Basilica Cistern guided tours

Skip the lines and uncover the illuminated Basilica Cistern at night with a self-paced multilingual audio tour.

• Everything you get: Enjoy fast-track night entry, access to the cistern’s chambers, and a multilingual audio guide that brings its Byzantine history to life.
• Why choose this: Experience the cistern at its most peaceful, learn about fascinating legends of the Medusa heads, and explore one of Istanbul’s most mysterious landmarks without the crowds after dark.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line fast-track night entry to Basilica Cistern

• Multilingual audio guide

Exclusions

• Headphones

What to bring

• Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip—the stone floor can be damp and slightly slippery.
• Bring a light jacket or shawl; it stays cool underground even in warm weather.
• Carry wired headphones if you plan to use an audio guide app—Bluetooth often struggles underground.
• Have your phone fully charged for photos and the audio guide (there are no charging stations inside).

What's not allowed

• Flash photography is not permitted.
• Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the cistern.

Accessibility

• The site is partially accessible; there is a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street near the tram line, but the walking path inside may be uneven in places.
• Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or where the lighting is low.
• There are no elevators inside the cistern, and seating is extremely limited.

Additional information

• Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check.
• Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid crowds from cruise ship tours.
• Don’t miss the Medusa heads tucked into the far corner. Walk around them to see both angles.
• The exit leads out to a different street than the entrance; take note of your location before entering.
• The lighting is intentionally dim—give your eyes a moment to adjust for better visibility and photos

Explore 2 of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks with a single ticket & skip the crowds.

Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Get a quick entry to the Basilica Cistern with the skip-the-line tickets to explore at your own pace, with insights from an audio guide available in 7 languages.

Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Get a fast-track entry to Hagia Sophia. Access the Upper Gallery and explore key highlights with an included audio guide.

Why choose this combo: See Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with one discounted combo ticket—two iconic sites, one great deal, just 110 meters apart.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian & Spanish

• Exclusive access to the Upper Gallery visiting area

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: The Basilica Cistern gets busy quickly post mid-morning. For a calmer visit, aim for late afternoon or early evening.
• The Cistern stays cool and damp year-round, with slippery floors. Wear warm clothes and shoes with a good grip to prevent yourself from slipping.
• Don’t leave without seeing the Medusa heads. They’re tucked away at the far end, and worth viewing from every angle!

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks are mandatory and wait times during peak hours (June to August) can reach up to 60 minutes.
• The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists. Additionally, Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from noon to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
• Please dress modestly—your shoulders, arms, and knees should be covered. Women will also need to cover their heads. Scarves are available at the entrance if you forget to bring yours.
• Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash or tripods.
• Large bags, backpacks, food or drinks are not allowed inside the Hagia Sophia.
• Hagia Sophia is under renovation, therefore, not all parts of the building are open to the public.

Explore Istanbul’s 'Big Three' — Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern — with one flexible, skip-the-line combo ticket.

• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Explore the mosaics, domes, and quiet of the Upper Gallery at Hagia Sophia with ease. The included audio guide takes you through it all, from emperor coronations to the rich history of the place.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Skip long wait lines and enter the Harem's ornate chambers at the Topkapi Palace. Catch the jewel-covered Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, all with your personal audio storyteller in tow.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Descend under Istanbul's grounds and marvel at ancient columns, echoing vaults, and Medusa’s icy stares. Take in this experience with an added bonus of skipping long ticket lines and a 7+ language audio guide.
• Why choose this combo: 1 ticket, no transfers, no commute, no stress. All three landmarks are just minutes apart. Perfect combo if you want to save money and enjoy quick skip-the-line access at every stop.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Access to Hagia Sophia's Upper Gallery visiting area

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line entry

• Access to Topkapi Palace Harem (Royal Apartments & Imperial Hall)

• Access to Topkapi Palace Museum (Treasury & Sacred Relics Room)

• Audio guide downloadable in English, Arabic, French, German, & Spanish

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Follow the full loop before heading out—the Medusa heads are tucked away at the far end and worth a close look from every angle.
• Skip-the-line tickets are very helpful, but all visitors must go through standard security screening.
• For a more peaceful visit, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s less crowded. The space feels a lot more serene then!
• The lighting is kept low to preserve the atmosphere. Switch to night mode or steady your phone to capture clearer photos.
• Make sure you wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping in some areas.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks are a must at the venue. During summer months, checks can take extra time with queues stretching into the courtyard.
• Only the Upper Gallery area is open to visitors, while the main floor is reserved for worshippers.
• You cannot enter the mosque during prayer times, so plan your visit around the daily schedule.
• Modest dress is mandatory for all, so make sure you wear clothes that cover your head, shoulders and knees. Headscarves are available at the entrance for women.
• Due to the Friday prayer, the Mosque will be closed to tourists from 12pm to 2pm. For a smoother experience, it's recommended visiting after 4pm to avoid the lengthy security line anticipated between 2pm and 4pm.

Topkapi Palace

• Tip: Don’t miss the Harem—it holds the palace’s most intricate art and architecture.
• Visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon hours to avoid long security lines.
• Skip-the-line tickets bypass ticket queues but not security checks. Checks normally take 30–40 minutes from June to August.
• Some rooms in the Harem do not allow photography, so keep an eye out for signs.
• The Spoonmaker’s Diamond is dimly lit. Pro tip: catch the reflections on the wall to view it clearly.

Enjoy expert storytelling, skip-the-line access, and a 5+ language audio guide for 3 of Istanbul’s most iconic sites.

• Everything you get at Blue Mosque: Skip the long lines and head straight to the Blue Mosque’s grand prayer hall. Get insights into this stained-glass-lit monument, with an English-speaking guide and an audio guide.
• Everything you get at Hagia Sophia: Access the Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia—an area once reserved for royalty. Avoid the wait and admire its breathtaking mosaics at your own pace, while enjoying a detailed audio guide.
• Everything you get at Basilica Cistern: Take an underground walk into the Basilica Cistern’s cool and quiet spaces. Skip long wait lines, and walk in to admire the marble columns and the famous Medusa heads with an expert guide.
• Why choose this combo: In just 4 hours, visit three of Istanbul’s top landmarks in one day, with one easy ticket. Skip the long lines with this flexible ticket and explore each site with expert English-speaking guides and immersive audio guides.

Inclusions Basilica Cistern

• 1-hour guided tour of Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Audio app downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, & Turkish

Hagia Sophia

• 2-hour guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip-the-line entry

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Entry to Hagia Sophia visiting area & Upper Gallery

• Audio guide downloadable in English, German, French, Italian, & Spanish

Blue Mosque

• 1-hour guided tour to the Blue Mosque

• Skip-the-line entry (as per option selected)

• Expert English-speaking guide

Exclusions

• Scarf and body cover at the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: Be sure to walk to the far end of the cistern to see the famous Medusa heads—many visitors miss them by turning back too soon.
• Floors can be slick in places due to moisture, so wear stable footwear with a good grip.
• For a quieter, more serene experience, visit first thing in the morning or just before closing when crowds are less.
• Skip-the-line tickets help cut down wait time. However, security screenings are compulsory for all visitors and will take time.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Security checks can take up to an hour in summer (June–August), so plan your visits accordingly.
• Only the Upper Gallery is open to visitors; the main prayer hall is reserved for worshippers and not accessible to visitors.
• Access is paused during daily prayers, so plan your visit between those times.
• Tourist entry is paused every Friday from noon to around 2:30pm for weekly prayers.
• Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.

Blue Mosque

• Tip: The Blue Mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers, so make sure you check local prayer times before visiting.
• Visitors are required to dress modestly – so please cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Women are also required to wear scarves. If you forget to bring your own, there are scarves available at the entrance.
• Shoes must be removed before entering. Make sure you bring a small bag to carry them.

Skip the lines and explore the Basilica Cistern with flexibility to add more landmarks and guides.

• Everything you get: Enjoy skip-the-line entry and a 1-hour guided tour of the Basilica Cistern, or opt for a self-guided experience with a multilingual audio app. You can also add guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque for a deeper dive into Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
• Why choose this: This tour gives you the flexibility to choose between a guided tour or a self-guided audio app to explore the Basilica Cistern. Skip-the-line access saves time, letting you dive straight into the experience.
• Upgrades: Enhance your visit with guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, providing in-depth insights into two of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, all in one seamless experience.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern

• Guided tour of Basilica Cistern

• Skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)

• Guided tour of Hagia Sophia (based on option selected)

• Entry to Blue Mosque (based on option selected)

• Guided tour of Blue Mosque (based on option selected)

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Audio app for iOS & Android in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish & Turkish

• Headset

Basilica Cistern

• Tip: The famous Medusa columns are easy to miss if you head out too early; walk all the way to the back.
• Your ticket lets you skip the long lines, but you’ll still need to go through the security check.
• Mornings and evenings are quieter; avoid midday hours when large tour groups and cruise visitors typically arrive.
• The lighting is intentionally dim; use your phone’s night mode for better photos.
• The damp floor can be slippery in some areas—wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.

