Exploring the tranquil Princes Islands off Istanbul’s coast is a delightful way to escape the city’s bustling atmosphere. The Istanbul Princes Island Tour offers a chance to discover the serene charm of Heybeli and Büyükada, promising a memorable experience for visitors. With a private boat cruise, guided exploration, and a local seafood lunch, this tour presents an opportunity to take in the islands’ captivating history and natural beauty. As you wander through the car-free streets and admire the historical landmarks, the peaceful ambiance of the Princes Islands may just leave you yearning for more.

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Key Points

The tour offers an 8-hour excursion to the Princes’ Islands of Heybeli and Büyükada, including a private boat cruise across the Marmara Sea.
The tour includes guided service in English, lunch at a local seafood restaurant, and hotel pickup and drop-off with notable landmarks on the return.
Highlights of the tour include a peaceful exploration of the islands using bikes or electric cars, and a visit to the pine-wood scenery and historical sites of Büyükada.
The tour itinerary includes a 1-hour visit to Heybeli Island, with a scenic return to Istanbul passing Topkapı Palace and Leander’s Tower.
The tour is priced from $43.78 per person and includes transportation, insurance, guided service, lunch, boat tour, and entry fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Princes Island Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore two of the Princes’ Islands, Heybeli and Büyükada, during an 8-hour excursion.

Priced from $43.78 per person, the tour includes a private boat cruise across the Marmara Sea, a guided service in English, and lunch at a local seafood restaurant.

Guests can choose to explore the islands by bike or electric car, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and pine-wood scenery.

The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, passing notable Istanbul landmarks on the return journey.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

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Tour Highlights

The Istanbul Princes Island Tour offers several highlights for visitors.

The Istanbul Princes Island Tour offers several highlights for visitors.

The tour includes a private boat cruise across the Marmara Sea to the Princes’ Islands. Lunch at a local seafood restaurant is provided.

Travelers will enjoy a peaceful experience without traffic, using bikes or electric cars to explore the islands. The tour features a visit to Büyükada, known for its pine-wood scenery and historical significance as a pleasure island for Byzantine Princes.

Heybeli Island is also included for a 1-hour visit. The return to Istanbul passes notable sites like Topkapı Palace and Leander’s Tower.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with morning hotel pickups between 8:30-9:00 AM, allowing guests to embark on the journey to the Princes’ Islands.

Travelers will then cruise across the Marmara Sea to Büyükada, the largest of the islands. An optional electric car tour provides a peaceful way to explore the island’s pine-wood scenery and historical sites.

After lunch at a local seafood restaurant, the group will depart for Heybeli Island, spending an hour discovering its unique charms.

The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, passing by iconic landmarks like Topkapı Palace and Leander’s Tower.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Istanbul Princes Island Tour includes transportation, insurance, guided service, lunch, boat tour, and entry fees. However, the tour excludes personal expenses and drinks.

The tour provides pickup from hotels, ensuring a convenient start to the day.
Lunch at a local seafood restaurant is included, allowing travelers to savor authentic cuisine.
All necessary entry fees are covered, making the tour a hassle-free experience.

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Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Istanbul Princes Island Tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on a single review.

Customers highlighted the tour’s organization and quality of services, suggesting additional visits on the islands could enhance the experience.

The tour received positive feedback, with reviewers noting the peaceful travel and transportation experience.

While the overall rating was high, the single review indicates room for improvement, such as incorporating more island visits or activities to create a more comprehensive and engaging tour itinerary for visitors.

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Exploring Büyükada

As the largest of the Princes’ Islands, Büyükada offers visitors a peaceful escape from the bustling city of Istanbul. The island’s pine-wood scenery and historical significance as a former pleasure island for Byzantine Princes make it a popular destination.

Highlights of exploring Büyükada include:

Strolling the car-free streets and admiring the Victorian-era architecture
Renting an electric car or bicycle to explore the island’s scenic coastal roads
Visiting the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George, a revered religious site

The tour includes time for leisure and lunch at a local seafood restaurant, allowing visitors to soak in the tranquil ambiance of this unique island.

Visiting Heybeli Island

After exploring the picturesque Büyükada, the tour then takes visitors to the smaller Heybeli Island. Spend an hour discovering this tranquil oasis, known for its serene monasteries and pine-covered landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, taking in the island’s historical charm and scenic beauty.

| Heybeli Island Highlights |

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The unhurried pace allows travelers to enjoy the island’s relaxed atmosphere before returning to the bustling city of Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Times to Visit the Islands?

The best times to visit the islands are in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends for a more peaceful experience.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no strict dress code requirements for this tour. Comfortable, casual attire suitable for the weather and walking is recommended. The tour focuses on the sightseeing experience, so guests can dress in a relaxed manner.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, but other personal expenses and drinks are not covered. So you’ll need to purchase any additional items during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour. However, it’s recommended to bring appropriate items for young children, such as snacks and entertainment, to ensure they enjoy the experience.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Islands After the Tour?

According to the tour overview, guests can’t extend their stay on the islands after the tour. The tour is a set 8-hour experience with a defined itinerary and return time to Istanbul.

The Sum Up

The Istanbul Princes Island Tour offers a delightful 8-hour excursion to the serene Heybeli and Büyükada Islands. Priced from $43.78 per person, the tour includes a private boat cruise, guided exploration, and a seafood lunch. Visitors can explore the islands by bike or electric car, admiring historical landmarks on the scenic return to Istanbul. This tour provides a peaceful escape and an opportunity to take in the enchanting atmosphere of the Princes Islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: