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 long ticket lines and start exploring the wonders of Ottoman and Byzantine history right away.
Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at a convenient meeting point. Begin your journey at the Basilica Cistern, also known as the “Subterranean Palace.” Hear its fascinating history and learn about the ingenuity of Byzantine architecture. Walk on wooden pathways over still waters, surrounded by hundreds of marble columns. See the famous upside-down Medusa heads and uncover the legends surrounding them.
Next, head to the Hagia Sophia with your pre-reserved tickets for a seamless entry. Once the most important Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul, it later became an imperial mosque. Your guide will explain how this transformation took place after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.
Marvel at the blend of mosque and church elements that coexist under one roof. Look up at the massive dome, framed by minarets, and take in the intricate mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn how the Ottomans added exquisite Iznik tiles to the mosque’s interior. Discover the story behind the Virgin Mary mosaic and the reason why several Ottoman sultans chose to be buried in the courtyard.
The tour concludes back in Sultanahmet Square, leaving you with insights and tips to continue exploring Istanbul on your own. This experience offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city’s history, architecture, and culture.
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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