Hagia Sophia

• Tip: Be prepared for security checks; expect up to 60 minutes of wait time during the peak season (June to August).
• The ground floor is designated for prayers, while the second floor is open to visitors.
• During the five daily prayers, certain areas are restricted to tourists.
• Hagia Sophia is closed on Fridays from 12pm to 2:30pm for the Friday prayer.
• Dress modestly—cover shoulders, arms, and knees. Women need to cover their heads. Scarves are available at the entrance.

Blue Mosque

• Tip: Dress modestly to avoid delays at the entrance; long pants and covered shoulders are recommended for everyone.
• The mosque closes to tourists five times a day for prayers.
• You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering. Bring a small bag to carry them easily.

Inclusions

• Skip the line entry to Hagia Sophia

• Guided tour of Hagia Sophia

• Skip the line entry to Topkapi Palace (including Harem section) & guided tour (optional)

• Skip the line entry to Basilica Cistern & guided tour (optional)

• Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace audio guide (English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish)

Exclusions

• Headsets

• Hotel transfers

• Meal inclusions

Go on a Bosphorus cruise, a guided Blue Mosque tour, plus access to up to 10 landmarks & experiences like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and a dervish show.

• Everything you get: All levels of passes include a Blue Mosque tour, a Bosphorus dinner cruise, a 5-ride transportation card, multilingual audio guides for all attractions, a digital guidebook, and a city map to navigate it all. Get additional access to two top landmarks or experiences like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahçe Palace, guided tours including the Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tours, Turkish bath or Dervish ceremony.
• Why choose this: Think of this as your Istanbul starter kit: metro rides, a cruise, guided entry to the Blue Mosque, and all the maps and audio you’ll need to navigate the city! Plus, entry to two landmarks of your choice.
• Upgrades: Choose the Premium Pass to visit 4 attractions or experiences, or go all in with the Deluxe Pass to unlock 10 of the city’s best attractions and experiences, with all tickets delivered straight to your inbox.

Inclusions

• Included with the MegaPass

  • Blue Mosque guided tour

  • Bosphorus sightseeing cruise

  • 5-ride Istanbul transportation card

  • Multilingual audio guides for all attractions

  • Digital guidebook

  • City, tram, and metro map

• Additional inclusions based on the pass option selected

  • Landmarks & Palaces: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, & Dolmabahce Palace (choose 2/4/10 depending on your pass tier)

  • Sightseeing tours: Asian side walking tour, hop-on hop-off bus tour, Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise with snacks (based on your pass tier)

  • Cultural experiences: Turkish bath or hammam experience, Whirling Dervish ceremony, & Bosphorus dinner cruise (based on your pass tier)

• Click [here] for full details

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many included attractions involve uneven paths, stairs, or long distances.
• Modest attire is a must for religious landmarks. Bring a scarf or shawl if you're visiting the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

What's not allowed

• Flash photography, food, and large bags are not allowed inside most museums and historic sites.
• Revealing clothing is not permitted in mosques; shoulders and knees must be covered for entry.

Accessibility

• Most attractions offer partial wheelchair access, but areas like the Upper Gallery at Hagia Sophia and the Harem at Topkapi Palace require you to climb up a flight of stairs.

Additional information

• The pass guarantees 7 essentials, including a public transport card, guided Blue Mosque tour, 90-min Bosphorus cruise, and audio guides.
• Add on landmarks and experiences as per the pass you pick. Get the list of included and optional attractions [here].
• All activities are open-entry with no reservations required; only the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise needs to be booked in advance.
• The pass is valid for 7 consecutive days from your selected start date.
• You’re free to visit multiple attractions each day, but each attraction can only be accessed once with your pass.
• Skip-the-line access is included, but security checks still apply at all venues.
• The multilingual audio guides are available offline, so you don't have to rely on a spotty signal.
• The included transport card can be used across trams, ferries, buses, and metros—no need to buy separate tickets, but make sure to validate your card at necessary stops.
• The digital guidebook includes curated tips and navigation shortcuts between included attractions, helping you plan smarter and save time.
• Access to the main prayer hall on the ground floor of the Hagia Sophia is restricted for tourists. You can only visit the upper floor visiting area.
• The Asian side walking tour is one of the best ways to see a non-touristy, authentic side of Istanbul. It's slower-paced and culturally rich.
• The upper deck of hop-on-hop-off buses offers the best views across the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Choose traditional hammams for a more authentic experience.
• Opt for evening Dervish sessions for a quieter, more atmospheric setting, and sit closer to the front for a better view of the whirling ritual.
• The window seats fill up fast on cruises; arrive early to grab the best spots.

Save time with skip-the-line access to two of Istanbul's top historical sites: the Galata Tower and the Topkapi Palace.

