A cruise to the Princes Islands off Istanbul’s coast provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The full-day tour includes a scenic ferry ride across the Marmara Sea and a guided walking tour of car-free streets on the largest island, Büyükada. Visitors can explore Victorian-style mansions, seaside promenades, and historic monasteries while enjoying the island’s captivating charm. With opportunities for cycling, horse-drawn carriage rides, and relaxing on the beach, the tour offers a diverse experience of local island life. Fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants completes the immersive Princes Islands experience – there’s much more to discover.
About Your Stay
- Take a scenic ferry ride from Istanbul to explore the largest of the Princes Islands, Büyükada.
- Enjoy a guided walking tour through the island’s car-free streets to immerse in the local lifestyle.
- Spend free time engaging in activities like bike rentals, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.
- Savor fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants overlooking the tranquil Marmara Sea.
- Discover the island’s charm, including Victorian-style mansions and the St. George Orthodox Monastery.
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Contents
- About Your Stay
- Overview of the Tour
- Itinerary Highlights
- What’s Included
- Meeting Point and Logistics
- Traveler Reviews
- Getting to the Islands
- Exploring Büyükada
- Dining and Local Cuisine
- Questions About Staying Here
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Ferry?
- Is There a Fee to Enter the Princes Islands?
- Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?
- Can I Extend My Stay on the Island After the Tour?
- Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
- Worth The Stay
- Our Top Picks in Istanbul
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Istanbul
- More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Istanbul we have recnetly reviewed
Overview of the Tour
This full-day tour provides visitors the opportunity to cruise to Büyükaada, the largest of the Princes Islands, located in the Marmara Sea just off the coast of Istanbul.
Travelers will discover the natural beauty of Büyükaada and experience the local lifestyle, including fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant.
The itinerary includes a scenic ferry ride from Istanbul, a guided walking tour through the island’s car-free streets, and free time for further exploration, such as bike rentals, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.
With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a chance to escape the bustle of Istanbul and take in the tranquility of the Princes Islands.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s cruise to Büyükaada begins with a scenic ferry ride from Istanbul, offering travelers breathtaking views of the Marmara Sea. Upon arrival, guests embark on a guided walking tour through the island’s pedestrian-only streets, seeing the local lifestyle. In the afternoon, travelers have the freedom to explore Büyükaada at their own pace, with options including:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Bike Rentals | Explore the island on two wheels |
| Shopping | Browse local shops and markets |
| Horse-drawn Carriage Rides | Enjoy a leisurely tour of the island |
| Beach Relaxation | Unwind on the island’s sandy shores |
This diverse itinerary allows visitors to fully experience the charm and tranquility of Büyükaada during their day trip from Istanbul.
What’s Included
The Cruise to the Princes Islands tour includes round-trip ferry tickets from Istanbul, taking travelers on a scenic journey across the Marmara Sea to the largest of the Princes Islands, Büyükaada.
Upon arrival, a guided walking tour introduces visitors to the island’s pedestrian-only streets.
Lunch at a local fish restaurant allows guests to savor fresh seafood and experience the island’s authentic cuisine.
Transportation to and from the meeting point in Istanbul is provided, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle.
However, food and beverages beyond the included lunch, gratuities, and personal expenses aren’t covered in the tour price.
Meeting Point and Logistics
The meeting point for the Cruise to the Princes Islands tour is Hereke Carpets, located at Alemdar, Nuru Osmaniye Cd. No:35, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul.
The tour starts promptly at 8:15 AM, so it’s best to arrive a few minutes early. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
With these logistics in mind, guests can look forward to a relaxing day exploring the largest of the Princes Islands, Büyüikada, on the Marmara Sea.
Traveler Reviews
Traveler reviews of the Cruise to the Princes Islands tour paint a positive picture, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.
Reviewers highlighted the tour guide’s helpfulness and extensive knowledge, which enhanced the experience. The trip was described as a relaxing escape from Istanbul’s bustling city life, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Key takeaways from the reviews include:
- Informative and engaging guided walking tour
- Opportunity to sample fresh seafood at a local restaurant
- Freedom to explore the island’s pedestrian-only streets at one’s own pace
- Scenic ferry ride with panoramic views of the Marmara Sea
Getting to the Islands
Getting to the islands is a straightforward process. The tour begins with a ferry cruise from Istanbul, providing scenic views of the Marmara Sea.
Travelers will meet at the designated meeting point, Hereke Carpets, and embark on the 90-minute ferry journey to the largest of the Princes Islands, Büyükaada. The ferry ride offers an opportunity to take in the picturesque surroundings as the boat glides across the water.
Upon arrival, a guided walking tour explores the car-free streets of Büyükaada, allowing visitors to enjoy the local lifestyle and culture. With the tour guide’s expertise, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique charm and history.
Exploring Büyükada
Captivating charm permeates Büyüakada as visitors step off the ferry and enjoy its car-free streets.
The island’s allure lies in its relaxed pace and nostalgic atmosphere, where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the primary modes of transportation.
Visitors can explore:
- Elegant Victorian-style mansions and ornate wooden houses
- Scenic seaside promenades with stunning views of the Marmara Sea
- Historic St. George Orthodox Monastery and its peaceful gardens
- Local fish restaurants serving fresh seafood caught in surrounding waters
This tranquil haven offers a welcome respite from the bustle of Istanbul, inviting travelers to unwind and savor the island’s unique island charm.
Dining and Local Cuisine
As visitors explore the charming streets of Büyükaada, they’ll find themselves drawn to the alluring scent of freshly caught seafood wafting from the local restaurants.
These eateries showcase the island’s culinary heritage, offering an array of traditional Turkish dishes alongside the day’s fresh catch. Diners can savor succulent grilled fish, fragrant seafood stews, and delectable meze platters while overlooking the tranquil Marmara Sea.
The local fish restaurants not only provide a taste of Büyükaada’s gastronomic delights but also offer a glimpse into the island’s leisurely pace of life.
After a day of sightseeing, indulging in the fresh seafood and local specialties becomes a quintessential part of the Büyükaada experience.
Questions About Staying Here
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Ferry?
Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the ferry to B??y??kada. However, they may be subject to any regulations or policies set by the ferry operator.
Is There a Fee to Enter the Princes Islands?
There’s no entry fee to visit the Princes Islands. However, you’ll need to purchase round-trip ferry tickets which cover the transportation costs. The tour package includes the ferry tickets, so there aren’t any additional fees to enter the islands.
Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?
There are no strict dress code requirements for the tour. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended, as visitors will be walking around the island. However, it’s advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture.
Can I Extend My Stay on the Island After the Tour?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay on Büyükada after the tour ends. The tour provides transportation to and from the island, so visitors are free to continue exploring on their own schedule once the guided portion is complete.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, they do provide reduced rates for children under 12 years old. Guests should inquire about any applicable discounts when booking the tour.
Cruise to the Princes Islands
“Greetings from Egypt”
Worth The Stay
This cruise to the Princes’ Islands offers a delightful escape from the bustling streets of Istanbul. Visitors can enjoy the serene natural beauty and unique local culture of Büyükada, the largest of the islands. With a guided walking tour, ample time for leisure activities, and the chance to savor fresh seafood, this well-rounded excursion provides a rejuvenating respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
