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Visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern in Istanbul on a tour with all skip-the-line tickets included. See the major highlights with an expert guide on a small group tour
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 4 hours
- Check availability to see starting times
- Skip the ticket line
- Live tour guide
- English, German
- Private group available
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Sabih was an excellent guide—so knowledgeable and engaging. He brought the history of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern to life with fascinating context and stories. His explanations were clear and full of insight, and I left the tour feeling like I had a much deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich past. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested in history and culture
Our guide was wonderful! She was very knowledgeable and personable.
Select participants and date
Itinerary
2 starting location options:
Galataport Clock Tower Square, Ersoy Bufe
Sultanahmet District
Visit, Guided tour (15 minutes)
Basilica Cistern
Visit, Guided tour (30 minutes)
Hagia Sophia
Visit, Guided tour (1 hour)
Topkapi Palace
Visit, Guided tour (2 hours)
Topkapi Palace Harem
Self-guided tour (30 minutes)
Main stop
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Visit the highlights of Istanbul on a small group tour of max 12 people
- Enjoy skip the line tickets and priority admission to all listed attractions
- Explore the world-famous Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern with tickets.
- Learn about the Ottomans on a guided tour through the Topkapi Palace
- Benefit from convenient pickup at Galata Port or meeting point in Sultanahmet.
Full description
Join a guided tour to discover Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Benefit from skip the line tickets and priority admission at the museum ticket offices led by your efficient guide. There will be a maximum of 12 people in your small group tour.
Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Basilica Cistern, wander around the “Subterranean Palace” and learn about its history. See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with skip the line tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns.
Continue to Topkapi Palace to explore the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Enter the famous palace with skip the line tickets and priority admission. Discover the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn.
Choose to visit the Harem with your included tickets at your leisure.
Starting From Galataport Option for Cruise Guests
If you are on a cruise holiday with a stop in Istanbul, don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning city. Choose the Galataport cruise port as your meeting point, where your guide will greet you upon arrival.
From Galataport, travel via tram to the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood with your guide. Discover Istanbul’s major highlights, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, with priority entry tickets for a seamless experience.
Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Basilica Cistern, wander around the “Subterranean Palace” and learn about its history. See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with skip the line tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns.
Continue to Topkapi Palace to explore the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Enter the famous palace with skip the line tickets and priority admission. Discover the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn.
Choose to visit the Harem with your included tickets at your leisure.
Starting From Galataport Option for Cruise Guests
If you are on a cruise holiday with a stop in Istanbul, don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning city. Choose the Galataport cruise port as your meeting point, where your guide will greet you upon arrival.
From Galataport, travel via tram to the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood with your guide. Discover Istanbul’s major highlights, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern, with priority entry tickets for a seamless experience.
Includes
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Small groups of max 12 people
- Skip-the-line entry tickets for Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line entry tickets for Basilica Cistern
- Skip-the-line entry tickets for Topkapi Palace
- Skip-the-line entry tickets for the Harem
- Headsets to hear the guide better
- Galataport pickup if on a cruise ship (depending on the option chosen)
- Transportation to the meeting point
Not suitable for
- Children under 7 years
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
Meeting point
Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
Important information
What to bring
- Headscarf
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Baby strollers
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- Women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
- Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
- You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
- If Basilica Cistern is closed, we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
- Basilica Cistern has 50 steps going down and then up. There is no lift.
- Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with many sections to explore. During our tour, we’ll visit its most magnificent highlights. If you wish to see more, we recommend setting aside the afternoon to explore at your own pace.
