Combos

Combo: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide + Bosphorus Cruise

Uncover Istanbul's hidden treasures with this cost-saving combo. Explore the Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line tickets and sail the picturesque Bosphorus Strait.

4.4/5(5,580)

Mikio M

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

We visited the Basilica Cistern on September 26, 2026. It was wonderful to have the flexibility to choose our visiting time after 9:00 AM. The waiting queue was extremely long, but we managed to exchange our online reservation for paper entrance tickets through a guide standing nearby. While it was a little tricky to spot the guide at first, it was totally worth it—we got to skip the massive line and head right inside. The Basilica Cistern is truly a must-visit when you are in Istanbul!

Hideo S

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The cruise was very reasonably priced and offered excellent value for money. We were able to enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus while leisurely passing by many of Istanbul’s famous landmarks. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and the relaxed pace made the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone looking to admire Istanbul from the water!

Michael B

Group

Verified booking

3 days ago

Basilica cistern was a stunning engineering work and beautifully presented. The blue mosque was amazing, our guide Hassain spoke clearly and knowledgeable about the mosque and it's history. We were allowed enough free time to explore independently. Would recommend to all istanbul visitors.

Mohammad C

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

This was our 2nd trip to Istanbul and first time siteseeing the Bosporus cruise 🚢 we really enjoyed it and best part was the pictures with the flying 🦅 along the cruise.

Paula S

Couple

Verified booking

Today

When going on tours, the app is well known, making entry very easy. It is also easy to find tours on the app at a good price. I had never heard of it, but I highly recommend it!

Olivier M

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Our QR codes weren't generated automatically, but I reached out for help via the chat: they sent me an email to confirm the order and everything went smoothly.

Step into the Byzantine architectural wonder that is the Basilica Cistern with skip-the-line tickets, and explore one of the most-visited museums in Istanbul.

Experience the mystery of the Medusa column bases in the Basilica Cistern, as your audio guide unravels intriguing theories about their origin.

Board a 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with an audio guide in 8 languages, offering a unique perspective of Istanbul’s beauty.

Witness architectural gems like the Galata Tower, once the tallest building in Istanbul, and the Dolmabahce Palace, the residence of 6 Ottoman sultans.

Fun fact: Each of the 336 columns of the Basilica Cistern is different from the other.

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern

Multilingual audio guide

Bosphorus Cruise

2-hour Bosphorus cruise

Audio guide available in 8 languages

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

5,580 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Spain, United States, Italy and over 58 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Mikio M
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
We visited the Basilica Cistern on September 26, 2026. It was wonderful to have the flexibility to choose our visiting time after 9:00 AM. The waiting queue was extremely long, but we managed to exchange our online reservation for paper entrance tickets through a guide standing nearby. While it was a little tricky to spot the guide at first, it was totally worth it—we got to skip the massive line and head right inside. The Basilica Cistern is truly a must-visit when you are in Istanbul!
Hideo S
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The cruise was very reasonably priced and offered excellent value for money. We were able to enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus while leisurely passing by many of Istanbul’s famous landmarks. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and the relaxed pace made the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone looking to admire Istanbul from the water!
Mohammad C
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
This was our 2nd trip to Istanbul and first time siteseeing the Bosporus cruise 🚢 we really enjoyed it and best part was the pictures with the flying 🦅 along the cruise.
Rodney B
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The web site had a good choice of tours, once the tickets were purchased and arrived at the tour destination the entry was seamless.
Michael B
Group
Verified booking
3 days ago
Basilica cistern was a stunning engineering work and beautifully presented. The blue mosque was amazing, our guide Hassain spoke clearly and knowledgeable about the mosque and it's history. We were allowed enough free time to explore independently. Would recommend to all istanbul visitors.

Enjoy a cost-saving combo that gives you access to two of Istanbul's must-visit sites: the Basilica Cistern and a cruise along the Bosphorus. Delve into Istanbul's rich history and mesmerizing beauty with this combo.

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

Step back in time with a tour of the Basilica Cistern, a marvel of 6th-century Byzantine architecture. With your skip-the-line tickets, gain immediate access to this cavernous subterranean beauty. Walk along wooden platforms, surrounded by 336 massive columns, while listening to the enchanting sounds of water dripping from the vaulted ceiling. Witness the famous Hen’s Eye Column and the mystifying Medusa Pillar Bases, and learn about their intriguing history through the multilingual audio guide.

Bosphorus Cruise

Next, sail away along the beautiful Bosphorus waterway. This 2-hour cruise offers stunning views of Istanbul's landmarks, including the iconic Hagia Sophia and the popular Ortaköy Mosque. You'll also pass the legendary Bosphorus Bridge, a testament to the city's connection between Europe and Asia. An audio guide available in 8 languages will provide intriguing insights about the attractions you'll pass by.

Sites you'll come across

Galata Tower

Dolmabahce Palace

Ciragan Palace

Ortaköy Mosque

Bosphorus Bridge

Beylerbeyi Palace

Üsküdar

Maiden Tower

Topkapi Palace

Hagia Sophia

Seaside Villas

What to bring

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

Bosphorus Cruise

Don’t forget to bring along your headphones to listen to the audio tour.

Accessibility

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

The attraction is wheelchair and stroller-accessible.

Additional information

Bosphorus Cruise

The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese.

There is limited internet at the pier so please download the app before the tour.

The app does not require internet once it has been downloaded but ensure you have activated GPS.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

Ticket redemption points

Basilica Cistern

Show your ticket at Basilica Cistern.

Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Landmark: In front of the Exit Gate of the Basilica.

Get directions to the redemption point

Bosphorus Cruise

Board your cruise at DENTUR Istanbul Welcome Card Kabatas Pier.

Address: Ömer Avni, Mahallesi, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No:3, 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul.

Landmark: It is located across tram line no 1 and the funicular, come to the wooden house behind the red petrol station and look for the Istanbul Welcome Card ticket window.

Get directions to the boarding point