Istanbul: Princes Islands Walking Full-Day Tour

If you’re visiting Istanbul and craving a break from the city’s hustle, a trip to the Princes’ Islands offers a peaceful contrast with scenic views, historic architecture, and relaxed island vibes. We’ve looked into the popular Princes Islands Walking Full-Day Tour and want to share what makes it a solid choice—and what to consider before booking.

One thing we really appreciate is how this tour combines a ferry cruise across the Bosphorus with a chance to explore Büyükada, the largest of the islands. The scenery along the way, especially passing beneath the Fatih Sultan Bridge and overlooking the Golden Horn, is genuinely picturesque. Plus, the guided walk through Ottoman mansions and ancient sites offers a taste of Istanbul’s layered past, all in a manageable day trip.

However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a tour for those seeking high-paced adventure or extensive hiking. The focus is on a leisurely exploration, which makes it perfect for travelers who enjoy cultural walks and scenic cruising. It also includes a traditional Turkish lunch, which adds a nice local touch but might require some dietary notice if you have special nutrition needs.

In terms of who would enjoy this experience most, it’s ideal for those wanting a relaxed yet culturally enriching day outside the city, especially if you appreciate good guides and scenic views. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike can find value here, as long as you’re prepared for a full day of walking and sightseeing.

Key Points

• Scenic Ferry Ride: Cross the Bosphorus with comfortable boat tickets included.
• Well-Guided Exploration: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides bring history and stories to life.
• Beautiful Views: Pass beneath Fatih Sultan Bridge and enjoy panoramic vistas of Golden Horn.
• Historic Sights: See Ottoman mansions, ancient ruins, and churches on Büyükada.
• Taste of Turkey: Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch, with options for dietary modifications if needed.
• Convenient Logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify the day, making it accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

When you sign up for this full-day adventure, you’re signing up for a blend of scenic cruising, cultural insight, and leisurely walking. The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul, removing the hassle of figuring out transportation—something many travelers find invaluable. From there, you’ll board a ferry that whisks you across the Bosphorus, offering views that are both impressive and relaxing.

The ferry ride alone is worth the trip. Passing beneath Fatih Sultan Bridge and gazing at the skyline from the water provides a fresh perspective on the city. The boat ticket is included, which helps make the price feel more reasonable considering the scenic value and the transportation logistics.

The Stop at Büyükada

Once on Büyükada, you’ll have around four hours guided by an English-speaking expert. Here, the focus is on discovering the island’s history and scenery at a gentle pace. Expect to see Ottoman mansions, some dating back centuries, which reveal a time when the island was a retreat for Istanbul’s elite.

Your guide will take you past ancient ruins and churches, sharing stories that bring the sights to life. Several reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides like Tunger make the experience more engaging—”he was very knowledgeable, not only on the topics relating to the Island visit, but all of Istanbul,” one reviewer said. That kind of commentary is what elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing.

The Lunch Break

No full-day tour would be complete without a meal, and here, a traditional Turkish lunch is included. It’s a chance to sample local flavors, with the option for dietary adjustments if you notify the organizer beforehand. Many travelers appreciate how this adds to the authenticity and convenience—no need to hunt down a restaurant on your own.

Walking and Exploring

Post-lunch, the walk continues through quiet, tree-lined streets, with opportunities to relax and soak in the island’s peaceful atmosphere. The pace is relaxed, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a more laid-back exploration rather than strenuous activity.

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Returning to Istanbul

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll board the ferry back to Istanbul, arriving at your hotel or the initial pickup point. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, with flexibility on starting times depending on availability.

The Experience Provider and Pricing

Operated by ISTANBUL WALKS, this tour costs $197 per person. Considering the ferry rides, guided walk, and lunch, many find the price reasonable, especially given the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off included. This all-in package ensures a stress-free day without unexpected expenses or logistical worries.

The reviews, albeit a small sample, are overwhelmingly positive—highlighting the knowledgeable guides, beautiful views, and the well-organized nature of the tour. One reviewer called it “an amazing experience,” emphasizing the guide’s expertise.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This experience is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy gentle walking, scenic water views, and cultural stories. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed day outside Istanbul’s busy streets without sacrificing comfort or depth of experience.

While it’s not designed for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues, the tour’s pace and nature make it accessible for most able-bodied travelers. Families with older children who enjoy history and scenery will likely find it engaging, as will couples seeking a romantic day trip.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Princes’ Islands Full-Day Tour offers a balanced mix of nature, history, and local flavor in a single day. The ferry ride alone is worth the price, giving you stunning views of Istanbul from the water. The guided walk ensures you won’t miss the key sights, and the included lunch adds a layer of authenticity that makes the experience feel complete.

If you’re someone who appreciates a relaxed pace, scenic vistas, and insightful guides, this tour could be a highlight of your Istanbul trip. It’s particularly appealing if you want to get out of the city for a day without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

For travelers who prefer a fast-paced schedule or extensive hikes, this might feel a little too laid-back. But for most, it delivers a satisfying taste of island life, history, and beautiful vistas—all wrapped up in a well-organized package.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, your hotel in Istanbul is included in the pickup and drop-off service, making the day easier to manage.

How long is the ferry ride?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the overall tour lasts about 8 hours, including transportation, walking, and lunch, so you can expect a comfortable ferry crossing as part of that.

Can I customize the lunch if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, if you notify the organizers beforehand, they can modify the lunch to suit your dietary needs, offering an international menu instead of the traditional Turkish meal.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and some sightseeing, so it’s better suited for older children and adults. It is not specifically mentioned as family-friendly, but families with children who enjoy walking and exploring might find it enjoyable.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
You’ll enjoy the ferry cruise with scenic views, explore Büyükada’s historic mansions and ruins, pass beneath Fatih Sultan Bridge, and indulge in a traditional Turkish lunch.

How many people typically join this tour?
While specific group sizes aren’t provided, reviews and the nature of the experience suggest it’s a comfortable group setting, not overly crowded.

Is there a possibility to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if plans change.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $197 per person, which covers transportation, ferry tickets, lunch, and guided sightseeing—making it a pretty good deal for a full day out.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and informative day that showcases Istanbul’s nearby islands, this tour strikes a good balance. You’ll come away with fresh perspectives, stunning views, and a taste of island life—all without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

You can check availability for your dates here: