Old City Tour with the Cistern of Theodosius, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque

Combining three highlights of the historic peninsula in one tour, this old city tour with the Cistern of Theodosius takes a small group with a licensed guide to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the lesser-known but very atmospheric Cistern of Theodosius, also called the Şerefiye Cistern.

The stops

At Hagia Sophia you enter with priority admission and hear from your guide about the building's Byzantine and Ottoman history. At the Blue Mosque you see the famous blue tiles and the architecture. As an option, you also get priority entry to the Cistern of Theodosius, a Byzantine cistern that stands out for its calm atmosphere away from the crowds.

Why a small group?

In a small group you can hear your guide easily, ask questions and enjoy a more personal experience. The tour lasts about three hours and gives you a solid grounding in Istanbul's Ottoman and Byzantine history.

Visiting rules

Women need to cover their hair when visiting Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, so you may need to wait outside during prayer times. Please be on time at the meeting point: if you are more than five minutes late the guide cannot wait, and late arrivals cannot join once the tour has started.

Who is it for?

It is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the historic peninsula with a knowledgeable guide. The tour needs a moderate level of fitness and is not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries, pregnant travellers or those with poor cardiovascular health. It is not wheelchair accessible.

To round off your trip, browse more experiences on our Istanbul tours page, and find somewhere to stay among our hotels in Istanbul.