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Istanbul: Basilica Cistern & the Old City’s Water Legacy
Istanbul, Turkey, Europe
$42.75
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
Overview
Discover how water shaped the history, architecture, and daily rituals of Istanbul on this immersive, small-group walking tour. From ancient Roman cistern to monumental Ottoman bath, follow the flow of the city’s hydraulic heritage across centuries. Explore stunning sites like the Basilica Cistern, the ruins of the Roman Bath, Çemberlitaş Hammam, and the Valens Aqueduct before ending your journey at the beautifully restored Zeyrek Çinili Hamam Museum, where history and design converge in one unforgettable setting. Along the way, enjoy tastings of traditional drinks like Ottoman-style şerbet and Turkish coffee.
This intimate, small-group tour is capped at just 10 participants
Explore Istanbul’s Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman water systems with a licensed local guide
Visit both well-known and off-the-beaten-path sites including aqueducts, cisterns, and bathhouses
Conclude near Zeyrek Çinili Hamam Museum with convenient access to public transit
This intimate, small-group tour is capped at just 10 participants
Explore Istanbul’s Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman water systems with a licensed local guide
Visit both well-known and off-the-beaten-path sites including aqueducts, cisterns, and bathhouses
Conclude near Zeyrek Çinili Hamam Museum with convenient access to public transit
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Istanbul: Basilica Cistern & the Old City’s Water Legacy
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
- Traditional Beverage Tasting
- Exclusive Referrals to Hammams
- Small Group Experience for Personalized Attention
- Professional Tour Guide Service
- Introduction to Istanbul’s Historic Water and Bath Culture
- Basilica Cistern Ticket (Skip the Line option)
- Zeyrek Çinili Hamam Museum Ticket (Note: Free admission on Thursdays)
- Personal Travel Costs
- Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Meeting point
Caferağa Medrese, behind Hagia Sophia, near Sultanahmet Tram Station.
Please make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth and timely departure. If you anticipate any delays, kindly contact us in advance.
Return details
The tour concludes at the recently reopened Zeyrek Çinili Hamam.
The area is easily connected to other parts of the city via public transportation, offering convenient options for onward travel or a leisurely stroll through one of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods.
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Sultanahmet DistrictOnce one of the grandest public baths of Roman Constantinople, the Baths of Zeuxippos were famed for their statues and mosaics. Today, their remnants whisper stories of ancient leisure and imperial grandeur.
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Basilica CisternBuilt in the 6th century, this subterranean wonder once stored the lifeblood of the city—its water—beneath a forest of marble columns, echoing the empire’s engineering genius.
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Cemberlitas HamamIAnother timeless creation by Mimar Sinan, this 1584 hamam is located near the Roman Column of Constantine. Its simple yet majestic design reflects both functionality and spiritual purification.
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KapalIcarsIIn the heart of the Grand Bazaar, guests are introduced to traditional bath tools — soaps, kese mitts, and laincloth — essential elements of the Turkish bathing ritual.
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Valens Aqueduct (Bozdogan Kemeri)An awe-inspiring feat of Roman engineering, the Valens Aqueduct carried fresh water across the city for centuries. It reflects the importance of water management in Istanbul’s urban history.
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Zeyrek Cinili Hamam And MuseumRecently reopened after meticulous restoration, this hidden gem features 16th-century İznik tiles and serene architectural beauty. Here, guests can optionally enjoy a full Turkish bath ritual to conclude the journey.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern & the Old City’s Water Legacy
Istanbul, Turkey, Europe
$42.75
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!