Princes' Islands Full-Day Tour from Istanbul, Lunch Included

Princes' Islands day trip from Istanbul: what you need to know

This full-day tour takes you by ferry from Istanbul to the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara, from $90 per person. You stop at Kinaliada and Heybeliada before you land on Buyukada, the largest island, where lunch at a local restaurant and free time are waiting. Hotel pick-up and drop-off, the round-trip ferry tickets and a tour assistant speaking English, Spanish or Russian are included.

Are the Princes' Islands worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a slower day after the crowds of Sultanahmet. The islands have no private cars, so the soundtrack changes from traffic to seagulls and bicycle bells. You see Istanbul's skyline from the water on the way out, walk past historic wooden mansions and pine-covered hills on Buyukada, and sit by the sea for tea. It is a day about atmosphere rather than monuments.

Which Princes' Island is best to visit?

Buyukada is the usual choice for a first visit and it is where this tour spends most of its time. It is the largest and liveliest of the islands, with the grand mansions, the seafront restaurants and the most to explore on foot or by bike. Heybeliada and Kinaliada are smaller and quieter; on this tour you see them on short stops on the way to Buyukada.

How do you get around on Buyukada?

On foot, by bicycle or with the island's electric vehicles. The horse-drawn carriages that used to be famous here no longer run. Walking the streets around the pier and the seafront is easy; the hills further in are steep, which is why many visitors rent a bike. Bicycle rental and electric vehicle fares are not included in the tour price and are paid locally.

How does it compare with other relaxed days out of Istanbul?

When is the best time to visit the Princes' Islands?

May, June and September are ideal: warm enough to sit outside by the sea, with blooming gardens in spring. July and August are hot and the islands are at their busiest, especially at weekends, when many Istanbul residents head there too, so a weekday is a good idea. In autumn and winter the islands are peaceful and the light is soft, but some seaside cafes keep shorter hours and the ferry deck can be windy.

What should you bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, because Buyukada has cobbled and hilly streets. A hat, sunscreen and water in summer; a windproof jacket for the ferry in spring, autumn and winter. Bring cash for the bike rental, ice cream or tea, and a camera for the skyline as the ferry leaves the city. If you plan to cycle, trousers or shorts are more practical than a long skirt.

Can you swim on the Princes' Islands?

There are beach clubs on the islands in summer, but swimming is not part of this tour's programme and the free time on Buyukada is limited, so plan the day around walking, lunch and the seafront. If a swim is your priority, look at the Sile Black Sea beach day from $60.

How do you book?

Choose your date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with your hotel name. We confirm your seat and pick-up time in writing, and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our Istanbul tours and our Turkey tour packages.