Photos 6

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Private Guided Basilica Cistern Tour with Skip the Line Access

Istanbul, Turkey 1h 5.0 · 39 reviews EN 450646P2
Instant confirmation Private tour Free cancellation (24h) Mobile ticket Adults 17–64
Photos 6
Private Guided Basilica Cistern Tour with Skip the Line Access - photo 1 450646P2
Private Guided Basilica Cistern Tour with Skip the Line Access - photo 2 450646P2
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Private Guided Basilica Cistern Tour with Skip the Line Access - photo 6 450646P2

Overview

I want to pass on my knowledge and passion to my guests, ensuring +25 year of experience and offer a tour in safety and comfort; with friendly personal touches.
We will visit the Basilica Cistern.
Avoid the lengthy queues and explore the largest ancient water cistern housing two Medusa heads.
Enhance your understanding of this cathedral-sized cistern by joining a guided tour conducted in English.
Be captivated by the submerged palace and uncover an expansive man-made freshwater lake equivalent in size to two football fields.
Experience elements of the cistern that played a prominent role in beloved James Bond film and Dan Brown movie.
I will arrange the tour according to all guest’s needs and interests and use their time as efficient as possible.
I will be designing program itineraries according to highlights and not waiting the ques, skiping the lines.

Tour at a glance

Duration
1h
01
Tour type
Private tour
up to 15 travellers per booking
02
Languages
EN
live guide
03
Pickup
Meet at start point
04
Operates
Every day
Starts 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 +5
05
Confirmation
Instant
e-ticket by e-mail
06
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
07
Traveller ages
Adults 17–64
08
Rating
5.0 / 5
40 verified reviews
09
Ticket
Mobile ticket
show it on your phone
10

What's included

  • Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica Cistern

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Basilica Cistern

    Explore the striking must-see place Basilica Cistern during your visit to Istanbul. Journey beneath the earth's surface and admire the distinctive architecture while listening to your guide who will give you insights into the history of this place. Medusa heads' mythology, movies made in here, Istanbul's water infrastructure history with aqueducts. The included admission fee is :The Entry ticket is 800 TL /per person( approx. 23 EUR, 25.00 USD) over 6 year old is charged.

    1h Admission included

Meeting & pickup

Everyone meets at the start point.

Go across the exit of Basilica Cistern, an old wooden house, and look for a guide with a HASAN ALICI named guiding batch.

Schedule

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia, and can be quite high humid

Cancellation policy

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

Traveller reviews

5.040 reviews
5
40
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0
3
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Mike_L Sep 2026 · Viator
Highly recommend hiring Hasan

Hasan was very knowledgeable. This was a fun tour! He had all kinds of trivia and facts regarding the Basilica Cistern

Michael_M Sep 2026 · Viator
Highly recommended

Hasan is extremely knowledgeable and a great story-teller. I would recommend him for a private tour. It’s so nice to converse and to be able to ask questions.

Andrew_M Aug 2026 · Viator
Top guide

Hidden gem, did a great job explaining and sharing the cistern histories. Professional and pleasant.

Richard_S Jun 2026 · Viator
Hasan was incredible...

Hasan was incredibly knowledgeable about the cisterns and delivered a wonderful and complete experience. The location is fascinating and he did it justice. He was a fantastic person and went out of his way to be helpful.

Catherine_J Oct 2025 · Viator
Best Cistern Tour Guide!

Hassan Review We had three different guides for touring Istanbul. Hassan was far and away the best. He provided great historic information about Basilica Cistern, as well as impressive details about the design and construction of the site. He had a knack for finding great photo ops and was also quite charming. We highly recommend him!

irynastor Sep 2025 · Tripadvisor
Lots of history !

Great tour of Hagia Sophia !!! Lots of history and attention to details ! We had a great time! Thank you Hasan! Best tour guide !

Chantelle_M Sep 2025 · Viator
Wonderful! Thanks

Absolutely fantastic, skip the line was also great! Learnt alot from our guide, Hasan. He was very informative!

Cassy G Jul 2025 · Tripadvisor
Hasan is the best!

Hasan was brilliant. We went to the Hagia Sofia Mosque with him as our guide. He was knowledgeable, personable and made it fun, educational and interesting. Couldn’t recommend him highly enough. He was simply great.

Reviews are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor from verified travellers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this experience last?

It lasts 1h.

Is hotel pickup included?

Everyone meets at the start point.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Which languages is the guide available in?

Guide languages: EN

On which days does it run?

It runs Every day. Starts 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 +5

How fast is the booking confirmed?

Instantly. Your e-ticket arrives by e-mail right after booking.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, this is a private experience for your group only.

Where do I complete the booking?

On viator.com, a Tripadvisor company, with live availability and secure payment. TourViaGo is a Global Partner of Viator.

Product code 450646P2

Book on viator.com · Global Partner of Viator $138per person
Book now
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