Historic Istanbul Old City Tour: Visit Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul’s old town on this guided tour. Explore iconic landmarks, indulge in Turkish delights, and marvel at the breathtaking views from the Blue Mosque.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Basilica Cistern - Largest of several hundred ancient Byzantine cisterns built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565). Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
What's Included
  • Basilica Cistern entry ticket (if all-inclusive option selected)
  • Professional Guide
  • Small Group
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Admission fees
Additional Information

Explore the historic ‘old town’ of vibrant Istanbul on this tour. Capture stunning photos at Sultanahmet’s renowned religious landmarks, including the Underground Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque. Stroll through fragrant spice markets after delving into the Byzantine history of the Hippodrome. Experience the influences of the Roman, Byzantine, and…

Location
Foodie-ist Cafe and Brasserie
Muhterem Efendi Sokak
Meet your guide outside 'FOODIE-IST CAFE AND BRASSERIE,' just a 2-minute walk from the (T1) Sultanahmet tram stop. Your guide, easily identifiable by their tour guide badge, will be waiting for you at the cafe entrance.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(105 Ratings)
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S6792jrmariod
Sep 26, 2025
Excellent tour. Erol the guide was excellent - Erol the tour guide was great. He was very informative and answered many questions. The sites were good. The Cistern was well worth the visit. We had an amazing time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T4021xikimf
Sep 21, 2025
Fabulous tour of - Hussein was an amazing guide!! Spent so much time explaining the history of Turkey and Istanbul. We totally enjoyed the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_f
Sep 19, 2025
Kim was the best guide we have had during our European travels over the last 2 and a half months - Really worth doing during our time in Istanbul, Kim is such a knowledgeable and well informed guide, she was caring and flexible, showed us places we wouldn't have found on our own
Review provided by Viator
Julio_c
Sep 4, 2025
Great value - Kim was great ! And the tour was just perfect in time. You don’t wait in line for the Basilica cistern
Review provided by Viator
Luigig312
Sep 3, 2025
Cruise stop - Alas too little time to visit this wonderful Euro Asian metropolis. To go back calmly. Beautiful
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Louise_f
Jul 3, 2025
Was excellent, just long... - Was excellent, just long enough, good pace, Tolga very informative. Ask all your questions as Tolga knows the answer.
Review provided by Viator
Glen_d
Jun 1, 2025
Safe and fun! Take the... - Safe and fun! Take the other reviews that the city is not safe w/ a grain of salt, no hassles at all, great guide
Review provided by Viator
Jim_and_allison10
May 29, 2025
Fascinating and informative dive into the rich history of Istanbul's past. - We had an amazing tour today with Ahsen. We have traveled to many countries and have gone on many excellent tours, although we can honestly say this was the best tour we have ever taken! The tour was fascinating, but our guide's professionalism, knowledge, understanding of history, patience, kindness, not to mention her excellent English and clear delivery were beyond exceptional! We highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindagb7491gz
May 19, 2025
Loved this walking tour! - We met our guide Dimples at the Foodie Cafe and we went early and had lunch, which was delicious. Would highly recommend the lamb burger as it could feed 2, very tasty! My sister walks slow, and since it was just us and another 2 ladies, it made it nice as we could keep up. It was 3 hours but it went fast. The grand Bazaar was closed as it was Sunday, but there was another great smaller Bazaar very close to the Blue Mosque, which was easy and convenient. We had a perfect day, and at the end, we could look around and shop without feeling rushed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie_p
Jun 11, 2025
Great tour but stop the hotel tours and shopping stops. - Tours through high end hotels and ceramic shop were not appreciated or what we were looking for. If we wanted to shop we would do a shopping tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and great - apart from the above. We want sightseeing not being pushed into buying. Expensive Local products. That would include carpets.
Review provided by Viator
From $35
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).