Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahce Palace Combo Tour

Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahce Palace Combo Tour

Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks with the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour. The combo tour is a great way to save time while visiting these heritage attractions with your travel itinerary.


The first attraction on the itinerary is Basilica Cistern, which is known as the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in the world. The structure dates to the sixth century when Roman Emperor Justinian constructed the massive cistern as a means to supply water to the city. Basilica Cistern today is famous for its 336 unique marble columns that were repurposed from different ancient ruins. Two of its most popular highlights are the Weeping Column and Medusa Heads, which form part of various legends about the cistern.


Next on the itinerary is the Dolmabahce Palace, the last major structure constructed under the Ottomans. The lavish palace was the official residence of the last six Ottoman Sultans and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey. The nineteenth-century structure combines Ottoman and European architecture that replaced the medieval Topkapi Palace. Dolmabahce Palace is known for its stunning collections of Ottoman and European art, priceless antiques, and luxurious interior decorations.


Book your Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace combo tour tickets online and enjoy a hassle-free informative sightseeing experience with friends and family.

Highlights of Dolmabahce Palace and Basilica Cistern Combo Tour

  • Explore two of Istanbul’s most visited royal attractions belonging to two distinct periods with the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour.
  • As the tour starts from the Basilica Cistern, you enter one of the largest surviving cisterns of the Byzantines with a guide.
  • The Cistern is lined with 336 marble columns that reflect different architectural styles as they were procured from various places.
  • The water-lined pathways let you explore attractions like the Weeping Column and Medusa Heads while learning about their fascinating legends.
  • Learn about the Basilica Cistern’s rocky history from the royal cistern of the Byzantines to a forgotten relic under the Ottomans during your tour.
  • The next stop takes you from ancient times to the pre-modern era at the Dolmabahce Palace, the last royal residence of the Ottomans.
  • The palace is a beautiful mix of European and Ottoman architectural styles and showcases the lavish lifestyle of the erstwhile royals.
  • Stroll across the palace gardens and admire the views of the Bosphorus before heading inside the Dolmabahce Palace.
  • Admire the luxurious interiors adorned with chandeliers, rare paintings, and priceless antiques during your guided tour of the rooms.
  • Witness the Medhal Hall, Ataturk’s Room, and the Harem as you listen to intriguing facts about their functions and history from your guide.

Inclusions For Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahce Palace Combo Tour

  • Skip-the-line entrance with Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour tickets for a hassle-free start to your tour.
  • A knowledgeable English-speaking guide will take you across the two attractions and give insights into the history, architecture, and legends of each landmark.
  • Round-trip transportation from the designated meeting point in a comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle for a relaxed tour experience.
  • Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are also available from centrally-located hotels and accommodations in Istanbul.
  • Dolmabahce Palace tickets include the gardens, the Harem, and all public sections of the palace.
  • A small group tour of a maximum of 15 people to ensure a personalised experience for all participants.
  • All extra fees, taxes, and handling charges are included in the combo tickets.

Why Book Combo Tour of Dolmabahce Palace and Basilica Cistern Online?

  • Booking Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour tickets online lets you skip the long lines at both attractions and save precious time.
  • Discover two of Istanbul’s most stunning heritage landmarks belonging to two different eras of the city's history Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace.
  • Explore the mysterious underground world of Basilica Cistern, the ‘Sunken Palace’ of the Byzantine era with guided tours.
  • Learn about the eventful past of the Cistern under the Byzantines and the Ottomans and the different installations found here.
  • Witness the 336 unique marble columns, the Medusa Heads, and the Weeping Pillar as part of the combo tour at Basilica Cistern.
  • Head to the Dolmabahce Palace and admire the stunning architecture of the last royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans as part of the tour.
  • Explore the lavish rooms, see massive murals and frescoes, and be awed by the luxurious interiors and chandeliers inside the Palace.
  • Stroll across the palace gardens and visit attractions like the Harem and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s Room on the premises.
  • Enjoy an informative tour with an English-speaking guide who will narrate fascinating stories and facts about each attraction.
  • Get discounts and great deals on ticket prices as you book the combo tickets online.

