Open today
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
Guided tour
4.2/5
(3,330)
Armand
Sarah
Patricia
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Experience Istanbul’s spiritual and historic wonders in one seamless combo—skip the lines and dive deep.
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Enter a centuries-old theological school in Sultanahmet and witness the Whirling Dervish Sema ceremony with live Sufi music, prayer citations, and insights into Rumi’s Mevlevi Order.
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Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern and explore at your own pace with an audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
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Unlock Istanbul’s soulful side and hidden depths in a single booking—save time, avoid queues, and pay less than purchasing both tickets separately.
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Whirling Dervishes
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Whirling Dervishes show next to Hagia Sophia
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Mevlevi Sema ceremony
Basilica Cistern
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Skip-the-line entry to Basilica Cistern
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Self-guided audio tour in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian
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Instant mobile ticket
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 3,330 reviews4.2
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.
1.7K965275152167Guests from Spain, Italy, United States and over 10 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Nerea
Dec 2025Verified booking5/5Aleksandar
Dec 2025Verified booking5/5Rustam
Dec 2025Verified booking5/5
Angela
Dec 2025Verified booking5/5
Alejandra
Dec 2025Verified booking5/5
Whirling Dervish
Step into a serene 550-year-old cultural venue in the heart of Sultanahmet to witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema ceremony, performed by the Whirling Dervishes. This spiritual performance, recognized by UNESCO, is rooted in the teachings of Rumi and offers a deeply moving insight into Sufi mysticism. As the dervishes whirl in flowing white robes, accompanied by traditional instruments like the ney (reed flute) and kudüm (drum), feel a sense of stillness and connection. The meditative atmosphere invites you to reflect on the themes of unity, love, and devotion that define this centuries-old practice.
Basilica Cistern
Discover one of Istanbul’s most intriguing historical sites with fast-track access to the Basilica Cistern, a subterranean marvel built in the 6th century during Emperor Justinian’s reign. Skip the long queues and step straight into this atmospheric structure, supported by hundreds of ancient columns and mysterious Medusa heads that capture the imagination.The included audio guide app, available in multiple languages, provides fascinating insights into the cistern’s engineering feats and its vital role in the ancient city’s water supply system. Explore at your own pace as you walk over wooden platforms suspended above still waters, soaking in the dimly lit, almost cinematic ambience.
What to bring
Whirling Dervish
- It is allowed to bring baggage to the venue.
Basilica Cistern
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Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.
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Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip—the stone floor can be damp and slightly slippery.
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Bring a light jacket or shawl; it stays cool underground even in warm weather.
What’s not allowed
Basilica Cistern
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Flash photography is not permitted.
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Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed due to space and safety concerns.
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Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the cistern.
Accessibility
Whirling Dervish
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Basilica Cistern
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The site is partially accessible; there is a lift near the exit on Alemdar Street near the tram line, but the walking path inside may be uneven in places.
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Wheelchair users may need assistance, especially around corners or where the lighting is low.
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There are no elevators inside the cistern, and seating is extremely limited.
Additional information
Whirling Dervish
- It is allowed to take photographs at the venue without flash or tripods.
Basilica Cistern
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Your ticket allows you to skip the ticket queue, but all visitors must go through a security check.
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Arrive early in the morning or visit in the evening to avoid crowds from cruise ship tours.
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Don’t miss the Medusa heads tucked into the far corner. Walk around them to see both angles.
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The exit leads out to a different street than the entrance; take note of your location before entering.
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The lighting is intentionally dim here. Give your eyes a moment to adjust for better visibility and photos
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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 point.
Ticket redemption point
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
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