Private Half-day Tour: Imperial Istanbul - Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar
Overview
About
Price: Not available
What you'll do
Meeting and pickup
What is included?
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
What is not included?
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
- Not recommended for children aged 4 and under
- Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
- During religious holidays (September 1-4, 2017) the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Meet your host
Itinerary
Istanbul Full-day Tours Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do
Explore the full itinerary for Private Half-day Tour: Imperial Istanbul - Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. This full-day tours experience includes 3 stops over 1 day. Duration: 4 hours. Activity level: Light.
Here is the starting point
Grand Bazaar
In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets. (Closed on Sundays; additional time will be spent at the at the other locations.)
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Now a museum, the Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Roman Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque, and is today one of the most magnificent musseums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. (Closed on Mondays, this will be replaced with Chora Museum.)
Basilica Cistern
(Might be replaced with Serefiye Cistern) The Basilica Cistern (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarayı - "Sunken Palace"), is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul The cistern, located 500 feet (150 m) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
This concludes the tour.
