About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent more years than I’d like to admit tracking occupancy rates and analyzing RevPAR trends across the Marmara region, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the industry loves to oversell "hidden gems." Most of the time, those gems are just crowded tourist traps with better lighting. However, the Princes' Islands—specifically Heybeliada and Büyükada—actually manage to live up to the lead generation hype. While Istanbul’s mainland is a chaotic symphony of traffic and construction, these islands are a total middle finger to the internal combustion engine. They offer a rare kind of silence that’s increasingly hard to find in modern travel. Is the ferry ride a bit of a cliché? Maybe. But standing on the deck watching the Golden Horn shrink into the distance is still one of the few experiences that doesn't feel like it’s been manufactured by a marketing team. It's an authentic pause button in a city that never stops talking.
About the Tour
Escape the relentless pace of Istanbul for a full-day, 8-hour excursion to the Princes' Islands, a serene archipelago in the Sea of Marmara where history and nature take precedence over modern noise.
The Journey Begins
The day starts with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or designated address between 08:00 and 09:15. You’ll be whisked to the port to meet your professional guide and board the vessel. The boat ride itself is a highlight; it takes aproximetly one hour to cross the water, offering a unique vantage point of Istanbul's skyline, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, as they fade into the horizon.
Heybeliada: The Green Retreat
Our first stop is usually Heybeliada, the second-largest island in the chain and arguably the most lush. Known for its pine forests and elegant 19th-century villas, this island feels like a step back in time. You will have free time here to walk the quiet streets with your guide or simply breathe in the sea air before we head back to the water.
Büyükada: Grandeur and Local Flavors
Next, we navigate to Büyükada, the largest and most famous of the islands. After an introduction by your guide, the tour shifts focus to the palate. You’ll enjoy a lunch featuring an excellent presentation of Turkish dishes, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage.
Free Time and Exploration
After lunch, the island is yours to explore. You might choose to:
- Stroll through the historic streets to admire the grand Ottoman-era mansions.
- Savor local flavors at a seaside café or grab a famous island ice cream.
- Go swimming: During the summer months, the island's beaches offer a refreshing dip in the Marmara (availability is seasonal).
The Return
Once the free time concludes, you’ll reconvene with the guide at a designated meeting point for the return cruise to the mainland. Before being dropped back at your hotel, there will be a final stop for shopping, allowing you to pick up local souvenirs or textiles. By the time you reach your room, the bustle of Istanbul might feel a world away.
Highlights
- Soak up the sights of Prince’s Island, the largest island in the Sea of Marmara
- Enjoy a cruise aboard a ferry to the island and savor a fresh seasonal lunch
- Indulge in free time on the island to swim and sightsee to your heart's content
- Explore Büyükada's majestic mansions by way of an electric car tour
- Spend a day in utter relaxation while sightseeing on Prince's Island
Know before you go
- Onboard, you can find tea, coffee, and snacks available at reasonable prices.
- A professional photographer will be on the boat. If you wish to take photos, please ask for the price in advance.
- On the islands, you can rent a bicycle or an electric vehicle. Please note that renting and using these vehicles is entirely your own choice, and our company does not take any responsibility for issues that may occur. Make sure the one you choose is in good working condition.
- For swimming, there are both free public beaches and private paid beaches.
- Throughout the tour, our guide will provide you with information and assistance.
- At the end of the tour, there will be a short shopping stop before we take you back to your hotel.
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting/pickup location
Depends on the selected option
Bus/coach
(45 minutes)
Sightseeing cruise
(1.5 hours)
Kınalıada
Pass by
Heybeliada
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Walk (45 minutes)
Burgaz Island
Pass by
Büyükada
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Sightseeing, Swimming (3 hours)
Sightseeing cruise
(1.5 hours)
Sultanahmet District
Shopping (30 minutes)
Bus/coach
(45 minutes)
6 drop-off locations:
Beyoğlu, İstanbul, Fatih, Sultanahmet, Taksim Square, Milana Gezi Teknesi