Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour

Name: Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour
Brand: Turkey Golden Tours
Price: 55 EUR
Availability: InStock

Duration Approximately 8 Hours

Departure 09:00 AM / Daily / Year-round

Starting Point Istanbul hotel

Ending Point Istanbul hotel

Tour Type Full-day boat and island sightseeing tour

Live Guide English-speaking local guide

Pick-up Service Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul

Main Highlights Kınalıada, Heybeliada, Büyükada, Marmara Sea cruise, island mansions, seaside views

Transportation Air-conditioned vehicle and boat

Meals Lunch included on board

Suitable For Families, couples, nature lovers, first-time visitors

Tour Highlights

Enjoy a full-day Princes’ Islands tour from Istanbul
Travel by boat across the Marmara Sea
See Kınalıada, Heybeliada and Büyükada, depending on the confirmed route
Spend time on Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands
Admire historic mansions, seaside streets and peaceful island scenery
Learn about the islands’ history and their role as a retreat and place of exile
Enjoy lunch served on board the boat
See Istanbul’s skyline and landmarks from the water during the cruise
Enjoy free time for walking, photography, shopping or seaside relaxation
Travel comfortably with hotel pick-up and drop-off included

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour is a full-day escape from the energy of central Istanbul to the peaceful islands of the Marmara Sea. This tour combines a scenic boat journey, island visits, lunch on board, guided information, and free time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Princes’ Islands.

The route may include visits to Kınalıada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada, depending on the confirmed daily operation and sea conditions. Büyükada, the largest and most famous of the Princes’ Islands, is known for its elegant mansions, quiet streets, sea views, historic religious buildings, and laid-back island lifestyle.

With hotel pick-up and drop-off, boat transportation, guide service, and lunch included, this tour is a comfortable way to discover one of Istanbul’s most charming day-trip destinations.

Why Choose This Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience a different side of Istanbul away from traffic, monuments, and crowded city streets. The Princes’ Islands offer fresh air, sea views, historic mansions, traditional island culture, and a slower rhythm of life.

Unlike standard tours that focus only on Büyükada, this itinerary may give you the chance to see more than one island, depending on the daily cruise route. The private or organized boat format allows a smoother island-hopping experience than arranging public ferries independently.

It is a strong choice for families, couples, photographers, and visitors who want a relaxing day with scenery, history, lunch, and free time included.

Included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off from selected Istanbul hotels
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Round-trip boat transportation
English-speaking local guide
Lunch on board
Local taxes and service arrangements

Not Included

Drinks during lunch
Personal expenses
Optional activities on the islands
Bicycle rental or electric island vehicle services, unless confirmed separately
Gratuities for guide, driver and boat crew
Food and drinks not clearly mentioned as included
Services not listed in the confirmed itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1 – Istanbul to Princes’ Islands / Kınalıada, Heybeliada and Büyükada

Your Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour begins with morning pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul, usually around 09:00 AM. After meeting your guide or local assistant, transfer to the departure point and board the boat for your cruise across the Marmara Sea.

As you leave the city behind, enjoy views of Istanbul from the water. Depending on the route and weather conditions, you may see parts of the historic peninsula, seaside neighborhoods and famous waterfront landmarks during the journey.

The tour route may first include Kınalıada, one of the smaller Princes’ Islands. Known for its calm atmosphere and local character, Kınalıada offers a peaceful introduction to island life close to Istanbul.

Continue to Heybeliada, another charming island known for its green hills, old houses, religious buildings, seaside streets and relaxed local atmosphere. Your guide will share information about the history and cultural importance of the islands.

Lunch is served on board the boat. A typical lunch may include grilled dishes such as chicken shish or Adana-style kebab, cold appetizers and salad. Drinks are not included unless confirmed separately.

The longest stop is usually at Büyükada, the largest and most popular of the Princes’ Islands. Here, you will have free time to explore at your own pace. You may walk through the island’s streets, admire historic mansions, visit local cafés, enjoy seaside views, take photographs or relax by the shore.

Büyükada is known for its elegant Ottoman-era mansions, peaceful streets and island atmosphere. Depending on your preference and the daily conditions, you may explore on foot, use available local electric island transportation, rent a bicycle independently or spend time near the waterfront.

During summer months and suitable weather conditions, guests may also choose to swim by the shore during free time, depending on the location, sea conditions and personal preference.

After the island visit, return to the boat and cruise back to Istanbul. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Meals: Lunch

Important Information

This is a full-day tour lasting approximately 8 hours.
Standard departure time is around 09:00 AM.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available from selected Istanbul hotels.
If your hotel is not accessible by tour vehicle, a nearby meeting point may be provided.
The island route may change depending on sea conditions, pier availability, weather, maritime traffic or operational needs.
Kınalıada, Heybeliada and Büyükada visits depend on the confirmed daily route.
Büyükada is usually the main and longest island stop.
Lunch is included on board. Drinks are not included unless confirmed separately.
Swimming is seasonal and depends on weather, sea conditions and available free time.
Horse-drawn carriage service should not be expected as part of the modern island experience.
Local island transportation may include walking, bicycle rental or electric island vehicles, depending on availability and local regulations.
A moderate amount of walking is required on the islands.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
In summer, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
In cooler months, bring a jacket for the boat journey.
Children aged 0–4 may join free of charge.
Children aged 5–8 may receive a 30% discount, depending on the confirmed price policy.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Perfect For

Families looking for a relaxing day trip from Istanbul
Couples who want a scenic boat and island experience
Travelers interested in Istanbul’s peaceful island life
Visitors who enjoy sea views, walking and photography
Guests who want to see Büyükada and other Princes’ Islands
First-time visitors looking for a different side of Istanbul
Travelers who prefer hotel transfers, boat trip, guide and lunch arranged in advance
Guests who want a slower, nature-focused day away from the city center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour?

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from selected Istanbul hotels, boat transportation, English-speaking guide, lunch on board and local service arrangements.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, depending on traffic, sea conditions, pier schedules and daily operation.

What time does the tour start?

The tour usually starts around 09:00 AM with hotel pick-up from selected Istanbul hotels.

Which islands are visited?

The route may include Kınalıada, Heybeliada and Büyükada, depending on the confirmed daily operation. Büyükada is usually the main and longest stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included on board the boat. Drinks are not included unless stated separately.

Can we swim during the tour?

Swimming may be possible during summer months and suitable weather conditions, especially during free time on or near Büyükada. This depends on sea conditions and the daily program.

Is horse-drawn carriage included?

No. Horse-drawn carriage service is not included. Modern island visits are generally based on walking, bicycle rental or local electric island transportation where available.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. This tour is suitable for families with children. The boat journey, islands and free time make it a relaxed day out.

Is hotel pick-up included?

Yes. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included from selected centrally located Istanbul hotels.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, seasonal clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera and personal essentials are recommended. In summer, bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.

Can the route change?

Yes. The island route and stop durations may change due to weather, sea conditions, pier availability, maritime traffic or operational needs.

Is this tour good for first-time visitors?

Yes. It is a great option for first-time visitors who want to experience a quieter and more scenic side of Istanbul beyond the Old City and Bosphorus.

Book Your Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour

Enjoy a peaceful day away from the city with this scenic Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour. Cruise across the Marmara Sea, visit charming islands, enjoy lunch on board, explore Büyükada’s historic streets and seaside atmosphere, and return to Istanbul with beautiful memories of the city’s quieter island side.

To check availability, please send us your preferred tour date, number of guests, hotel name in Istanbul, and any special requests. We will be happy to help you arrange a smooth and enjoyable Princes’ Islands day tour.

Turkey Golden Tours