Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

Traveling from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul to the peaceful, green enclaves of the Princes Islands offers a unique escape. This 8-hour guided tour takes you to Heybeliada and Büyükada, two of the most charming spots in the Sea of Marmara, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, relaxing, and indulging in local flavors. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries suggest this experience is a well-balanced mix of scenic cruising and laid-back island exploration.

What we love about this tour? First, the spectacular ferry cruise with views of Istanbul’s skyline and the surrounding waters. Second, the electric car tour around Büyükada’s historic mansions offers a charming, eco-friendly way to see the sights without tiring out. And third, the delicious included lunch overlooking the sea — a perfect break to savor traditional Turkish dishes. On the flip side, it’s worth considering that free time on the islands can be limited, especially if you’re hoping for lengthy explorations or swimming. This tour is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a relaxing, scenic day out that balances guided sightseeing with leisure.

This experience suits those who love scenic boat rides, historical architecture, and local cuisine, but it might not be perfect for travelers wanting full, unstructured island time or extensive swimming opportunities. Still, for a taste of island life with the convenience of organized transport, it delivers quite a bit of value.

Good To Know

• Scenic boat cruise with stunning views of Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara
• Visit two islands: Heybeliada, the greenest, and Büyükada, with its grand mansions
• Electric car tour provides an easy way to explore Büyükada’s historic sites
• Delicious Turkish lunch included, often with sea views
• Free time allows for sightseeing, shopping, or a quick swim during summer months
• Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, removing common travel headaches

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Princes Islands Tour

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins early, with pickup from your hotel or a designated point between 08:00 and 09:15. Locations include popular spots like Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and Beyoglu, making it accessible whether you’re staying in the historic district or central Istanbul. The convenience of hotel pickup is a big plus, especially after a busy morning in the city. Expect the coach ride to the port to take approximately 45 minutes.

The Cruise Across the Sea of Marmara

Once at the port, you board a boat for the 1.5-hour cruise across the Sea of Marmara. This is arguably the highlight of the journey, giving you sweeping views of Istanbul’s skyline, the Bosphorus, and distant Mount Uludağ if the weather’s clear. The ferry ride is not only scenic but also relaxing, providing a chance to unwind as you watch the city shrink behind you.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the boat ride, with guests appreciating the helpful guides who explained the sights along the way. One traveler mentioned that the guides added a touch of humor and friendliness, making the experience even more enjoyable. Keep in mind, the cruise’s comfort and scenery make it worth the price for many.

First Stop: Heybeliada

Your first island stop is Heybeliada, the second-largest in the archipelago, known for its lush greenery. The tour includes a photo stop and a guided walk that lasts about 45 minutes. Here, you’ll have some free time to explore, take photos of the historic houses, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere away from Istanbul’s chaos.

Several reviews mention that the local guides did a good job explaining the history and significance of the island’s architecture and natural beauty. However, the free time on Heybeliada tends to be limited to around an hour, so if you’re hoping for a full exploration or swimming, you might find it somewhat brief.

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Transition to Büyükada

Next, the boat departs for Büyükada, the largest and most famous of the Princes Islands. When arriving at Büyükada, you’ll be introduced to the island’s majestic mansions and scenic streets. The guided tour includes a visit and photo stops, and a highlight is the electric car tour that takes you around the island’s most notable sights — a relaxed, eco-friendly way to see the historic houses and scenic vistas without the fatigue of walking.

Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable guides, like Suleiman and Mert, who shared interesting stories and made the tour engaging. One reviewer remarked, “Suleiman was an insightful guide and attentive to all of us,” which highlights the personalized feel of the tour.

Lunch with a View

After exploring Büyükada, a main feature of the tour is the sea-view lunch. Turkish dishes are served, often with a drink included, providing a hearty break and a chance to enjoy the peaceful setting. The reviews rave about the delicious food and the beautiful atmosphere. Several guests appreciated that the lunch was more than just a quick meal, turning the break into a relaxing experience.

Free Time on Büyükada

Post-lunch, you’re free to explore further, shop, or even swim — though swimming is only available during the summer months and is not guaranteed. Many reviewers enjoyed walking along the waterfront or renting bikes to get a different view of the island. One mentioned, “The lack of pushy vendors and crowded streets made it a very chilled experience,” emphasizing the serene vibe.

Return Journey and Shopping Stop

As the tour concludes, you’ll cruise back to Istanbul for another 1.5-hour boat ride. Upon return, there’s a short stop for shopping, giving you a chance to pick up local souvenirs or treats before being dropped off at your hotel or chosen location.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Timing: The tour lasts around 8 hours, so start early to make the most of your day.
• Weather Considerations: It requires good weather; if it’s rainy or windy, the experience could be less enjoyable.
• Swim Gear: If you plan to swim, bring your swimsuit and towel — but note swimming is only during summer.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, especially for the walking parts and exploring on your own.
• Booking: Reserve in advance, especially during peak seasons, and keep your plans flexible with the “pay later” option.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy a balanced mix of scenic views, guided history, and relaxed exploration. It’s ideal if you want a hassle-free day with organized transport, a delicious lunch, and a chance to see two beautiful islands without spending hours planning. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will appreciate the easy pace and informative guides.

However, if you’re seeking full-length island adventures or swimming, you might find the free time limited. Also, those sensitive to weather changes should consider the forecast before booking, as the cruise depends heavily on good weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from specified areas in Istanbul are included, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the boat cruise?
The ferry rides are approximately 1.5 hours each way, offering scenic views and a relaxing journey.

What’s included in the lunch?
A Turkish meal, often with a drink, is served during the break on Büyükada, with many guests calling it delicious.

Can I swim on the islands?
Swimming is possible only during summer months, and it depends on the weather and available time.

What is the duration of free time on each island?
Typically, about 45 minutes on Heybeliada and around 2 to 3 hours on Büyükada, including the guided tour and personal exploration.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, many reviews mention guides like Suleiman and Mert as being friendly, helpful, and full of interesting stories.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since the electric car tour and scenic boat rides are gentle and engaging for kids.

How flexible is the tour?
You’ll need to adhere to the schedule for pickups and meeting points, but the tour provides some free time for personal activities.

Final Thoughts

This Princes Islands tour from Istanbul offers a delightful escape into the archipelago’s quiet beauty. For a reasonable price, you get scenic boat rides, a guided tour of some of Turkey’s most picturesque islands, and a satisfying Turkish lunch. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the convenience of hotel pickup, make it especially appealing for visitors wanting a smooth, well-organized day.

While the limited free time on the islands might be a downside for those wanting to explore at their own pace, many find the structured schedule perfectly balances sightseeing with relaxation. The views, history, and local flavors make this a memorable day out that suits travelers seeking a peaceful break from Istanbul’s busy streets.

Overall, it’s an excellent choice if you value scenic cruising, easy exploration, and authentic local cuisine — a truly relaxing way to discover Istanbul’s nearby treasures.

Note: Always check the weather forecast before booking, as the cruise and swimming are weather-dependent.

You can check if your dates are available here: