About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, most travel agencies will try to sell you "exclusive access" to these sites, but let’s be real—Sultanahmet is the busiest square kilometer on the planet, and no one owns the keys to the city's soul. While the industry obsesses over RevPAR and high-occupancy hotel corridors nearby, they often forget that Istanbul isn't a museum; it's a living, breathing chaos. This tour is the classic "Big Three" for a reason, but I’ve always felt that the real value isn't just skipping the line. It's about having someone explain why a 1,500-year-old reservoir has a giant stone head of Medusa tucked in a corner like an afterthought. It's a bit crowded, sure, but if you haven't stood under the dome of the Hagia Sophia, have you even traveled? Don't let the corporate gloss fool you; this is gritty, beautiful history that deserves more than a quick selfie.
About the Tour
Istanbul is a city where history doesn't just sit on a shelf; it's right under your feet. This curated experience takes you through the heavy hitters of the Old City, starting where the Romans used to gamble on chariot races.
The Hippodrome and Blue Mosque
Your journey begins at Sultanahmet Square, once the site of the ancient Hippodrome. You’ll pass the German Fountain—a gift that reminds us of the long-standing diplomatic leads between empires—before entering the Blue Mosque. Formally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, its interior is lined with over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles. The way the light hits those blues and turquoises is something no Instagram filter can truly replicate.
Descending into the Basilica Cistern
Next, you'll head underground. The Basilica Cistern is a subterranean marvel of Byzantine engineering. Walking across the raised wooden platforms, you'll see hundreds of Ionic and Corinthian columns rising from the water. Keep an eye out for the two Medusa heads used as column bases; why they are there is still a topic of debate among historians, though most agree they were simply recycled from older Roman buildings.
The Grandeur of Hagia Sophia
Then, there is the Hagia Sophia. It’s hard to find another building that has shifted its identity so many times—from a cathedral to a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again. The architectural scale is honestly dizzying. You'll see Christian mosaics peering through the same space as massive Islamic calligraphy disks, representing a layering of faith and time that is unique to this corner of the world.
Two Continents, One River: The Bosphorus Cruise
To cap it off, the tour includes a flexible Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. These boats leave every hour, so you don't have to rush your lunch. As you sail between Europe and Asia, you'll get a better view of the skyline than any rooftop bar could offer. From the marble facade of Dolmabahçe Palace to the rugged walls of Rumeli Fortress, it’s the perfect way to see how the city’s geography dictated its destiny.
Highlights
- Discover Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern with an expert guide.
- Benefit from pre-reserved tickets and skip the lines at all major landmarks.
- Explore in a small-group setting for a more personal and engaging experience.
- Admire the Hagia Sophia’s blend of Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy.
- Uncover stories behind iconic Ottoman and Byzantine monuments in Istanbul.
Know before you go
- Both men and women must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
- Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside for BOTH men and women.
- You will have to pass through airport-style security.
- Women are required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque. Bring it with you.
- 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).
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Dsign Cafe
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Guided tour, Sightseeing (1 hour)
On foot
(5 minutes)
Basilica Cistern
Guided tour, Sightseeing (45 minutes)
On foot
(5 minutes)
Sultanahmet District
Break time, Photo stop, Sightseeing, Walk (30 minutes)
Hagia Sophia
Guided tour, Sightseeing (1 hour)
Bosphorus StraitOn foot
(25 minutes)
Bosphorus Strait
Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way (1.5 hours) Optional