From Istanbul: Princes Island Tour with 2 Islands

A Day on the Princes’ Islands: An Authentic Escape from Istanbul

If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat from Istanbul’s bustling streets, a trip to the Princes’ Islands offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxed charm. This 8-hour tour takes you from the city to Buyukada, the largest of the islands, with a stop at a smaller neighboring island. Expect a leisurely day filled with scenic ferry rides, a guided mansion tour, and plenty of free time to soak in the views or lounge on the beach. The price is reasonable for a full day of exploring, especially when you consider the included boat trip, optional hotel pickup, and a seasonal lunch.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it combines guided insights with free time—giving you the chance to truly absorb the atmosphere at your own pace. Plus, seeing the Ottoman-era wooden mansions and feeding seagulls during the boat ride are delightful touches that make this trip stand out. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the limited time on the smaller island — if you’re a history buff or want to explore in depth, you might find the hour of free time a bit brief. This tour appeals most to travelers craving a laid-back, authentic experience with a bit of historical flavor and scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Stunning views of the Sea of Marmara and charming wooden houses.
• Relaxed pace: Mix of guided narration and free time for personal exploration.
• Authentic sights: Majestic mansions, pedestrian streets, and peaceful beaches.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup (if selected) and skip-the-line boat trip enhance ease.
• Cultural insights: Learn about the island’s history as an exile location and monastic site.
• Good value: Includes transportation, guide, and seasonal lunch, making for an economical full-day escape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Princes’ Islands: What to Expect and Why It Matters

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a comfortable coach pickup (if you opt for hotel transfer), setting the tone for a hassle-free day. From there, the journey to the ferry terminal is smooth, giving you a chance to relax and prepare for the highlight of the day—a ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara. As you glide past Istanbul’s skyline and into the open water, your guide—if you’re lucky, a knowledgeable local—will fill you in on the island’s history, from its role as a place of exile for Ottoman royalty and statesmen to its time as a Byzantine Christian monastic hub.

Once you arrive at Buyukada, the largest of the islands, you’re in for some real charm. The town’s pedestrianized streets are lined with colorful houses and cafes, all preserving the peaceful atmosphere of a bygone era. Here, you’ll have the option to explore on foot or hop aboard an electric car tour—a great way to see the magnificent Ottoman mansions without tiring out your legs.

The Highlights of Buyukada

Majestic Mansions: These historic wooden homes are a major attraction, showcasing the elegance of late Ottoman architecture. The guide will probably point out some notable properties, giving you a peek into the island’s aristocratic past.

Feeding the Seagulls: A simple but memorable activity—feeding bread to the soaring birds as they flock around the boat. Reviewers like Lydia loved this, describing it as “so relaxing” to watch the birds and enjoy the sea breeze.

Leisurely Lunch: Depending on the season, you’ll enjoy a seasonal meal onboard or at a cozy island restaurant. The food is generally described as good and satisfying—perfect for refueling after a morning of sightseeing.

Free Time: After lunch, the majority of your day is yours. Some choose to relax on a beach, while others prefer to wander the streets, browse souvenir shops, or rent a bike and explore further.

Visit to the Smaller Island: The second stop is a smaller island with about an hour of free time. It offers a quieter atmosphere and adds variety to the day, though some reviews suggest more time might have been appreciated here.

The Practical Details

The tour lasts roughly 8 hours—a full but manageable day. The inclusion of hotel pickup (where available), skip-the-line boat tickets, and a professional guide offers good value. Notably, lunch is included, making it simple to enjoy the day without worrying about extra costs. Entrance fees to beaches are not included during summer, so if you plan to swim, check with the guide for details.

Travelers can choose to join the group at the meeting point or opt for hotel pickup if staying within designated areas. The boat ride features live narration in English and Russian, enriching the experience with stories about the islands’ past.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Authentic Experience

What truly sets this tour apart is its emphasis on authenticity. The wooden mansions, the seaside promenade, and the local shops help you touch a slice of Istanbul’s history and culture. Many travelers comment on how peaceful and scenic it feels—much more so than the busy streets of Istanbul.

Authentic Experiences from Real Travelers

Lydia describes her experience as “wonderful,” particularly enjoying walking through the quiet streets and riding bikes with a breeze. Giulia found it to be “one of the best activities on a sunny day,” and Taylor called it “brilliant,” emphasizing the islands’ beauty. Feed the seagulls, explore at your own pace, and appreciate the calm away from Istanbul’s hustle.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic boat rides, charming architecture, and casual exploration. The inclusion of free time makes it suitable for travelers who want to wander at their own pace or relax on the beach. It’s less suited for those seeking intensive sightseeing, as the schedule is quite relaxed and limited on the smaller island.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those wanting a genuine taste of Istanbul’s surrounding natural beauty and a break from city noise, this tour offers great value. The boat ride alone is a highlight, offering spectacular views of the city and the sea. The chance to wander among Ottoman mansions and feed seagulls adds special touches that make the experience memorable.

The seasonal lunch is a nice bonus, providing a taste of local flavors. While the timing on the second, smaller island is brief, it still adds variety and tranquility. The guided narration helps make sense of the island’s layered history, making it more than just a pretty escape.

If you’re after an easy, scenic, and culturally enriching day outside Istanbul’s chaos, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate authentic, relaxed experiences and enjoy soaking in views and history without feeling rushed.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and free time on the islands.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, if you’re staying within designated areas, pickups are included at no extra cost.

Do I need to bring my own food?
No, a seasonal lunch is included, served either on the boat or at a local restaurant.

Can I explore the islands on my own?
Absolutely. You’ll have free time after your guided tour, allowing you to wander, relax, or browse shops at your own pace.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While the tour runs year-round, many reviews suggest visiting in summer to enjoy the beaches or in spring and fall for pleasant weather.

Are there any additional costs?
Beach entrance fees during summer are not included if you plan to swim. Renting a bike from the tour on Büyükada costs around 250 TL.

Is the ferry ride comfortable?
Most travelers find the boat ride smooth and enjoyable, especially with the live narration and scenic views.

How much free time do I get on the smaller island?
About an hour, which some reviewers think is a bit limited, but enough for a quick stroll or to relax.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking; bring sun protection in summer and layers in cooler months.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

In summary, this Princes’ Islands tour from Istanbul offers a well-rounded, authentic day of relaxing scenery, historic architecture, and gentle exploration. It’s a perfect option for travelers looking to escape the city’s hustle and experience a quieter, more picturesque side of Turkey. Whether you’re feeding seagulls, wandering among historic mansions, or simply soaking in the views, this trip promises a memorable outing that balances guided insights with personal freedom.

You can check availability for your dates here: