Istanbul: Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour

Explore Istanbul’s rich history on a comprehensive guided tour of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern, available as a small group or private experience. Begin in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, where your guide will help you skip the longest lines with priority admission, allowing you to start your journey through Ottoman and Byzantine history sooner. Stroll to the Basilica Cistern, the “Subterranean Palace,” and marvel at its Byzantine architecture, underground pillars, and the famous upside-down Medusa heads while walking along wooden pathways over the water. Continue to the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets, exploring this iconic site that transitioned from a Greek Orthodox cathedral to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, admiring its stunning dome, minarets, mosaics, paintings, Roman columns, and İznik tiles. Learn about the creation of the Virgin Mary mosaic and the burial of sultans in the courtyard, gaining insight into the complex layering of religious and artistic traditions. Conclude with a visit to Topkapi Palace, where your guide reveals the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire through its sprawling complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards, and enjoy the outer terraced gardens with panoramic views of the Golden Horn. Optionally, explore the Harem at your own pace using your included tickets, completing a rich, immersive journey through Istanbul’s most historic and culturally significant landmarks.