art nouveau stairs en route to the Galata Tower, popular for photos.

Arap Camii

Galata Koprusu

The Bascule bridge that spans the Golden Horn provides both a real and symbolic link between two important parts of Istanbul.

Halic

Halic (Golden Horn), meaning inlet in English, separates the old and new sections of Istanbul. The views of this water body are magnificent, especially at dawn or dusk

Fener Rum Patrikhanesi

The Ecumenical Patriarchate is recognised as the spiritual centre (basically the Vatican) of the Eastern Orthodox Christians.

Fener & Balat

The colourful streets of Fener and Balat await you. One could describe the combined neighbourhoods of Ayvansaray, Balat, and Fener as a miniature chronicle of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern times. These streets have hosted the most influential of empires along with their monuments and housed a mosaic of communities.

Bulgarian Orthodox Church

This is a curious, neo-Gothic white-painted church and interestingly made up of cast iron sections. Built in Vienna in 1896 and carted all the way to Istanbul.

Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church

Very emotional and spiritual place

Walls of Constantinople (Istanbul City Walls)

The walls of Constantinople were the greatest fortifications of the medieval age. With various towers and gates, large sections still stand more or less intact today.

Historic Areas of Istanbul

The historical city of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents, was the capital of three great empires- Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire.

Karaköy

One of the oldest and most historic districts of the city, and is today an important commercial centre and transport hub.

Things to know

AccessibilityChildren friendly

Fitness levelEasy

Tour languageEnglish

Licence requiredNone

Minimum age is 7.
Blue Mosque is closed on Friday and SEEN FROM OUTSIDE due to Friday congregational prayer
Modest clothing should be preferred when visiting the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Shorts for men or women should be below the knee. Women cover their heads and exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl, skirt should be below the knee.
It may be challenging to do the tour with a stroller, not recommended
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Entrance to Basilica Cistern (450TL per person) is not included in the tour price. Once you pay your entrance fee to your tour guide, you will have the privilege of skipping the ticket queue. You can pay the tour guide preferably cash in TRY (or in equivalent to USD or EURO).

Inclusions and Exclusions

✅ Included

Tour guide

❌ Not included

Pick up and drop off transport
Entrance ticket
Gratuities

Where we'll meet

Meet up/Pick up location: Yerebatan Caddesi, 34110 Istanbul, TR

Instruction: Meet your guide (outside) in front of VOGUE HOTEL SUPREME ISTANBUL, approx. 2 minutes walk from (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot. PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE ACTIVITY STARTS: If you are going to be late, please contact the tour provider in advance. The guide will wait for you if you are the only participant or they will advise you how to catch up with your group later.

ReturnOur tour concludes after visiting Grand Bazaar, leaving you free to continue your Istanbul sightseeing.