From Istanbul: Büyükada Walking Full-Day Tour

Nestled across the Bosphorus Strait, the Princes’ Island of Büyükada offers a serene respite from the bustling streets of Istanbul. This full-day walking tour provides an opportunity to explore the island’s car-free roads, marvel at its stunning Ottoman mansions, and uncover its rich history with the guidance of a knowledgeable local. Priced at $189.68 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a traditional Turkish lunch, and a round-trip ferry ride, making it an enticing option for those seeking a unique and immersive experience away from the city’s hustle and bustle. But the true allure lies in the enchanting sights and sounds that await those who embark on this adventure.

Key Points

• Explore the serene Princes’ Island of Büyükada on a full-day walking tour from Istanbul, including a scenic ferry cruise across the Bosphorus Strait.
• Discover the island’s historic Ottoman mansions, ancient ruins, and tranquil streets lined with horse-drawn carriages during an 8-hour excursion.
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch and gain insights from an English-speaking guide as you learn about Büyükada’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• The tour is priced at $189.68 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but excludes beverages and personal expenses.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage are prohibited on the island.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day excursion from Istanbul to the serene Princes’ Island of Büyükada, where visitors can explore the island’s Ottoman mansions, ancient ruins, historic churches, and convents.

Priced from $189.68 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a live English-speaking guide. Guests will enjoy a ferry cruise across the Bosphorus Strait and a traditional Turkish lunch.

The peaceful, tree-lined streets and horse-drawn carriages provide a unique escape from the bustling city. With a 4.5/5 rating based on 6 reviews, the tour is sure to offer an immersive and memorable experience for visitors to Istanbul.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests embark on a ferry cruise across the Bosphorus Strait to the serene Princes’ Island of Büyükada, where they’ll explore the island’s captivating Ottoman mansions, ancient ruins, historic churches, and convents.

After the scenic boat ride, they’ll savor a traditional Turkish lunch before venturing out to experience the island’s quiet, tree-lined streets and horse-drawn carriages, providing a unique escape from the bustling city.

They’ll wander through the charming neighborhoods, marveling at the well-preserved architecture and the tranquil atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

This tour offers a chance to step back in time and take in the island’s rich history and serene ambiance.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This walking tour in Büyüakda includes an English-speaking guide, boat ticket, and a traditional Turkish lunch. However, it excludes beverages and personal expenses. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.

The inclusions of the tour ensure a seamless and informative experience for visitors. The English-speaking guide provides in-depth knowledge about the island’s history and highlights.

The boat ticket allows for a scenic cruise across the Bosphorus Strait, while the traditional Turkish lunch offers a taste of local cuisine.

However, the exclusion of beverages and personal expenses means visitors will need to budget accordingly. It’s important to note the tour’s limitations regarding accessibility and luggage, so guests can plan their trip accordingly.

Cancellation Policy

According to the tour’s cancellation policy, visitors can obtain a full refund by canceling up to 24 hours in advance.

Plus, a ‘reserve now & pay later‘ option is available for those who wish to secure their spot without an immediate payment. This provides flexibility for travelers who may need to adjust their plans closer to the tour date.

The liberal cancellation policy reflects the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction and understanding that plans can change.

Whether you need to cancel or just want to hold your spot without paying right away, the Büyükada Walking Full-Day Tour has a policy that accommodates the needs of modern travelers.

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Customer Feedback

Reviewers have highlighted the tour’s ability to provide an escape from the city’s bustle, with the guide’s in-depth knowledge of the island’s history and the romantic, car-free atmosphere setting the Büyükaada Walking Full-Day Tour apart.

Many praised the tour’s seamless execution, noting the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Visitors were particularly impressed by the charming Ottoman mansions, ancient ruins, and historic churches and convents they explored on the island.

The included traditional Turkish lunch also received high marks, complementing the overall immersive experience. With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from six reviews, the Büyükaada tour emerges as a highly satisfying way to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Princes’ Islands.

Getting to Büyükada

To reach Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, visitors embark on a scenic ferry cruise across the Bosphorus Strait from Istanbul. The ferry journey takes approximately one hour and offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Bosphorus. Once on the island, visitors can explore the quaint, car-free streets either on foot or by horse-drawn carriage.

Transportation	Duration	Cost
Ferry from Istanbul	1 hour	$$$
Horse-drawn carriage on Büyükada	30-60 minutes	$$
Walking	Variable	Free

The peaceful, car-free atmosphere of Büyükada allows visitors to fully enjoy the island’s historic charm and natural beauty.

Exploring the Island

Visitors can explore a wealth of historic and cultural sites across Büyüada’s serene, car-free streets. They’ll discover Ottoman mansions, ancient ruins, historic churches, and centuries-old convents that offer glimpses into the island’s storied past.

One highlight is the St. George Monastery, a well-preserved Greek Orthodox complex dating back to the 6th century. Nearby, the Hagia Yorgi Church features intricate Byzantine architecture. Elsewhere, the Prinkipo Greek Orphanage stands as a grand, abandoned reminder of the island’s multicultural heritage.

As visitors stroll along the tree-lined avenues, they’ll spot horse-drawn carriages, a quaint mode of transportation that adds to the island’s romantic ambiance.

Tour Logistics

The tour departs from central Istanbul, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for convenience.

Participants cross the Bosphorus Strait by ferry to reach the serene Princes’ Islands, where they’ll spend the day exploring the car-free streets and historic sights of Büyükaada.

The full-day excursion is priced at $189.68 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing in-depth knowledge about the island’s Ottoman mansions, ancient ruins, and religious sites.

A traditional Turkish lunch is included, while beverages and personal expenses are extra.

Travelers should note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour package explicitly states that "Luggage or large bags not allowed", which likely extends to pets as well. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the itinerary involves walking and navigating uneven terrain. Large bags or luggage are also not allowed. Individuals with mobility challenges may find this tour inaccessible.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, the price of $189.68 per person is inclusive of most expenses, providing good value for the full-day experience. Travelers should inquire about any potential discounts when booking.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

Customers can typically request customized itineraries to visit specific sites on the Büyükada tour. However, it’s best to discuss preferences with the tour operator, as certain modifications may incur additional fees or require minimum group sizes.

What Should I Bring With Me on the Tour?

When going on the tour, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a camera to capture the scenic views, and any necessary personal items. Bringing a small backpack or day bag is recommended, as large luggage is not allowed.

The Sum Up

The ‘From Istanbul: Büyükaada Walking Full-Day Tour’ offers a delightful and relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Guests can enjoy a serene ferry ride across the Bosphorus, explore the car-free streets, and enjoy the island’s rich history and stunning architecture.

With a knowledgeable guide, a traditional Turkish lunch, and convenient hotel pickup, this tour promises an unforgettable day on the tranquil Princes’ Island of Büyükaada.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby