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Audio guide
4.2/5
(2,722)
Alfonsina
Alexandros
Mariam
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Walk through the quiet underground of the Basilica Cistern and see ancient columns and Greek mythology’s infamous Medusa heads.
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Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus strait with views of the Dolmabahce palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus bridges.
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Skip entry lines at both landmarks, and use the 5+ language audio guide to learn interesting facts and stories as you explore.
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Basilica Cistern
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Skip-the-line entry
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A Headset, and a downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Turkish
Bosphorus Cruise
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Skip-the-line entry at the pier
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90-minute cruise along the strait
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Downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Italian, Polish and Chinese
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Meet & greet with a marine officer
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Bosphorus cruise map
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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Guests from Spain, Italy, United States and over 86 countries have loved this experience
Luca
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Online ticket cut the queue time and let me enjoy the tour which was awesome. The mobile voice guide was exhaustive and easy to use
Fabio
Aug, 2025Verified booking
The Cistern is fascinating, distinctive and well maintained. The line hopping was a boon. The audio guide from the iphone was excellent. Very positive experience
Brett
Aug, 2025Verified booking
We had heard about this from a friend in Australia, who told us this was a must-see tourist attraction in Istanbul, and he was right. Wonderful, informative, enjoyable experience. Bought tickets online to skip the line and it was worth it. Took some great photos. Highly recommend it to anyone considering going.Jordi
Aug, 2025Verified booking
The purchase of the tickets was very easy and fast. If I have something to comment, it is the little and small i information of where is the entrance/row of the people who bought tickets online. The Cistern Basilica was amazing, we liked it very much.
Alyssa
Aug, 2025Verified booking
I found this combination quite practical. We can access the different sites fairly quickly. It's worth noting that each of these tours is relatively expensive for what they offer. Topkapi Palace is a must-do, but far too expensive for what it offers (note that you have to pick up your ticket before going inside, at a visit checkpoint next to a cafe in front of one of the palace entrances). The queue-cutting cistern is extremely practical, but the visit is not very impressive (allow 30min). The mosque is beautiful, but its history isn't really explained, and it's not at all as impressive as the Blue Mosque opposite, which is free (but more crowded). All in all, I'm glad I did the consisted and saved time, but they're not really worth the detour. For the other two, tickets are available directly from the Apple (Saint Sophie's Mosque + Basilica).
Cover the undergrounds and the waters of Istanbul with a single combo ticket that grants you skip-the-line access at both locations, and multilingual audio guides.
Getting Started
Have your tickets ready—either printed or on your device—and make sure to download the audio guides in advance. Wear a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and bring water bottles as both experiences involve walking around.
Basilica Cistern
Spend some time walking into Istanbul’s underground world with skip-the-line entry amidst its stone columns, reused from Roman temples. Look out for the iconic Medusa heads tucked away at the far end and learn their mythological significance from your audio guide.
Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
Explore the highlights between Europe and Asia on a 90-minute cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Skip the lines at the pier, meet your marine officer, and head straight to the upper deck for the best views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks—including Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus bridges.
What to bring
Basilica Cistern:
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Old-school, wired earphones work best in the Basilica Cistern.
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Dress snug in warm layers. The undergrounds can get very cold at times, so make sure you bring along a light jacket or sweater.
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Download the audio app beforehand to avoid any network glitches at the location.
Bosphorus Cruise:
- The cruise is held in all weather conditions and can get windy on the water. Make sure you bring a light jacket or sweater.
What’s not allowed
Basilica Cistern
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Flash photography is not allowed, as it disrupts the lighting and other visitors.
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Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited due to space and safety concerns.
Bosphorus cruise
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Large bags are not allowed on the boat, so it’s best to bring only what you can comfortably carry.
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Selfie sticks are prohibited due to limited space and safety concerns.
Accessibility
Basilica Cistern
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The entrance has a ramp, and a wheelchair platform lift is available at the exit on Alemdar Street.
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Some parts of the Basilica Cistern have uneven floors. Keep this in mind if you are a visitor with mobility difficulties.
Bosphorus cruise
- The cruise is partially wheelchair accessible, but it’s recommended to contact in advance for special arrangements, as there may be limitations due to the boat’s design.
Additional information
Basilica Cistern
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Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check. During the peak summer season ( June to August) this can take up to 30 minutes, so plan accordingly.
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Ensure your device has Android version 10 or later to use the audio guide.
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Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid crowds from cruise ship tours.
Bosphorus cruise
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The cruise departs near tram line no. 1 and the funicular, just steps from Dolmabahce Palace. Look for the Istanbul Welcome Card ticket window behind the red petrol station.
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The Bosphorus cruise boats depart every hour. Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early to avoid rushing and settle in comfortably.
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Ensure your device has Android 10 or later and download the audio guide before arriving at the Bosphorus pier to save time.
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For the best views, head to the upper deck for an unobstructed look at Istanbul’s landmarks.
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Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best lighting for photos along the Bosphorus.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption points.
Ticket redemption points
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
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