Istanbul City Tour W/ Fast Track Basilica Cistern W/ Small Group
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the timeless beauty and rich history of Istanbul with our Sultanahmet Tour, where we immerse you in the heart of the city's historic district.
All tours have a maximum of 12 to 13 people.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now Istanbul, was an ancient chariot racing arena built in the 3rd century and later expanded. It was a major center of Byzantine public life, with notable remnants including the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column. Our guide will provide detailed information to the guests here, offer some free time for photos, and then proceed to the next destination.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an iconic Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul, renowned for its striking blue tiles and six minarets. Completed in 1616, it remains a significant religious and historical landmark. Our guide will provide detailed information to the guests here, offer some free time for photos, and then proceed to the next destination.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Entrance fee
Live Guide available in English
Lunch
Options
Meet at Point
With transfers
Hotel pick up & drop off
Reviews
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Five stars for the tour and for Taner! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nikole S,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Taner - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Of all the tours that I have booked through Viator, this one might have been my favorite. The tour guide Taner was warm and welcoming and perfect for this job!! He is also an English translator, so his storytelling and dialect were spot on. The amount of time we spent at each location was just enough and the walking distance between each location was also easy to manage. He took the time to set up good photo shots for me and knew the best angles! 🤩 Taner was a helpful partner through the Spice Bazaar, and even took the time to walk me to the ferry and make sure that I got on it right for the first time! I am a solo 50+ female traveler from the US. Sign up for this one and absolutely ask for Taner!
Istanbul + Tanner = Win
madir701,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tanner was awesome! Would recommend him to any and everyone I know going to Istanbul- he was super knowledgeable on every landmark we went to and had great recommendations. We even had dinner with him and he taught us so much about turkey. Not to mention there are the sweetest cats everywhere which is always a plus! This experience makes me regret not staying longer
Amazing Adventure in Istanbul
holley2017,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience touring Istanbul. Our guide Tanner helped us plan the day to maximize seeing the most notable places, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazar, Spice Bazaar, and Gulhane Park. Tanner is very knowledgeable on the rich history of Turkey and the political and cultural significance of each site we went to, which made the day both informative and fun. We wrapped up by going to a Hamam (Turkish Bath) and then a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant on the roof top over looking the Bosphorus. If you want an amazing adventure in Istanbul, I highly recommend Tanner as your guide!
Hit 5 major key points in Istanbul in only 1/2 a day.
602mylesr,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience! Started our day at 13:00 and met our Guide Tanner, who was immensely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. He planned out a route based on our preferences, guided us with efficiency and took care of our tram and snack tickets. Not having to deal with many of the logistics of travel and focus on enjoying the sights and experiences while learning about the history and culture of the places we visited was excellent. We squeezed as much as we could into a single day, and it was plentiful without feeling rushed in the slightest. Very relaxed and comfortable tour, while the city felt as if it was in a chaotic frenzy as the people run from place to place. The football game being nearby on the same day definitely contributed to the fervor in the air, and only added to the fun. 11/10 experience.
A Wonderful visit to the Cisterns with Taner
dulcem796,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our visit to the Cisterns with Taner was absolutely wonderful. He made the experience come alive with his stories, deep knowledge, and passion for Istanbul’s history. Taner explained every detail in such an engaging way that we could truly imagine the past beneath the city. The visit was smooth, fun, and full of fascinating insights.
Welcoming, and Wonderfully Informative
Orhan Y,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Deniz was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable and warm. He brought the history to life at every stop, especially the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern. A wonderful and memorable experience! Big thanks also that he waited for us little bit for the photos sometimes :)
Taner was a great guide....
Glenn H,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Taner was a great guide. Extremely knowledgeable and took us to a great restaurant for lunch. We ended the tour feeling much more connected with the country and culture!
Great Hospitality!
neset b,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day exploring the heart of Istanbul with our guides Deniz. The tour started at the Hippodrome, where Deniz brought ancient chariot races to life with his storytelling. The Blue Mosque was breathtaking. The highlight for me was the Basilica Cistern, so mysterious and atmospheric! Unfortunately we couldn’t see that much tulips but park was still beautiful. We ended the day with the Spice Bazaar. Everything was timed perfectly and never felt rushed. Highly recommend this tour if you want both beauty and insight.
Such a fun day with Taner!
Yunus Emre Ç,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From historic Hippodrome tales to the stunning Blue Mosque and the unique Basilica Cistern, every stop was a highlight. Gülhane Park was a nice chill-out spot before we dived into the colors and scents of the Spice Bazaar. Taner’s passion really shined through. He is absolutely a person for this job here. Keep in touch till the next time.
Best Tour Ever !
R1143QUhakan ,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour guide. Funny, relaxed, so friendly he feels like a family member, full of knowledge on mythology and history. He knows all the best places. Became friends with us and show us the colorful nightlife of the city after work.
From US$115.00
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Operated by Nova Roma Travel