Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

If you’re in Istanbul and craving a change of scenery, a day trip to the Princes Islands might just be your perfect escape. For around $46.44 per person, you can enjoy a full-day adventure exploring the largest islands in the Sea of Marmara—Büyükada, Heybeliada, and others—on a comfortable, well-organized tour. Led by guides who speak English and Arabic, you’ll cruise on a ferry, discover charming villages, Ottoman mansions, and beaches, and top it off with a seasonal meal that keeps everyone satisfied.

What we particularly love about this tour is how seamlessly it combines historic sights with relaxing moments—whether it’s swimming in the clear waters or shopping for local souvenirs. Plus, the hotel pickup and air-conditioned coach make the logistics straightforward, especially helpful in a sprawling city like Istanbul.

A potential consideration is that it might not follow the exact itinerary for everyone, as a few reviews mention deviations from the promised route or timing issues. Still, for most travelers, this tour offers a great value for the experience and scenery it delivers.

This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and local culture with a relaxed pace. Whether you’re visiting Istanbul for a short stay or want a day to unwind, this trip offers an authentic glimpse of the islands’ charm without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

Key Points

• Comfortable logistics with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transportation.
• Ferry cruise provides scenic views and a leisurely way to reach the islands.
• Visit multiple islands including Büyükada and Heybeliada, each with its own character.
• Guided commentary in English and Arabic helps you understand the sights.
• Free time for swimming and shopping allows personal exploration.
• A tasty seasonal lunch and opportunities to see Ottoman mansions and beaches.

An In-Depth Look at the Princes Islands Tour

The Starting Point: Istanbul Hotel Pickup and Coach Ride

The day kicks off with a prompt hotel pickup, which is a big plus for travelers who dislike the hassle of figuring out transportation in a bustling city. From there, you’ll hop onto an air-conditioned coach heading toward Kabatas port. The drive sets the tone — comfortable, relaxed, allowing you to settle in before the boat ride.

A highlight along the way is passing under Galata Bridge, where your guide shares tales of its construction and significance. This gives you a quick taste of Istanbul’s vibrant life and historical layers.

The Ferry Cruise: A Scenic Voyage to Büyükada

Boarding the ferry is a highlight in itself. The cruise offers spectacular views of Istanbul’s skyline, including the Maiden’s Tower and Topkapi Palace. While some reviews mention that the tour doesn’t always go under the Galata Bridge or past the Maiden’s Tower as originally advertised, most travelers agree that the ferry ride is a beautiful and relaxing experience.

The ferry provides a refreshing sea breeze and an excellent vantage point to see the city from the water. It’s a leisurely 2-hour journey, giving ample time to enjoy the views and mingle with fellow travelers.

Büyükada: The Grand Island

Büyükada, the largest of the islands, is the main attraction. Here, you’ll have about 3 hours to explore. The island is famous for Ottoman mansions, horse-drawn carriages, and seaside cafes. You can choose to stroll along the quiet streets, admire the historic architecture, or sit by the sea enjoying the delicious local food.

Some visitors mention that the first island stop could be longer, as a review notes. Still, the time allotted seems enough to appreciate the charm of this place, especially if you’re quick on your feet.

Heybeliada: Exploring the Second Island

Next up is Heybeliada, known for its naval academy (from 1838) and the Halki Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary (from 1844). Although the seminary is closed during your visit, the grounds and surrounding pine trees give a sense of the island’s peaceful atmosphere.

You’ll have about an hour here, which is enough to see some of the key buildings and perhaps enjoy a local snack or simply soak in the views. Some reviews note that the guide provides interesting commentary, which helps make sense of the sights.

Büyükada: The Largest and Most Famous

The third part of the island chain is Büyükada, where you’ll spend around 3 hours. Highlights include Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery, dating back to the 6th century, and various Ottoman-era mosques and churches. Many visitors rent horse-drawn carriages to traverse the scenic routes, especially to the Dilburnu (Long Cape), a favored picnic spot.