• Everything you get at Galata Tower: Soar above the Golden Horn with skip-the-line entry to the historic tower. Ride the elevator to the top for 360° panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and the Bosphorus, then explore the tower's exhibits at your own pace with a dedicated audio guide.
• Everything you get at Topkapi Palace: Explore the former seat of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, with a multilingual audio guide. Get skip-the-line entry led by a host, and tour the First and Second Courtyards, see the Divan, and admire the famous porcelain collection.
• Why choose this combo: Save money and maximise your sightseeing efficiency by avoiding the lines at both attractions, saving hours of waiting time.

Inclusions Galata Tower

• Skip-the-line entry to Galata Tower

• Elevator access to the top

• Multilingual audioguide

Topkapi Palace

• Skip-the-line hosted entry to Topkapi Palace

• Access to Topkapi Palace Harem Museum

• Multilingual audioguide

Exclusions Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace

• Hotels transfers

• Food and drink

What to bring

Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace

• Ensure your smartphone is fully charged and bring your own headphones to use the audio guide.
• Download the audio guide in advance to avoid connectivity issues during your visit.

Galata Tower

• Bring your ticket (received via booking confirmation email) and keep it with you throughout your visit, as you may be asked to present it at the exit.

What’s not allowed

Galata Tower

• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the tower.
• Pets are not permitted at the venues.
• Skipping the security line is not possible; all visitors must wait in this queue.

Accessibility

Galata Tower

• The Galata Tower is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

Galata Tower

• The ticket is valid for the entire day within the venue’s operating hours (Monday–Sunday: 8:30am–10pm; Saturday until 11pm).
• During high season, especially in summer, you may encounter wait times to enter the monument.
• Elevator access is available to the top of the tower.

Topkapi Palace

• Note that you will be able to enter the Topkapi Palace only with a representative. Meet your host at the meeting point, who will then take you inside the palace.
• Be sure to arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before your scheduled entry time.
• The audio guide app is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. You'll find instructions on how to use the audio guide app in your ticket voucher.
• Please note that there is limited internet at the museum, so download the audio guide app before your visit. The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded (ensure your GPS is activated).
• Enter the palace and stay as long as you want until its closing time of 5pm.

Enjoy a gentle flight above Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys at sunrise on a scenic hot air balloon ride over Goreme Valley.

• Starting point: Enjoy convenient hotel pick-up with a mini-bus transfer from anywhere in Cappadocia to the launch site.
• What’s included: 1-hour hot air balloon flight, light breakfast before take-off, onboard drink, hotel transfers, professional pilot, pre-flight safety briefing, flight certificate, and passenger insurance.
• Sights you'll see: Goreme’s valleys, fairy chimneys, rock formations, the plains of Central Anatolia, and the Cappadocian countryside.
• Why choose this: Witness Goreme's hidden valleys from 300 meters above at golden-hour sunrise, enhanced with a light breakfast and in-flight refreshments.
• Upgrades: Enhance your experience with a celebratory post-flight champagne, orange juice, commemorative medal, and extended regional transfers.

Inclusions

• Hot air balloon ride over Goreme Valley (approximately 1 hour)

• Pick-up and drop-off from hotels within the Cappadocia region, including Nevsehir, Urgup, Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos, Ortahisar, Cavusin, Mustafapasa (as per option selected)

• Light breakfast before flight

• Passenger insurance by Eureko Insurance Company

• Flight certificate post flight

• Drink during flight (as per option selected)

• Champagne celebration or toast on landing (as per option selected)

• Commemorative medal (as per option selected)

• Bottled water and orange juice (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Video recording of the hot air balloon ride

• Photographs of take-off and landing

• Additional beverages

• Souvenirs

What to bring

• Bring a jacket, as early mornings in Cappadocia can be chilly.
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at pickup.

What’s not allowed

• Pets, baby strollers, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.
• Drones are prohibited.
• There is an age and height restriction for child guests. Children under the age of 6 or under 120 cm in height are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The hot air balloon ride lasts about 1 hour.
• The Daylight Premium option flights take off 30-40 minutes after the first balloon flight.
• The Daylight Premium option includes a maximum of 20 passengers.
• To finalize your reservation, provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, gender, and nationality as required by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority.
• Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs within the Cappadocia region are included.
• Pickup time varies based on the time of sunrise and will be between 4:30 and 8 am, depending on the season. Reconfirm your pickup time and flight status with the provider one day prior to your flight via email.
• All passengers are covered by insurance through Eureko Insurance Company.
• If the hot air balloon flight is canceled due to weather conditions, rescheduling is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
• The hot air balloon will be piloted by an experienced pilot, and a safety briefing will be provided before the flight.
• A light breakfast is provided before the flight.
• The experience includes a post-flight ceremony with a commemorative medal or certificate and a champagne toast for selected tours.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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