Join a 2-hour small group tour of Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, led by an expert local guide. Enjoy priority admission to skip the longest lines at the ticket office and start learning about the fascinating lives of the Ottomans sooner.
Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot for a walking tour of Istanbul’s greatest monuments. Begin your journey with the Basilica Cistern, also known as the “Subterranean Palace.” Discover its history, see the underground pillars, and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on wooden walkways over the water and view the famous upside-down Medusa heads.
Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul. As you explore the interior, learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.
Marvel at the stunning monument and its mixed elements mosque and a church coexisting side by side. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns.
Discover how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was created, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard.
Concluding in Sultanahmet Square, our tour leaves you equipped with ample knowledge and insights to navigate the enchanting streets of Istanbul independently. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of this historic city.
We meet at Ersoy Bufe. This is a small food kiosk just by the side of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is across the German Fountain. Your guide will be in front of the Ersoy Bufe with a sign that says, “Walks in Europe.” Here is the Google Maps link
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Check out two of Istanbul’s greatest monuments on this small-group walking tour. Experience the splendor and charm of both Islam and Greek Orthodox religions, standing side by side in this unique area.
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