Did you know about the several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the Old City of Istanbul? On this private tour you will visit the largest of them, the Basilica Cistern, and learn about ancient engineering. Save time with skip-the-line tickets and dicover Istanbul’s hidden underground structures!
Book a 2-hour guided tour of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Your Private Guide will meet you in the Sultanahmet Old City, near the site where the Hippodrome of Constantinople once stood. Explore Istanbul's Historic Areas and hear fascinating stories from the time of the Byzantine Empire. The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century under an early Roman basilica facing the Hagia Sophia. Today it is kept with little water, so visitors can access the underground chamber. It is one of Istanbul's most popular attractions, but with fast-track tickets, the queue to get in won’t take that long.
Inside the cathedral-sized Basilica Cistern you will explore a space of approximately 138 metres (453 ft) by 65 metres (213 ft). The calling is supported by 336 marble columns, the majority of which appear to have been recycled from the ruins of older buildings. Two of the columns reuse old blocks carved with the face of Medusa, and there are also several modern art pieces installed in the cistern. Combined with intimate lighting and music, they create a unique experience that will make you appreciate the skills of ancient engineering. It is a must-see!
Choose the 3,5-hour option to book private transfers with a 2-hour private tour of the Basilica Cistern and nearby attractions. This option includes a 1,5-hour return transfer with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Istanbul. We will arrange a Professional Driver and a clean, air-conditioned private car, van or bus for this service.
Book a longer 3-hour tour to visit Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern - 2 of the most important heritage sites of Byzantium in Istanbul. You must visit them both to fully appreciate ancient Constantinople. For your convience, we provide fast track tickets to both attractions. Discover the historical, cultural and architectural significance of the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Mmarvel at the stunning architecture and art that blends Christian and Islamic elements and learn how and why this 6th-century basilica was converted into a mosque. Visit a top 1 UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Site in Istanbul!
Choose the 4,5-hour tour option to book private transfers with a 3-hour private tour of the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia Mosque. Thanks to private transfers with the convenient pickup and drop-off service you can sit back and relax without worrying about anyone and anything. Travel in comfort in a clean, air conditioned car instead of a coach, and easily reach the meeting point in the Old City.
