Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Guided Tour

Step into Istanbul’s dramatic past with Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and the Basilica Cistern

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· 4.00h · Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Guided Tour

Peel back the layers of Istanbul’s past on a walking tour that mixes Byzantine sparkle with Ottoman splendor. Descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, gaze up at Hagia Sophia’s glittering mosaics and soaring dome, and wander through the opulent courtyards of Topkapi Palace. With skip-the-line tickets and a storytelling local guide, this tour bundles Istanbul’s greatest hits into one unforgettable, can’t-miss adventure.

What You Get With This Tour

Expert English-speaking guide
Topkapi Palace tickets
Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sofia
Entry to Topkapi Harem
Max group size of 20
Hotel pick up
Meals
Guide gratuities

Tour Itinerary

1

Meet your guide in Sultanahmet District
Exact location can be found on your voucher
2

Basilica Cistern
Descend into Istanbul’s eerie underground reservoir, lined with stone columns and Medusa heads, built in the 6th century to store water for the Great Palace.
3

Hagia Sofia
Marvel at this architectural icon where Christianity and Islam converge—its domed ceiling, mosaics, and minarets span 1,500 years of transformation.
4

Topkapi Palace
Explore the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans, where jeweled thrones, imperial kitchens, and sacred relics reflect centuries of royal power.

Additional Information

Istanbul Treasures Tour Full Description

Your 4-hour adventure includes:

Expert local guide
Guided tours of Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and Hagia Sophia
All tickets included
Skip-the-line access with pre-reserved tickets
Fascinating insider stories from Byzantine to Ottoman times
Small-group experience

Underground Mysteries

Kick things off in the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul’s own underground palace of water. Stroll among its 336 marble columns, snap a pic with the upside-down Medusa heads, and hear the wild tales of how Byzantine emperors kept their city afloat. It’s eerie, magical, and one of the coolest spots hiding beneath the streets.

Palaces & Power

Next stop is Topkapı Palace, where Ottoman sultans lived larger than life. Wander through opulent courtyards, glittering pavilions, and treasure rooms that make Aladdin’s cave look modest. From jewel-studded swords to sacred relics, this was the stage where politics, intrigue, and royal drama shaped an empire.

Sacred Splendor

Finish at the iconic Hagia Sophia, part cathedral and part mosque but fully jaw-dropping. Gaze up at its massive dome, admire shimmering mosaics, and soak in the layers of history etched into its walls. This is Istanbul’s greatest time capsule where empires, faiths, and cultures come together under one spectacular roof.