Combo: Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Topkapi Palace

Explore Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace in a single expertly guided day tour.

Getting Started

Meet your guide near DSign Cafe. After a brief introduction, your group will proceed through mandatory security checks at each location. Please allow extra time for these checks, especially during peak season.

Hagia Sophia:

Walk around and witness the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia that has served as both a cathedral and a mosque, showcasing centuries of religious and artistic history.

Blue Mosque:

Step inside the Blue Mosque, widely known for its elegant domes and stunning blue İznik tiles, and marvel at its elegant blend of faith and artistry.

Basilica Cistern:

Venture beneath the city into a 6th-century underground Basilica Cistern, supported by towering marble columns and steeped in mystery, and stand in front of the gigantic Medusa heads.

Topkapi Palace:

Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans at the Topkapi Palace, featuring royal chambers, sacred relics, and sweeping views over the Bosphorus.

Combo: Guided Tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Topkapi Palace

Dive into the heart of Istanbul’s architectural wonders by joining a journey through its most revered landmarks, visiting Hagia Sophia with its awe-inspiring dome and rich history, experiencing the mesmerizing Blue Mosque with its captivating blue tiles and historic significance, exploring the enigmatic Basilica Cistern where ancient columns whisper tales of Byzantine engineering, and uncovering the treasures within Topkapi Palace, a testament to Ottoman power. With this comprehensive itinerary, you are guided through the layers of history encapsulated in each building, creating an immersive experience that weaves together the past with the present, offering memorable encounters to forge a deeper understanding while recognizing the complexities of preserving such monumental heritage.

Marvel at Hagia Sophia's Majestic Dome

Visit Hagia Sophia during the tour’s highlight segment where you’ll be captivated by its grandeur and historical significance. This iconic structure, originally a church then a mosque, has stood for nearly 1,500 years as an architectural marvel with the world’s largest dome remaining the tallest point in Constantinople for almost a millennium. As you explore its vast interior adorned with intricate mosaics and calligraphy, each step reveals the layers of history embedded within its walls—from Byzantine emperors to Ottoman sultans. The Hagia Sophia encapsulates centuries of religious devotion and cultural evolution, making it an essential stop on any tour of Istanbul’s architectural wonders.

Experience Blue Mosque's Six Minarets

Access the Blue Mosque included in your tour package enabling you to witness its grandeur firsthand. Famous for housing over 20,000 blue tiles and six minarets, each towering above the cityscape with an almost ethereal presence, this mosque is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of Istanbul’s rich Islamic heritage. As you wander through its vast courtyard and admire its intricate details such as the cascading domes and elegant archways, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a serene atmosphere that speaks volumes about the architectural brilliance and spiritual importance of this sacred site.

Discover Basilica Cistern's Ancient Columns

Explore the Basilica Cistern representing the tour’s centerpiece where ancient engineering meets modern marvel. Built to supply water to the Great Palace during Byzantine times, this subterranean reservoir stretches over 100 meters in length and width, with its ceiling supported by 336 columns standing tall like silent sentinels of history. As you walk along the darkened pathways, each step revealing glimpses of Medusa’s head capitals hidden beneath the surface, you are transported back to an era when this vast underground network was a vital part of Istanbul’s water supply system.

Uncover Topkapi Palace's Ottoman Treasures

Stop at Topkapi Palace showcasing the tour’s cultural appeal where you’ll delve into centuries of royal history and opulence. Home to generations of Ottoman sultans, this sprawling complex is filled with rooms that once held court, harems, and hallowed chambers housing treasures like the jewel-studded Topkapi Dagger and other priceless relics of the empire. Each pavilion and garden tells a story of power, diplomacy, and artistic achievement, creating an immersive journey through the grandeur and intricacies of Ottoman life.

Tour Highlights

• Uncover Hagia Sophia’s immense dome holding religious significance
• Marvel at Blue Mosque’s six minarets towering over Istanbul
• Walk through Basilica Cistern with 336 ancient columns whispering history
• Tour Topkapi Palace showcasing centuries of Ottoman treasures and power
• Explore the intricate calligraphy and mosaics within Hagia Sophia included
• Experience the serenity of Blue Mosque’s vast courtyard and elegant archways unique

Sail through Istanbul's timeless heritage for explorers of architectural grandeur, wander through its sacred grounds for devotees of spiritual tranquility, and delve into its storied past for seekers of historical insight. This comprehensive journey weaves together the threads of Byzantine empires and Ottoman splendor, offering a tapestry of memories that feels like stepping back in time to witness the very heartbeat of an ancient city.