Available languages
4 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
All tickets are included on this efficiently organized tour.
Benefit from priority admission to museums, allowing you to skip the lines and make the most of your time.
Explore the major highlights of historical Istanbul on a guided tour that takes you to the must-see attractions.
With an expert guide, step inside the magnificent Hagia Sophia and gain insights into its rich history.
Visit the Basilica Cistern where you can marvel at the unique upside-down Medusa heads.
Stroll through the impressive Topkapi Palace and learn about the Ottomans.
Benefit from convenient pickup at Galata Port or meeting point in Sultanahmet.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Istanbul has notoriously bad traffic. Give time to get to the meeting spot more than you may have planned
You can choose to visit the Harem at your own leisure. Tickets are included
Topkapi Palace is a vast complex with multiple sections open for visit. During our tour, we’ll visit the most magnificent masterpieces. However, if you wish to explore all sections at your leisure, we recommend allocating the afternoon to explore the rest of the Palace grounds.
Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
All visitors must pass through airport-style security which may be long in high season and holidays.
Expect long lines at the Hagia Sophia in high season and during holidays.
If Basilica Cistern is closed we visit Şerefiye (cistern of Theodosius) or Binbirdirek (Cistern of Philoxenos).
Please note that women should be required to wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.
Please note that both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and other revealing attire are not permitted inside.
You are not allowed to bring signs, symbols, banners, flags, documents, drawings, or any materials representing political, ideological, or religious beliefs inside the Hagia Sophia.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Please note that the 'Starting from Galata Port' option is available only for cruise guests.
Please note that children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
Please note that skip-the-line access is available for adults only. Children under the age of 7 do not benefit from this access.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Starting from Galata Port (If this option is selected)
Headsets to hear the guide better
Professional expert guide for insider's knowledge
Small group tour for 4 hours at a relaxed pace
Pre-reserved tickets for the Harem
Pre-reserved ticket for Hagia Sophia
Pre-reserved tickets for the Basilica Cistern
Pre-reserved tickets for Topkapi Palace
Transport to the meeting spot
Guided tour of the Harem inside Topkapi Palace
Choose this option if you are on a cruise ship and will meet your guide at Galataport.
Starting point:
Galataport Clock Tower Square, Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Starting point:
Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Choose this option for an English Group Tour from Galataport to explore Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern.
Starting point:
Galataport Clock Tower Square, Kılıçali Paşa, Gümrük Muhafaza Kısım Amirliği No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Starting point:
Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
For Larger Groups
Starting point:
Ersoy Bufe, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:40, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
94 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stewart C,
Apr 23, 2025
- Viator
In depth experience with very knowledgeable guide who brought history to life. Disruptiion due to earthquake and cancellation of cistern visit did not detract from overall experience. Out guide was flexible and still produced a full programme.
Graham B,
Apr 20, 2025
- Viator
Our guide looked after us and was very knowledgeable. It was a holiday weekend and the crowds were huge. Our guide managed it very well and put in extra time for us.
Vivian G,
Apr 18, 2025
- Viator
Great tour! Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, kept a great pace, and skip-the-line was a plus. Strongly recommend this tour!
Kurt R,
Apr 16, 2025
- Viator
This is a very densely packed 3+ hour tour that delivers a lot of insight into the history of Istanbul, the Eastern Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Orthodox Christianity and Islam by touring through Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Topkapi Palace. If you only have half a day for a walking tour, this the one to do and Marek is the best possible guide to get for it. He is an extremely knowledgable and personable professional.
Tina B,
Apr 15, 2025
- Viator
Elif was an excellent guide. She gave us interesting historical insight into the sites we visited. We had skip the line tickets which saved us a lot of time!
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Operated by Walks In Europe