Underground Cisterns of Istanbul

Description

Since ancient times the land where Istanbul resides has been a popular place for a culture to live and grow. Ancient times saw a primitive Hellenistic peoples give way to Byzantium and Roman culture. The Roman people always added new buildings when the took over a region, however, the modern city shows very little of this side of history on the surface.

Across the city of Istanbul, there is hidden treasure beneath the streets, Roman architecture originally designed to be a holding place for water, now they vary from being dry to hold a small amount of water creating an underground ‘lake’.

Destinations Visited
  • Underground Cistern
Tour Details
Schedule

09:00 – 17:00

Starts In

Istanbul

Ends In

Istanbul

Language Options

EN

Departure Days

Every Day

Tour Details

On this walking tour, guests will explore several remarkable underground cisterns and hidden historical spaces dating back to the 4th, 5th, and 6th centuries. These extraordinary structures reveal the engineering brilliance of the Eastern Roman period and offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s forgotten underground world.
During the experience, guests will also enjoy a special meal in a beautifully restored 1,500-year-old underground cistern, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere amid ancient stone arches and history. Another highlight of the tour will be a visit to a restored underground structure from the Byzantine era, where traditional Turkish handicrafts and fine artisan works are exhibited alongside the historical architecture, bringing together the artistic heritage of both past and present.
The tour also includes wandering through the historic streets of the Old City and visiting one of Istanbul’s most iconic traditional market areas, offering a unique journey through the city’s layers of history, culture, architecture, and daily life.
At the end of the experience, we will take a short break at a hidden panoramic spot overlooking the rooftops and atmosphere of the historic bazaar district,a location that has even captured the spirit of famous spy films set in Istanbul. Here, guests will relax with a traditional cup of Turkish coffee while enjoying one final unforgettable view over the heart of the Old City.

 Please note: On Sundays, the historic Grand Bazaar remains closed. On such days, the tour program will be adjusted to include the Spice Bazaar area, complemented by an authentic Turkish coffee experience.

Includes & Excludes

Professional Tour Guide

Lunch

Entrance Fess

Hotel transfers (pick-up & drop-off) from central Istanbul hotels

Tips

Personal Expenses

Drinks

All services not mentioned in the Included section are excluded.

Your Local Expert
Farout Turkey

Turkey-Based Tour Operator · Since 2002

Send an Enquiry
Your information is secure and will not be shared.
Tour Details

On this walking tour, guests will explore several remarkable underground cisterns and hidden historical spaces dating back to the 4th, 5th, and 6th centuries. These extraordinary structures reveal the engineering brilliance of the Eastern Roman period and offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s forgotten underground world.
During the experience, guests will also enjoy a special meal in a beautifully restored 1,500-year-old underground cistern, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere amid ancient stone arches and history. Another highlight of the tour will be a visit to a restored underground structure from the Byzantine era, where traditional Turkish handicrafts and fine artisan works are exhibited alongside the historical architecture, bringing together the artistic heritage of both past and present.
The tour also includes wandering through the historic streets of the Old City and visiting one of Istanbul’s most iconic traditional market areas, offering a unique journey through the city’s layers of history, culture, architecture, and daily life.
At the end of the experience, we will take a short break at a hidden panoramic spot overlooking the rooftops and atmosphere of the historic bazaar district,a location that has even captured the spirit of famous spy films set in Istanbul. Here, guests will relax with a traditional cup of Turkish coffee while enjoying one final unforgettable view over the heart of the Old City.

 Please note: On Sundays, the historic Grand Bazaar remains closed. On such days, the tour program will be adjusted to include the Spice Bazaar area, complemented by an authentic Turkish coffee experience.

Tour Details
Schedule

09:00 – 17:00

Starts In

Istanbul

Ends In

Istanbul

Language Options

EN

Departure Days

Every Day

Your Local Expert
Farout Turkey

Turkey-Based Tour Operator · Since 2002

Send an Enquiry
Your information is secure and will not be shared.