Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Highlights

Inclusions

Cancellation Policy

• Your experience

Embark on a fascinating journey with skip-the-line access to the Basilica Cistern. Choose between an informative guided tour or a multilingual audio guide. Enhance your visit by adding guided tours of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to your itinerary.

• Getting started

Ensure a smooth start by arriving at the meeting point 10 to 15 minutes early. Have your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID handy for expedited entry. Benefit from pre-booked tickets to skip the lines, though be prepared for necessary security checks.

• Basilica Cistern

Immerse yourself in the ancient Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel from the 6th century. Marvel at the marble columns, ambient lighting, and enigmatic Medusa heads. Gain insights into its construction, Roman engineering, and hidden legends through a guided tour or audio guide. Don’t miss the hidden Medusa heads at the far end, often overlooked by many visitors.

• Hagia Sophia

Discover the iconic Hagia Sophia, a renowned landmark with its monumental dome and intricate golden mosaics. Unravel its history as a church, mosque, museum, and back to a mosque. A guided tour unveils the transition phases and highlights like the Deësis mosaic depicting Christ, Mary, and John the Baptist in stunning late Byzantine art.

• Blue Mosque

Experience the grandeur of the Blue Mosque, an active place of worship distinguished by its six minarets and exquisite Iznik tiles. Explore the expansive prayer hall and architectural marvels like the mihrab and domes designed to inspire awe. Gain insights into the mosque's features and prayer schedule during a guided tour, ensuring a memorable visit.

Insider Tips for Your Visit

Essentials to Pack

Basilica Cistern

• Opt for comfy shoes with good traction, especially for navigating smooth or damp surfaces.

• Consider bringing wired headphones for the audio guide app; Bluetooth may have connectivity issues underground.

• Ensure you have a fully charged phone or a power bank for capturing photos and accessing digital tickets.

Hagia Sophia

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses for a pleasant exploration experience.

• Don't forget your earphones for the audio guide.

• Have some cash on hand for meals, souvenirs, and any extra expenses.

Blue Mosque

• Dress modestly with attire that covers your shoulders and knees.

• For women, bring a scarf or shawl to cover your head when entering.

• Carry a small bag to hold your shoes when you remove them at the entrance.

Prohibited Items

Basilica Cistern

• Avoid flash photography as it disturbs the ambiance and other visitors.

• Leave tripods and selfie sticks behind due to space and safety constraints.

• Refrain from eating or drinking inside the cistern.

Hagia Sophia

• Some areas are off-limits during prayer times.

• Flash photography is strictly prohibited.

Blue Mosque

• Remember to remove your shoes before entering; bare feet are required inside.

• Avoid attire that exposes shoulders or knees; dress respectfully.

Accessibility Information

Basilica Cistern

• Ramps are available at the entrance, and a wheelchair lift is provided at the exit on Alemdar Street.

• The walking paths inside are generally flat, but some areas may be uneven or damp, requiring assistance.

Hagia Sophia

• The ground floor is accessible via ramps, and staff can assist with entry if needed.

• Unfortunately, the Upper Gallery is not wheelchair accessible due to its historic staircases.

Blue Mosque

• Wheelchair access is available in the courtyard and main prayer hall.

• The mosque's layout is designed to accommodate wheelchair users comfortably.

Additional Insights

Basilica Cistern

• With your ticket, you can skip the queue, but expect a security check before entry.

• To avoid crowds, consider early morning or evening visits, especially during peak tourist hours.

Hagia Sophia

• Skip the ticket lines, but be prepared for a mandatory security check, which can be lengthy, especially from June to August.

• While the ground floor is reserved for prayers, the second floor is open for visitors to explore.

Blue Mosque

• Beat the ticket queue with your ticket, but plan for security checks, which may delay entry during busy periods.

• You can purchase a scarf or body cover at the entrance for added convenience at €1 and €3, respectively.

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