Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

If you’re considering taking a day trip from Istanbul to the Princes Islands, this tour offers a convenient way to explore some of the most charming spots in the Sea of Marmara. It’s a popular choice, especially given its affordability and the promise of scenic ferry rides, beautiful islands, and a taste of Ottoman history—all packaged into roughly an 8-hour experience.

What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is how it combines transportation, guided insights, and leisure time into one package. The ferry cruise, in particular, is often highlighted for its relaxing vibe and lovely views, giving you a break from the busy Istanbul streets. Plus, the inclusion of a seasonal lunch and free time on the islands means you have the chance to enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or just soak up the scenery.

That said, there are some things to keep in mind. The itinerary can sometimes feel a little flexible or not perfectly aligned with expectations—some reviews mention shorter stops or missed sights like the Galata Bridge or Maiden’s Tower. There’s also the reality that group tours may not always run exactly on schedule, and the experience can vary depending on the guide and the day’s weather.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a cost-effective, well-organized day out with guaranteed transportation and a bit of everything—scenery, history, shopping, and leisure. If you’re looking for a no-fuss way to see the islands without renting a boat or planning every detail yourself, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At about $46.44, it provides good value for a full-day tour, including ferry rides, guided commentary, and lunch.
• Relaxing Ferry Experience: The boat cruise offers a scenic break and great views of Istanbul landmarks like the Galata Bridge and Maiden’s Tower.
• Diverse Island Stops: You visit Büyükada, Heybeliada, and Kınalıada, each with its unique charm, from Ottoman mansions to summer homes and monasteries.
• Guided Insights: English and Arabic-speaking guides help make the experience more informative, though some reviews note variability in the guide’s explanations.
• Leisure Time on Islands: You get decent periods to explore at your own pace, swim, shop, or relax, which adds to the trip’s appeal.
• Possible Schedule Variations: Some reviews mention stops being shorter than advertised or missing certain sights, so flexibility is key.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start and Pickup

Your day begins with hotel pickup if you’ve booked that option, making the start seamless. From there, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned coach to Kabatas port, a central and accessible point in Istanbul. The early start at 8:30 am means you’ll beat some of the crowds but also need to be prepared for an active day.

Ferry Ride & Under Galata Bridge

Once at the port, you’ll hop aboard a boat heading to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes Islands. The ferry cruise is typically around 2 hours long and is a highlight for many. As you glide under the Galata Bridge, your guide will share some local history, and you’ll enjoy views of the city skyline and the Bosphorus.

Some reviews note that the boat ride is genuinely relaxing and that the views of Istanbul from the water are fantastic. It’s a peaceful way to transition from the urban sprawl to the islands’ tranquility.

Stop 1: Büyükada (3 hours)

The largest island in the chain, Büyükada is known for its historic Ottoman mansions, horse-drawn carriages, and scenic routes. You might choose to explore on foot or via a short carriage ride, visiting sites like the Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery from the 6th century.

Many travelers enjoy wandering through the quiet streets, admiring the beautiful architecture. The island’s southern part, Dil peninsula, is favored for picnics and yachting, making it a popular weekend spot for locals as well as travelers. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch, with options to relax at seaside cafes or shop for handcrafted souvenirs.

However, some mention that the first island stop could be longer, as the 2-hour window might feel a bit tight if you want to see a lot. One review suggested that the first stop could be extended slightly for a more thorough exploration.

Stop 2: Heybeliada (1 hour)

Next, you visit Heybeliada, home to the Naval Academy (established 1838) and the Halki Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary. The seminary’s large, picturesque building up on a hill is a must-see, but it’s often closed to visitors.

Along With historical sites, there are beaches and water sports facilities, making it a pleasant spot for a quick look around. The island’s natural beauty, combined with its military and religious history, offers a different vibe from Büyükada.

According to some reviews, the brief stop here means you only get a taste of its charm, but it’s enough to appreciate its quiet beauty and maybe snap some photos of the Naval Academy.

Stop 3: Büyükada (extended stay of about 3 hours)

Back on Büyükada, the tour allows for a more relaxed exploration, giving you ample time to wander, relax at the beaches, or enjoy a leisurely meal. You might visit the Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery if you didn’t earlier or simply soak in the views from the promenade.

Some travelers have noted that the final part of the day on Büyükada feels like a good balance—enough time to enjoy the scenery and grab some food without feeling rushed. The island is famous for its historic churches and vibrant local life.

Return to Istanbul

The trip wraps up with the boat returning to Kabatas, where you’ll board your coach back to your hotel. The 2-hour ride offers a chance to reflect on the day and enjoy one last glimpse of Istanbul from the water.

Transportation & Group Size

The tour includes pickup and dropoff, which many find very convenient, especially if you’re staying in central Istanbul. The coach is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable even on warm days.

Group size is capped at 50 travelers, which is manageable but still means some busyness. Some reviews mention that delays in the morning can happen due to Istanbul traffic, so punctuality is helpful.

Food and Dining

A seasonal lunch is included, and it’s generally viewed as a good value. Travelers describe the restaurant as clean and the food as tasty, with some highlighting it as a highlight of the tour. Old reviews mention the meals being worth the time, and the opportunity to enjoy local specialties in a relaxed setting.

The islands themselves have plenty of cafes and shops, so if you prefer to skip the included lunch, you can explore or buy snacks at your leisure. Just be aware that the tour’s focus on a sit-down meal might not satisfy all food preferences, especially if you’re looking for a gourmet experience.

Reviews and Real Traveler Insights

The overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 suggests most travelers find this tour worthwhile. Many praise the guides for being helpful and informative, with some reviews quoting guides as very friendly and professional.

On the flip side, some travelers express disappointment over schedule changes or stops shorter than expected. For instance, one review states, “the first island stop could have been a little longer,” and another mentions a missed sight due to schedule constraints.

A small number of reviews highlight logistical issues, such as poor communication about pickup locations or delays, which can affect the overall experience. However, these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $46, this tour offers a lot—ferry rides, guided commentary in English and Arabic, multiple island stops, and a meal. While not luxurious, it’s a practical way to pack in a lot of sightseeing without the hassle of organizing transport or boat bookings independently.

Many find the price reasonable for what’s included, especially considering the convenience and the scenic ferry cruise. It’s a good deal for those who want a structured day out that hits the highlights of the Princes Islands.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you want a stress-free way to see the islands with a guide who can provide context and help navigate logistics. It suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, historical sites, and a mix of leisure and exploration.

It’s also suitable for those who appreciate good value and don’t mind group tours where flexibility on the schedule might vary. If you’re traveling with limited time and want an overview rather than an in-depth exploration of every detail, this tour works well.

Final Thoughts

The Princes Islands tour from Istanbul offers a pleasant mix of scenery, history, and relaxation, all bundled into one affordable package. The ferry cruise alone is worth it for the views and the chance to step outside the city’s hustle. The stops provide just enough time to appreciate the unique atmosphere of each island without feeling rushed.

While there are some logistical hiccups and the schedule might not always match expectations, most travelers find the experience worthwhile, especially when guided by knowledgeable, friendly staff. The included seasonal lunch and the leisurely pace make it a nice escape from Istanbul’s busy streets.

If you’re after a straightforward, reasonably priced day trip that showcases the beauty of the Princes Islands, this tour ticks many boxes. Just keep in mind that some reviews mention shorter stops or missed sights, so approach with flexible expectations.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, the tour offers hotel pickup and dropoff, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

How long is the ferry cruise?
The boat ride from Istanbul to Büyükada typically lasts around 2 hours, offering a relaxed, scenic experience with views of iconic landmarks like the Maiden’s Tower.

What are the main stops during the tour?
You’ll visit Büyükada, Heybeliada, and Kınalıada, each with unique sights such as Ottoman mansions, the Naval Academy, and beaches. The itinerary also includes viewing Istanbul landmarks from the water.

How much free time do I get?
The tour provides several hours on each island—around 3 hours on Büyükada and 1 hour on Heybeliada—enough for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing.

Is the food good?
Most reviews mention the seasonal lunch as tasty and well-prepared, making it a nice break during the day. The islands also have cafes if you want to explore further.

Are the guides helpful?
Guides are usually praised for being friendly and informative, adding value to the trip with their local knowledge and assistance.

What if the schedule changes or sights are missed?
Some travelers have experienced schedule adjustments or missed sights, but the overall sentiment remains positive. It’s wise to stay flexible and communicate with the guide if needed.

How many people typically join this tour?
The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which balances social experience with manageable logistics.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. No refunds are issued for cancellations within 24 hours of the start.

Whether you’re after a relaxing day on the water, a taste of Ottoman architecture, or just a break from Istanbul’s hustle, this Princes Islands tour offers a balanced experience. Just keep an eye on the schedule and be prepared for some variability—it’s part of the adventure.