Prince's Island Full Day Tour – Büyükada
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Experience
Peaceful & Scenic -
Season
Best in Summer -
Language
English, Arabic -
Meals
Island Lunch Included
Destination Routes
Overview
Escape the frantic pace of Istanbul with an enchanting full-day excursion to the Princes' Islands. Your journey begins with a relaxing cruise across the Sea of Marmara, offering spectacular views of the city's skyline, including the Topkapi Palace and Maiden's Tower.
Our primary destination is Büyükada, the largest and most famous of the islands. Once home to exiled princes and Byzantine emperors, the island today serves as a peaceful retreat. Because motor vehicles are prohibited, you will enjoy the nostalgic silence of the streets, broken only by the sounds of bicycles and electric vehicles. Explore grand Ottoman-era wooden mansions, lush pine forests, and charming coastal cafes in a unique atmosphere that feels like a journey back in time.
Tour Highlights & Key Details
- Duration: Approx. 8 Hours (09:00 - 17:00)
- Pick-up: Free Hotel Transfer (City Center)
- Free Time: Shopping & Island Exploration
- Meal: Delicious Local Seafood Lunch
- Transport: Cruise Boat & Electric Car
- Location: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul
Places You’ll See
Büyükada Harbor (Prince's İsland)
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic and relaxing 90-minute ferry cruise across the Sea of Marmara.
- Explore the tranquil streets of Büyükada with eco-friendly electric shuttle vehicles.
- Witness the elegance of Ottoman-era wooden mansions and summer palaces.
- Breathtaking views from the highest points of the island overlooking Istanbul.
What's Included
- Full hotel pick-up and drop-off service (from city center hotels).
- Round-trip public ferry boat tickets to/from the islands.
- Professional, licensed English-speaking tour guide.
- Island tour with modern electric shuttle cars.
- Delicious lunch featuring local seafood or traditional grill.
Tour Plan
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09:00 - Morning: Departure & Ferry Cruise
Start your day with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel. We head to the pier to board the public ferry for a scenic 1.5-hour cruise across the Sea of Marmara. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and capture stunning photos of the Istanbul skyline, including Topkapi Palace and the Maiden’s Tower.
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11:30 - Noon: Büyükada Discovery Tour
Upon arrival at Büyükada, we step into a world of tranquility. We will board eco-friendly electric shuttle vehicles for a comprehensive tour around the island. Witness the famous Splendid Palace Hotel, historic Ottoman wooden mansions (Yalı), and the peaceful pine forests that cover the island's hills.
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13:30 - Afternoon: Seaside Lunch & Leisure
Take a break at a selected waterfront restaurant for a traditional Turkish lunch featuring fresh seafood or local specialties. After lunch, enjoy free time to wander through the charming flower-lined streets, rent a bicycle, or visit the historic clock tower at the heart of the island.
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17:00 - Evening: Return Journey
As the day winds down, we board the ferry for our return trip to Istanbul. Your transfer vehicle will be waiting at the pier to drive you back to your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Prince’s Islands' natural and historic charm.
Guest Reviews
Michael R. (Germany) March 12, 2024
“A perfect getaway from the Istanbul crowds. The electric car tour was fun and the island mansions are beautiful. Lunch was delicious and fresh!”
08 reviews on this Tour - Showing 1 to 3
Frequently Asked Questions
No, private motor vehicles (cars, motorcycles, etc.) are strictly prohibited on the Prince's Islands. Transportation is provided by eco-friendly electric vehicles, bicycles, or on foot, which creates a peaceful and clean atmosphere.
The ferry ride from the central Istanbul piers to Büyükada typically takes about 75 to 90 minutes. During this journey, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus, Sultanahmet, and the Asian side of the city.
Ferry services occasionally get cancelled during heavy storms or heavy fog. In such cases, we will inform you as soon as possible and offer a full refund or a reschedule for another day.
Absolutely! Children love the boat ride and the electric car tour. Since there are no cars on the island, it is a much safer environment for kids to explore compared to the busy streets of central Istanbul.
During the standard full-day tour, there is limited free time. However, if you wish to swim, we can guide you to some popular public beaches during your free time. We recommend bringing your swimwear and towels just in case!
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