Some guests comment that the island’s southern coast is quieter and more picturesque, with rocky beaches and yachts bobbing in the harbor. Others note that the more populated northern side is mainly residential, so if you’re after serenity, heading south is your best bet.

Returning to Istanbul

Near the end of the day, you’ll reconvene at Dentur Avrasya Kabataş skelesi, where your guide will help you board the ferry back to Istanbul. The return journey typically takes 2 hours, giving you a final chance to admire the Istanbul skyline.

Most reviews are positive about the smooth logistics and the value for money — especially considering the ferry rides, guided commentary, and included lunch.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

What makes this tour stand out?
– Guides who speak both English and Arabic, making it accessible for diverse groups.
– The ferry cruise, which offers not just transportation but a chance to see Istanbul from the water, with views of landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Kız Kulesi.
– The free time on the islands, which allows for spontaneous dips in the sea, shopping for local crafts, or simply wandering through charming streets.

However, some reviews mention that the itinerary may shift or the stops may be shorter than advertised. For example, one traveler notes that instead of the 3-hour stay on Büyükada, they only had 2 hours. Another mentions that the optional visits (like to the leather shops) could be expedited for a more efficient experience. Still, most travelers find the balance between guided sightseeing and personal exploration adequate.

The Lunch Experience

The included seasonal lunch is generally described as delicious and well presented. Some reviews praise the restaurant’s cleanliness and the quality of the food, which adds good value to the overall experience. It’s a nice break from the busy sightseeing, giving you time to relax and enjoy local flavors.

Challenges Noted by Travelers

While most find the tour well-organized, a few comments highlight timing issues or late pickups, which can affect the overall experience. For instance, some mention receiving messages about changes late at night or arriving early and waiting around. These are worth keeping in mind if you thrive on punctuality.

Price and Value

Considering the cost includes ferry rides, guided tours, hotel pickup, and a meal, most agree this is a good deal for a full-day trip. Of course, if you’re someone who prefers a more personalized experience or wants longer at each site, you might find this tour somewhat rushed. But for those wanting a rundown with minimal hassle, it’s a smart choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-time visitors to Istanbul who want to see the Princes Islands without stress. It’s also great for families and small groups looking for a relaxed day out that blends culture, nature, and local cuisine. If you’re happy with a guided group experience and appreciate value for money, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

People who value smooth logistics and scenic ferry rides will particularly appreciate this tour. Conversely, those seeking a luxury, personalized experience or longer visits to specific sites might prefer to plan their own trip or look for private options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and dropoff, making it convenient for travelers staying in central Istanbul.

How long is the ferry cruise?
The ferry ride from Istanbul to the islands is about 2 hours each way, providing plenty of scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Are guided tours provided during the island stops?
Yes, guides offer commentary in English and Arabic during the day, helping you understand the history and significance of each site.

Can I swim or shop on the islands?
Absolutely. The tour includes free time for swimming, especially at beaches like Ayazma, and shopping for local souvenirs or snacks.

What about the lunch?
A seasonal lunch is included, typically at a clean, well-rated restaurant, giving you a taste of local cuisine while taking a break from walking.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly visitors?
Yes, the comfortable transportation, short ferry rides, and manageable walking distances make it suitable, though some walking or horse-drawn carriage rides might be involved.

Final Thoughts

This Princes Islands tour delivers a well-rounded experience of Istanbul’s nearby islands, combining beautiful scenery, historic sites, and leisurely exploration. The guides, who speak multiple languages, help bring the islands’ stories to life, while the ferry rides offer stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline.

The value for money is clear, especially given the all-included ferry transportation and lunch, making it an attractive option for travelers who want to see the islands without the fuss of organizing every detail independently. The mix of guided sightseeing with free time caters well to those who enjoy a flexible yet structured day.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic escape just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, this tour provides a balanced, engaging way to discover the charm and history of the Princes Islands.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply looking to experience a different side of Istanbul, this tour offers genuine value and memorable moments. Just be prepared for some minor scheduling quirks, and you’ll have a delightful day exploring Turkey’s beloved islands.