Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) Tours and Tickets

Experience Istanbul like a pro, when you buy a skip-the-line combination ticket for the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Upon arrival at each location, your guide escorts you past the long queue for fast entrance. After a brief overview, you’re ready to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to see the three world-famous attractions in any order that works for you. (Note: Cistern admission at 11am only.)

Skip the lines at the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul with a tour that includes your ticket to this popular attraction. Your guide shares commentary about the cistern, which is the largest water cistern built in ancient times. Once your guide has lead you into the cistern and provided commentary, feel free to further explore the landmark at your own pace.

Fit all of Istanbul's attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the and the bustling Grand Bazaar or savory 3-course lunch.

Discover the highlights of Sultanahmet, Istanbul's historic 'old town' on this half-day walking tour. Join your guide for a curated Istanbul experience, and avoid common Sultanahmet experiences like getting lost or being targeted by aggressive touts. Learn all about storied sites like the Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye Mosque from your English-speaking guide. Along the way, find a few hidden gems, discover where locals eat and drink and even stop at an Ottoman-era spice market to get a taste of the time-honored marketplace experience. • On this small group tour, your guide tailors the commentary to your interests • Get interesting insights on the various history and culture of the city. • Visit Istanbul’s landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye Mosque • Find the freshest Turkish delicacies with your guide's help in Grand Bazaar

Get an in-depth exploration of Istanbul on this full-day or half-day private tour. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide and stroll through the Sultanahmet neighborhood. Visit the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Choose to add Topkapi Palace to a full-day itinerary.

No trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Topkapi Palace, which was home to Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Make the most of your limited vacation time with a skip-the-line ticket. Come to the palace at your chosen time and receive essential information and a complementary map from your guide. Then you’re free to zoom past the long queue and discover the impressive 15th-century complex independently.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at an authentic Mevlevi Sema Ceremony held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha, and witness the 800-year-old tradition that has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the bizarre yet beautiful sight of the Whirling Dervishes as they perform their unique spiritual rituals during an hour-long show, including a live orchestra and 360-video projections.

Marvel at the mystique of whirling dervishes as they gracefully dance the ceremonial ‘sema’ Mevlevi at the emblematic Hodjapasha Dance Theater in Istanbul. Enjoy a cultural evening in Istanbul during this age-old performance of choreographed spiritual dancing accompanied by traditional music and Persian chanting. Before the show, set the mood with Turkish delight and a drink at the bar. Then, admire the dervishes as they elegantly twist and turn in their white flowing gowns.

Arguably the most popular historical attraction in the city, you can spend upwards of an hour waiting outside the Hagia Sophia to purchase your ticket. Make the most of your limited time in Istanbul with skip-the-line admission. Come to the museum at your chosen time and get essential information from a guide. Then you’re free to zoom past the long queue and discover the impressive building independently.

Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul’s top attractions, with the crowds to match. On this guided group tour, you’ll enjoy guaranteed on-the-spot entry, allowing you to bypass the long lines at the entrance. Learn how Ottoman Sultans lived for over six centuries with visits to the Audience Hall, High Court, kitchens, and relic-packed treasury.

Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest cities, and this hop-on hop-off tour offers a truly flexible way to explore it. Board your open-top, double-decker bus at any stop along the two routes, and enjoy the views as you listen to the audio commentary. Then, create your own sightseeing itinerary as you hop on and off at any of the stops to visit highlights such as the spectacular Topkapi Palace, the UNESCO-protected Hagia Sophia, the Egyptian Bazaar, and more. Your ticket is valid for 1, 2, or 3 days and entry to select attractions.

Instead of driving around Istanbul all day in a stuffy tour bus, discover the city’s beauty in style on this relaxing sunset cruise down the Bosphorus, the waterway that marks the border between Asian Turkey and European Turkey. From the open-air deck of your luxury yacht, see riverside landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque and the Rumeli Fortress, all lit by the beautiful dusk light.

Experience Istanbul’s timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city’s stunning historic places. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves and charioteers at Hippodrome Square and spot the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics and minarets of Hagia Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers, and generals at Topkapi Palace. Finish your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing bright displays of handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs.

Set sail along the Bosphorus, the meeting point of Europe and Asia, on this evening cruise. Experience Istanbul at its most atmospheric as you cruise past the illuminated city skyline and admire landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Maiden's Tower. While on-board, tuck into a 3-course dinner and enjoy a variety of entertainment including whirling dervishes, belly dancing, and DJs.

Behold the magnificent Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque on this 3.5-hour small-group guided walking tour of Istanbul’s best monuments. You will delve into the complex culture of Istanbul as you discover its famous monuments intertwined history. Not only will you see the beauty of Hagia Sophia Museum and Blue Mosque, but explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the German Fountain. People are limited to 15 on this tour, so you can receive more personalized attention from your guide.

Prepare for an evening of non-stop entertainment with an exciting 75-minute Rhythm of the Dance show at the legendary Hodjapasha in Istanbul. Feel the electric rhythms of Turkey as you enjoy shimmying belly dancers, energetic folklore dances and dazzling costumes, accompanied by live music and 360-degree video projections.

Get more out of your time in Istanbul by going on a sunset evening cruise on the Bosphorus strait. As it's a small-group tour, relax and enjoy the personalized service of the onboard crew—including delicious onboard treats such as canapes, snacks, and a glass of wine. The trip is a great way to see famous sights without being stuck in large crowds. Sail past Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Kucuksu Pavilion, and many more highlights.

Make it a night to remember in Istanbul when you book this all-inclusive dinner cruise package, with transfers and a show. Dine on a 3-course feast of Turkish cuisine, with fresh fruit, salad, soft and alcoholic drinks, and a choice of mains (including vegetarian and seafood options). Soak up the atmosphere as whirling dervishes, belly dancers and folk dancers strut their stuff. A professional DJ helps the party spirit along.

Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages.

Witness the beauty of Istanbul at dusk on this evening sightseeing cruise and watch the sunset over both the European and Asian sides. Marvel at all the sights as you sail past; keep a look out for Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, Ortaköy & Mecidiye Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge and Cıragan Palace.

Explore the top attractions in Sultanahmet (the old city) on a full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Take in UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous monuments in Istanbul including the stunning Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Then follow your guide through the Grand Bazaar, browsing the shops of hundreds of vendors with an array of textiles, jewelry, perfumes, spices and more. Your guide shares the long history of Istanbul with your small group, which is limited to 10 participants to ensure a more intimate experience.

See the glittering spires and minarets of Istanbul glide by as you feast on Turkish cuisine on this classic Bosphorus dinner cruise. As the sun sets, enjoy traditional entertainment, including belly dancing, folk music, and an Anatolian folklore show, washed down with coffee or tea. There’s no need to navigate Istanbul independently: your package includes 2-way transfers from centrally located hotels (European side only).

Make your Istanbul adventure totally unique with a 1- 2- or 3 day private sightseeing tour. Opt for a single day and see the whole of the Old City, plus the Grand Bazaar. Extend the tour to include a second day and visit the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim, and Istiklal Street, plus a Bosphorus cruise. Please note that your guide is happy to alter the itinerary completely to accommodate your personal interests.

Learn all about Istanbul’s Ottoman heritage, and visit one of the city’s top landmarks, on this small-group tour of the Topkapi Palace. Built in the 15th century, the sprawling palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is host to an expansive museum. Navigate the complex with ease, and explore its beautiful harem area, on this walking tour. Meet your guide in the morning directly at the palace; fast-track entry is included for your convenience.