Guided Tours

Combo: Blue Mosque + Basilica Cistern Guided Tours

Go on a budget-friendly Turkish holiday with this combo, which you can avail within 3 days for a guided tour of the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern.

Highlights

See the grandeur of Ottoman architecture with a guided tour of the 17th-century Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gaze at the 6 intricately carved minarets and the hand-painted Iznik ceramic tiles that adorn the walls and domes of the Blue Mosque.
Skip the long queues to visit Basilica Cistern, and learn from your guide about the underground reservoir that once supplied water to the Great Palace.
Marvel at the Byzantine artworks like the Hen's Eye column and the Medusa head pillars, believed to be ancient Roman relics from a pagan temple.
Fun Fact: The Basilica Cistern was a filming location for the 1963 James Bond film "From Russia with Love," featuring a dramatic boat chase in the cistern's dark waters.

Inclusions

Blue Mosque

Entry to Blue Mosque
English-speaking guide

Basilica Cistern

Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
English-speaking guide
Free audio guide app

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Reviews

4.1

106 ratings

5/5

4/5

3/5

2/5

1/5

Roman

4/5

Sep, 2024

Show all reviews

Your Experience

See Ottoman and Roman history come to life around you with this money-saving combo with 3 days to explore 2 landmarks. Delight in a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blue Mosque with a guide and get skip-the-line access for a guided tour of Basilica Cistern.

Dancing Hues of Blue at Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, features a stunning blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles. Built-in the early 17th century, this mosque gets its name from the thousands of blue ceramic tiles that line the walls and ceilings of the interior. At night the tiles reflect the lights and the mosque is bathed in a blue glow. The tiles were hand-painted in Iznik, a town in western Anatolia renowned for its ceramics. Listen to your guide talk about the 6 minarets adorned with intricate carvings, and marvel at the traditionally designed main domes and secondary domes.

Echoes of History at Basilica Cistern

Skip the long queues to discover the awe-inspiring 6th-century Byzantine artworks at Istanbul's ancient Basilica Cistern on a guided tour. The 336 pillars inside this reservoir are embellished with elaborate engravings, and the carved heads of Medusa resting at the base of the pillars add a haunting touch to the cistern's beauty. Learn more about the Basilica Cistern's stunning artworks and engineering feats from your guide, which are a testament to the ancient world's artistry and ingenuity.

Know Before You Go

Important Information

Blue Mosque

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
There could be a waiting line during peak seasons at Blue Mosque which may take up to 60 mins.
Scarves and body covers can be purchased at the entrance for 1€ and 3€ respectively.

Basilica Cistern

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.

Restrictions

Blue Mosque

Strict Dress Code: To enter the Blue Mosque, women must cover their knees, shoulders, and chest, and partially cover their hair with a scarf. Men must cover their knees and shoulders.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Dsign Cafe.
Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34093 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
Landmark: Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, Hippodrome.
Your guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point with Headout or Istanbul Welcome Card Flags.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point