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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Tours
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From: $80.00
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4 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
Overview
Explore the fascinating history of Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar during this half-day privately guided tour of imperial Istanbul. Discover the ancient church, former mosque and now internationally famous museum, the Hagia Sophia. This tour will wind you through the Grand Bazaar where you can haggle for Turkish treasures and then take you 500 feet below ground into the historic Basilica Cistern where a James Bond once thwarted evil plans.
- Private half-day sightseeing tour of Istanbul’s imperial sites
- Visit Hagia Sophia
- Shop in the Grand Bazaar
- Visit the Underground Cistern or Nakkas Cistem
- Entrance fees included
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Meet your private guide at your centrally located hotel in Istanbul (European side only) for your half-day tour of Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Start with a short drive to the 6th century church and now museum, the Hagia Sophia. Built by the Roman Emperor Justinian, learn how Hagia Sophia remained one of the largest Basilicas until Ottoman rule when it was converted to a mosque. Then, stroll with your guide and observe the beautifully detailed Byzantine mosaics. (Closed on Mondays, this attraction will be exchanged with the Chlora Museum.)
Continue to the underground Basilica cistern also referred to as the “Sunken Palace” (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarayi). Constructed below the famous peninsula of Sarayburnu by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, learn about this cistern’s massive size, the largest of hundreds in Istanbul.
Next, surface from the cistern and head to the Grand Bazaar. Famously in operation for over six centuries, wind your way along its 58 corridors and marvel at one of the largest covered markets on the planet. Peer into some of the 4,000 plus shops and see ornate jewelry, leather goods, spices and colorful carpets. (Closed on Sundays; extra time will be dispersed over the other locations.)
Continue to the underground Basilica cistern also referred to as the “Sunken Palace” (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarayi). Constructed below the famous peninsula of Sarayburnu by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, learn about this cistern’s massive size, the largest of hundreds in Istanbul.
Next, surface from the cistern and head to the Grand Bazaar. Famously in operation for over six centuries, wind your way along its 58 corridors and marvel at one of the largest covered markets on the planet. Peer into some of the 4,000 plus shops and see ornate jewelry, leather goods, spices and colorful carpets. (Closed on Sundays; extra time will be dispersed over the other locations.)
Itinerary
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.)
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Free
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.)
Duration: 2 hours
Admission Ticket Included
(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.
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Included
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Product code: 3795IST_P06
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