Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

Traveling from Istanbul to the Princes Islands offers a peaceful escape from the city’s bustling streets. This tour from WE GO TURKYE TRAVEL promises a full day of scenic boat rides, charming island strolls, and relaxing moments on two of Turkey’s most beloved islands—Heybeliada and Büyükada. With a comfortable mix of guided sightseeing, free time, and delicious Turkish lunch, it’s an option for those craving a taste of authentic island life without straying too far from Istanbul.

Two features we especially appreciate are the seamless hotel pickup and drop-off that simplifies logistics and the electric car tour that offers an eco-friendly way to explore the lush mansions and scenic landscapes. A potential consideration is that time on each island can be somewhat limited, especially if you’re eager to explore every corner. This tour suits travelers looking for a well-organized, relaxing day with plenty of scenic views, cultural bits, and good value for money.

Key Points

• Scenic boat cruise across the Sea of Marmara provides stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline.
• The guided electric car tour on Büyükada offers a comfortable way to see the island’s mansions and sights.
• Flexible free time allows for swimming, sightseeing, or just soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
• The lunch includes Turkish dishes with a sea view, often highlighted as a favorite part.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off streamline logistics, especially for travelers staying in central Istanbul.
• The tour garners a solid 4.3-star rating based on over 1,000 reviews, indicating a popular, enjoyable experience for many.

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A Balancing Look at the Princes Islands Tour

If you’re dreaming of escaping Istanbul’s chaos for a day, this tour provides a well-structured way to do it. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel—often between 08:00 and 09:15—you’re set for a day filled with gentle adventures. The journey starts with a 45-minute bus ride to the ferry port, where you’ll board a boat for the approximately 1.5-hour cruise. During this peaceful crossing, you’ll enjoy views of Istanbul’s mosques, minarets, and skyline slowly fading behind you, replaced by the tranquility of the Sea of Marmara.

The Scenic Ferry Ride

The boat cruise is often praised as one of the highlights, with many reviewers remarking on the beautiful scenery and helpful guide commentary. It’s a relaxing way to transition from the busy city to the calmer islands. Unlike land-bound tours, being on the water adds a layer of serenity, and many travelers appreciate the chance to take photos of Istanbul’s silhouette from a distance.

Heybeliada: The Greenest Island

Your first stop is Heybeliada, the second-largest island but often the greenest of the bunch. With a guided tour and free time, you can enjoy a gentle walk, take photos of the old-style mansions, and soak in the quiet atmosphere. Some reviews note that the guides are knowledgeable and helpful, sharing interesting tidbits about island life and architecture. The 45-minute stop may feel a bit brief, especially if you want to explore more deeply, but it’s enough to get a good sense of this peaceful retreat.

Büyükada: The Main Attraction

Next, you’ll head to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes Islands, famous for its majestic mansions and peaceful streets. After a guided explanation of the sights, the tour offers a break for lunch—often appreciated for its Turkish dishes served with a view of the sea. Several reviews highlight the quality of the meal, which adds excellent value for the price.

Post-lunch, you’re given about 3 hours of free time. This is your chance to explore further, rent a bike, or just relax on the waterfront. During summer months, swimming is an option if you’re inclined—though this is weather-dependent. Many travelers enjoy walking along the promenade, taking photos of the historic architecture, or sitting at a cafe to watch the world go by.

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Returning to Istanbul

The return cruise anchors the day, offering more scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere. Once back in Istanbul, the tour includes a shopping stop—often a leather or souvenir shop—before your transfer back to your hotel. For many, this is an added perk, giving a final chance to pick up a special memento.

Transportation and Timing: What You Gain

The entire experience is carefully designed for comfort and efficiency. The hotel pickup means you avoid the hassle of navigating public transport, especially useful if you’re unfamiliar with the city. The 8-hour itinerary balances sightseeing, free time, and meals, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed day.

Timing is flexible, with starting times checked in advance, but be prepared for a fairly full schedule. The boat cruises are approximately 1.5 hours each way, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the water and scenery. The guided tours on the islands tend to be concise, which means you get a taste, not an exhaustive exploration—perfect if you’re short on time or prefer a relaxed pace.

Group Size and Guides

The reviews highlight seeing a small group environment with attentive guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Multilingual guides are available in English, Russian, and Arabic, ensuring most travelers feel well cared for and informed.

Cost and Value

At $31 per person, the tour is quite affordable considering it includes transportation, boat tickets, lunch, and a guide. Many reviewers mention the good value for money, especially when compared to the cost of separately arranging transport, meals, and island exploration. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off further enhances its appeal, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local logistics.

What to Expect on the Islands

Heybeliada offers a lush, quiet escape with plenty of greenery and old villas, perfect for a gentle walk or a photo session. The guided tour helps uncover some of the island’s stories, but the limited free time might restrict in-depth exploration.

Büyükada, on the other hand, is more bustling but equally charming, with a variety of sights, shops, and cafes. The electric car tour is a highlight, allowing you to see the mansions without tiring out your legs. Many travelers find this a comfortable way to grasp the island’s layout and history.

Swimming and Free Time

During summer, the option to swim is often mentioned as a favorite activity, with some reviewers noting they enjoyed a quick dip on Büyükada. However, it’s weather-dependent and not guaranteed, so bring your swimwear if you’re hoping to cool off.

Food and Local Flavors

The included lunch is frequently praised, with many reviews mentioning the quality and presentation of Turkish dishes. Sitting by the sea with a fresh meal adds a memorable touch to the day, especially when complemented by the panoramic views.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

This tour is especially well-suited for those who want an authentic, relaxed experience rather than an overly structured or rushed sightseeing trip. The guides’ local knowledge adds depth, and many reviews mention the helpful, friendly staff.

Travelers who love stunning water views, historic architecture, and the chance to relax on quiet islands will find this tour very rewarding. For those interested in photos, the scenery is beautiful, and the islands’ architecture offers plenty of postcard-worthy moments.

However, if you’re looking for extensive exploration or more time on each island, you might find the itinerary a little tight. Also, weather plays a role—good weather is necessary for the full enjoyment of the boat rides and swimming.

The Sum Up

This Princes Islands tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances scenic boat cruises, guided island visits, free time, and good food—all at a very reasonable price. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a relaxing day out of Istanbul, with enough structure to feel organized but enough flexibility to enjoy at your own pace.

You’ll love the beautiful views, the knowledgeable guides, and the delicious Turkish lunch overlooking the sea. The ease of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it especially appealing for those who prefer convenience. While the shorter island stops might leave some wanting more time, the overall experience captures the essence of these peaceful islands well.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable day in nature and history—away from the hustle—this tour is a solid choice. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or families who value comfort, scenery, and cultural flavor without the hassle of planning every detail.

FAQ

How long is the boat cruise?
The boat rides to and from the islands are approximately 1.5 hours each way, providing plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat tickets, a guided tour, and a Turkish lunch (if selected). Extra drinks and bike rentals are not included.

Is swimming available?
Swimming is possible during summer months on Büyükada, but it depends on the weather. It’s not guaranteed, so bring your swimwear if you plan to swim.

How much free time do we get on each island?
You’ll have about 45 minutes on Heybeliada and roughly 3 hours on Büyükada, enough for a quick explore, photos, or a leisurely lunch.

Who leads the tour?
Guides speak in English, Russian, and Arabic, and are often praised for being knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and a hat or sunscreen for sun protection. If you plan to swim, bring your swimsuit and towel.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s considered safe and enjoyable for families, with a small group size and relaxed pace, but always check with the provider about specific age restrictions.

This Princes Islands tour offers a peaceful, scenic, and culturally rich escape from Istanbul’s hustle—a perfect way to add a touch of tranquility to your Turkish adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: