Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern worth booking?
Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern is a 1.7-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $90 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 1.7 hours
- From
- $90 per person
Imagine stepping into an underground hall that feels like a scene from an epic fantasy adventure — ancient columns disappearing into the shadows, swords in your hands, and a sword master waiting to train you. But this i
What you get
About this experience
Imagine stepping into an underground hall that feels like a scene from an epic fantasy adventure — ancient columns disappearing into the shadows, swords in your hands, and a sword master waiting to train you. But this isn't a movie set. It's Istanbul. And the place is real. Beneath the city, inside a centuries-old Byzantine cistern, you'll leave the ordinary sightseeing route behind and enter the world of warriors. You'll discover the stories behind historic swords, learn how to hold and move with a blade, practice attacks and defenses, and gradually prepare for your final challenge. Then comes the moment you've been training for: your own sword duel beneath the ancient columns. No glass display cases. No watching history from a distance. Here, you become part of the story. For a short while, Istanbul won't feel like a city you're visiting. It will feel like you've stepped into another world.
What's included
Included
- Entrance fees
- Swords are provided by us
What you'll see and do
We will train like a warrior in 1600 years old cistern
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Our meeting point is 5-6 minutes from famous landmarks like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia and very close to Sultanahmet tram stop
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our meeting point is 5-6 minutes from famous landmarks like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia and very close to Sultanahmet tram stop
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- New Istanbul Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unforgettable
That was perhaps the most entertaining activity I have experienced in Istanbul. The trainers were very attentive and engaged. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique experience. Oguz, best of luck✌️
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Best of best
Hands down, this was the most unique and fantastic experience I’ve ever had in Istanbul! If you are bored of standard tourist activities and want to try something genuinely mind-blowing, you have to do this.From the second the training started, the vibe was unreal. I literally felt like I stepped right into the Witcher universe or a dark fantasy movie. The instructors are incredibly cool, super chill, and they know their stuff. Even if you've never held a sword before, they teach you the steps with amazing patience while keeping everything completely safe.It’s the perfect way to let off some steam, learn something badass, and have a ton of fun. Easily worth every single penny. Huge thanks to the team for this unforgettable experience—I’ll definitely be back for more! ⚔️🐺🔥
via Tripadvisor
GREAT and unusual experience in İstanbul - absolutely recommend!
If you love fantasy or historical movies, this is the activity for you! The all-knowing algorithm highlighted this event while I was looking for things to do in İstanbul and I am SO glad it did, as I hugely enjoyed the experience. 10/10 recommend! After a brief introduction to common types of swords and their different application in battle, we learned step-by-step how to properly stand, move and defend ourselves with a blade, before finally facing off individually against the master himself. Naturally, our little "army" of newbie recruits found out rather quickly why the average medieval peasant didn't stand much of a chance against a trained warrior... 😅 That said, it was so much fun and amazing to see how everyone developed some basic sword skills up until the end of the lesson. After two short hours, we all left the room happy and feeling just EPIC! Our hosts were absolutely wonderful and passionate, they made all of us feel perfectly welcome and comfortable as soon as we stepped through the door. The room was rather small and stuffed floor to ceiling with film props and practice gear, but there was sufficient space for our small group and it really added to the cozy feeling of visiting a movie-obsessed friend. The instructor himself speaks little English, but everything was translated and the dynamic between the two guys was fun to watch and only enhanced the whole experience evsn further. Although the event location is a little out of the way off the usual tourist areas, it is easy to reach with the metro and next to a huge mall favored by many locals over the pricier and overcrowed shopping spots in the tourist districts.
via Tripadvisor
Knowledgeable Experts and Wonderful Friends
Took place in a studio with a veteran of the stunt industry who is an expert in martial arts and arms history. He spoke limited English, but the guide translated flawlessly. It was so much fun and balanced, especially because I used to fence and my partner never swung a sword. By the end, we were sparring with the expert. A lady there also recorded everything and sent it to us. Finally, they were so awesome and kind. They gave excellent recommendations for their favorite local places to go and tips and tricks. They made themselves available like new friends. I think that sort of personal experience and touch really transforms an experience.
via Tripadvisor
***AMAZING top experience in Istanbul everyone who is considering definitely getting this experience.
This experience was amazing, I learnt more sword training then I ever did in my life. There were real metal swords with non sharp metal blades and small axes with shields armour and a few props from the Turkish TV series Ertugrul. This expert swordmaster looked exactly like the actor of Ertugrul and had trained the actors before their scenes and had personally met the actors in real life. There was only a small cost and then no admission fee. We trained for around 2 hours in his own house/small private shop and although they had been smoking they made up for that with the amazing experience. The atmosphere was smoky tough warrior smell with a small tiled area to fight in and a table on the other side of room. It was down a side street so was not busy. This experience is good for anyone young or old female of male all people welcome, they even let my baby brother have a try. Have to recommend to anyone considering.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern cost?
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Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern take?
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Plan for about 1.7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 1.7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sword Training in a 1,600-Year-Old Cistern start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop, ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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