Places Covered On Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahçe Palace Combo Tour

  • Basilica Cistern: Basilica Cistern is a magnificent underground structure that dates back to the 6th century and provided water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. The cistern features rows of marble columns rising from the water, creating an enchanting and ethereal ambiance. The two Medusa heads at the base of two columns add to the mysterious atmosphere.


  • Dolmabahce Palace: A stunning symbol of Ottoman opulence and grandeur, situated along the Bosphorus Strait. The palace served as the main administrative center and residence for the Ottoman Sultans during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The palace showcases a harmonious blend of European and Ottoman architectural styles, making it a unique and captivating sight.



  • Harem: The Harem provides a glimpse into the private lives of the Ottoman Sultans and their families, with elaborately decorated rooms and luxurious furnishings.


Also Read: Things To Do In Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace Tickets Options

FAQs For Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahce Palace Combo Tour

How long does the Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahçe Palace Combo Tour last?

The tour lasts for approximately 6 hours, including hotel pick-up and drop-off.

What should I wear for the Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahçe Palace Combo Tour?

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for the tour, as there is a fair amount of walking involved.

Is the Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahçe Palace Combo Tour wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, as there are stairs and uneven surfaces at both the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahçe Palace.

Also Checkout: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Bosphorus Cruise Combos

Can I bring a stroller on the Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahçe Palace Combo Tour?

Strollers are allowed on the tour but note that there are some stairs and uneven surfaces at both the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahçe Palace.

Is photography allowed on the tour?

Yes, photography is allowed on the tour. However, flash photography is not allowed inside the Basilica Cistern.

Is the Basilica Cistern & Dolmabahçe Palace Combo Tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for children. However, note that there is a fair amount of walking involved, and some children may find the underground atmosphere of the Basilica Cistern eerie.

What is included in the Dolmabahce Palace and Basilica Cistern tour?

The Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour includes a skip-the-line entrance to both landmarks. You will also get an experienced English-speaking guide to accompany you and tell you about the history, architecture, and stories of each attraction. Other inclusions are round-trip transportation, small group tours, and access to all public sections of each landmark.

How long does the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour last?

The Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour can last around six hours. Individually, the Basilica Cistern tour can last up to an hour, while exploring the Dolmabahce Palace can take around two hours. When you include meals and round-trip transportation as part of the combo tour, the experience can take a maximum of six hours.

Can I visit both the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace in one day?

Yes, you can comfortably explore Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace in a single day. Both attractions are located at a driving distance of less than 20 minutes away from each other. Basilica Cistern tours generally last an hour, while Dolmabahce Palace tours can take up to two hours. So, if you wish to cover them together, you can easily cover them in less than six hours.

How do I book the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour?

You can easily book the Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace tour tickets on our site online. As you book with us, you get skip-the-line access to the landmarks without any hassles. Save your precious time and effort by booking a date and time slot of your preference from the comfort of your home.

What are the main things to explore inside the Dolmabahce Palace?

  • Medhal (Main Entrance) Hall: Admire the luxurious rooms of Ottoman officials and administrators that are adorned with massive chandeliers and ornate furniture.
  • The secretariat’s rooms: These rooms are known for their rare painting collections, precious porcelain vases, and French-style furniture.
  • Ataturk’s Room: This room is known as the home of Turkey’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and is preserved as it is for visitors.
  • Harem: This is the most stunning segment that was once the private quarter of the Sultan and his family and today has priceless royal treasures.
thrillophilia-logo

About Us | Contact Us | Email Us: dolmabahce-palace@thrillophilia.com

The content and images used on this site are copyright protected and copyrights vests with the respective owners.

© 2024 www.dolmabahce-palace.com All rights reserved.