From EURO
per person
€ 92.00
Price varies by group size
Adult (Age 12-90)
Child (Age 4-11)
Infant (Age 0-3)

Half Day Istanbul Tour Including Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar

4.5 / 5 total 715 reviews
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Product code: 2388
Overview

You will be collected from your Istanbul hotel by our tour guide for this half-day tour in Istanbul visiting the beautiful Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar.

Your tour will be in an air-conditioned coach to visit Hagia Sophia; our local guide will explain the rich history of Istanbul. Learn about the four empires who sculpted the city’s architecture and culture that include the Roman empire of (330–395), the Byzantine Empire of (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261) and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922) — arriving at Hagia Sophia that was constructed in the 6th century as a shrine when Istanbul was still known as Constantinople. Constructed by the Roman Emperor Justinian, learn how the basilica dominated as the largest in the Christian world. The Ottoman Empire converted it into an imperial mosque. Walk through its impressive dome structure to observe the beautiful Byzantine mosaics.

Nearby, cruise underground to the Basilica Cistern that was in use by the Byzantine Empire as a water filtration system. Gasp at the massive size of the largest of hundreds of old cisterns in Istanbul. Learn about the importance of this cistern as our guide explains how it served the Great Palace of Constantinople.

Return to the surface to make our way to the largest covered markets in the world. The Grand Bazaar has been a cultural and trade centre for jewellery, pottery, spices, quality leather goods, and beautiful carpets since the 15th century when the Ottomans began their reign.

 
Once you leave the bustling market, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Highlights
  • Discover how Istanbul served as the capital of an astounding four empires over thousands of years.
  • See Hagia Sophia, a great museum offering insight into Istanbul\'s complicated history.
  • Visit the inner workings of the Great Palace of Constantinople in the underground Basilica Cistern or Nakkas Cistern.
  • Shop for authentic Turkish mementoes at the massive Grand Bazaar.
Good to Know
  • Scheduling Scheduling: Shared Tour
  • Languages offered on the Activity / TourLanguages offered on the Activity / Tour: English, Spanish
  • Duration Duration: 3 to 5 hours
  • Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Pick-up service Pick-up service
    Pick Up and Drop Off from Istanbul Hotels
  • Easy Cancellation Easy Cancellation
    There is no cancellation fee once Customers Cancel at least 7 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
    There is 50% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 3 and 6 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
    There is 100% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 2 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Inclusions
  • Entrance fees.
  • Parking fees.
  • Professional tour guide.
  • Air-conditioned luxurious vehicle for transportation.
Exclusions
  • Gratuities (Optional).
  • Personal expenses.
  • Food and drinks
Pickup and Drop-off
Pick up and drop-off from Istanbul hotels.
Know Before You Go
  • On Mondays, the Hagia Sophia is closed and will be swapped with Chora Museum, you may visit the Nakkas Cistern or Basilica Cistern,
  • The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so extra time will be allocated to the other two landmarks.
Customer Reviews
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  • Terrible 1
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Reviewed by Lucy R US   March 06, 2024
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I want to thank privatetour.com for a once in a lifetime experience. We made some fantastic memories so thank you very much for everything. I will never forget this wonderful experience.
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Reviewed by Christopher Lagard GB   March 06, 2024
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Thank you, you made my day with the beautiful tour to the palace which I will never forget. Little Amy says a big thank you as well.
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Reviewed by Norman US   March 06, 2024
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Our guide's English was excellent. She was very informative and helpful throughout the day and we loved our tour.
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Reviewed by Sheila and Sam IE   March 05, 2024
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This was the best tour of our experiences. Our tour guide was very good and he knew everything. Thank you.
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Reviewed by Thomas Jackson US   March 05, 2024
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We knew we were in good hands as soon as we see our guide. You could tell he was really passionate about his job. He shared informative and interesting information with us. Definitely a recommended tour company and you should check it out.
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Reviewed by Deyvid M State of Sao Paulo BR   March 05, 2024
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Our guide was so friendly and He had a lot of informations about everything. We really enjoyed the time we had. I would highly recommend this tour!
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Reviewed by MIHI MA   March 05, 2024
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The experience was great from start to end. The booking process was easy. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we learned so much about this beautiful city. The group size for their tour was also perfect as it wasn't too much, so that we can understand and communicate well with the guide. We would definitely recommend trying this tour out to learn about the city.
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Reviewed by Gerald Y UA   March 05, 2024
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Thoroughly enjoyed our tour and would recommend to anyone. our guide was a delight, always smiling, full of knowledge and information about a country and places that he is so passionate about. This tour is an ideal tour.
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Reviewed by RIC45 US   March 05, 2024
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With this combined tour we had the chance to have a wonderful time! I was lucky because I had this tour. I won't forget that tour. In the future, I will try again. Thank you very much.
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Reviewed by Bill+June GB   March 04, 2024
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VERY WELL ORGANISED AND VERY GOOD GUIDE WITH MY SON. THIS TOUR IS EXCELLENT IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN WITH YOU. THANKS.
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