Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul and looking for a break from the city’s hustle, a day on the Princes Islands might be just what you need. This popular tour offers a chance to see Turkey’s largest and most peaceful islands, Heybeliada and Büyükada, with a mix of scenic boat rides, guided walks, and free time to relax or explore at your own pace. We’ve looked into the details of this experience to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it combines transportation, sightseeing, and local flavor. The boat cruise across the Sea of Marmara delivers a memorable view of Istanbul fading into the distance, and the guided mansions tour on Büyükada adds a layer of cultural charm. Plus, the included lunch overlooking the water is a real highlight. One thing to consider is that the tour’s schedule is quite packed, which could feel rushed—especially on the bigger island, where some reviews mention limited free time.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially good for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, historical architecture, and tasty local food, all within a manageable day trip. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a straightforward way to see the islands, this tour could suit you well. Just keep in mind the weather dependence and the time constraints on each stop.

Key Points

• Comfortable boat cruise offers scenic views and a relaxing way to travel between islands.
• Guided visits to Heybeliada and Büyükada provide insight into the islands’ history and architecture.
• Lunch included offers Turkish dishes with a lovely water view, adding value to the experience.
• Flexible free time allows you to explore, swim (seasonally), or simply unwind.
• Efficient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off makes for an easy day out.
• Variety of reviews highlight helpful guides, delicious food, and well-organized trips, though some mention limited time on each island.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Departure

The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups from several central districts like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Beyoğlu, typically between 08:00 and 09:15. This is a real plus if you prefer not to navigate public transport or worry about getting to the port yourself. The bus ride to the ferry port takes around 45 minutes, giving you a comfortable start before the boat cruise.

The Ferry Cruise: Setting the Scene

Once at the port, you’ll board a ferry for about 1.5 hours of scenic sailing across the Sea of Marmara. This part of the trip offers wonderful views of Istanbul’s skyline, mosques, and bustling streets slowly giving way to calm waters and distant islands. Many reviews mention how enjoyable and peaceful this boat ride is, with helpful guides providing commentary along the way. It’s a lovely way to switch gears from city chaos to island tranquility.

Heybeliada: The Greenest Escape

Your first stop is Heybeliada, which might sometimes be a different island depending on the day but generally is the second largest. Known for its lush greenery, it’s a quieter, more natural setting. You’ll have a guided tour, with about 45 minutes of free time afterward, giving you a chance to snap photos, walk around, or enjoy the local vibe. Some reviews mention that the guides are both knowledgeable and friendly, making the visit more engaging.

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Büyükada: The Main Attraction

Next up is Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, famous for its grand mansions and car-free streets. After the guided tour, you’ll break for a lunch—a delicious Turkish meal that many reviewers describe as tasty and beautifully presented, often enjoyed with sea views. The tour offers a considerable 3 hours of free time here, which is enough for a walk, shopping, or even renting a bike (though bike rental isn’t included).

Some travelers mention that the free time on Büyükada can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to explore further or relax longer. Others appreciate the way the guided tour gives context to the island’s history without feeling overly restrictive. The option for swimming is available only during summer months, so check the weather if swimming is on your list.

Return Journey and Shopping

After spending the afternoon on Büyükada, you’ll sail back to Istanbul, with another 1.5-hour cruise. Once back in the city, a short shopping stop is included—great for picking up souvenirs or local crafts before being dropped off at your hotel or designated locations.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Scenic Boat Rides

Many reviews highlight the boat cruises as the highlight of the day. The views of Istanbul from the water are stunning, and the gentle sea breeze makes for a very pleasant experience. Plus, the guides tend to share interesting tidbits about the sights along the way, adding an educational touch to the relaxing trip.

Guided Mansions and Island Exploration

The guided tours of Heybeliada and Büyükada are appreciated for making the visit more meaningful. They turn a simple walk into a storytelling session about the islands’ history, architecture, and local culture. For example, travelers note that guides like Suleiman or Mert are attentive and full of helpful information, making the experience engaging.

The Delicious Lunch

The included Turkish meal often gets glowing reviews. Many travelers mention that the lunch is more than just a quick bite—it’s a well-presented, flavorful meal that overlooks the water, making it a genuine treat. Some reviews say it’s a great value, especially since the tour also covers transportation and guided sightseeing.

Value for Money

Considering the price—around $31 per person—this tour offers good value. It combines transportation, guided tours, meals, and a scenic cruise, all in a single package. Many reviews agree that for what you get, it’s a reasonable and enjoyable way to see the islands without the hassle of organizing everything yourself.

The Downsides and Considerations

While most reviews praise the tour, there are some points worth noting. Several travelers mention that time on each island can be limited, especially on Heybeliada, where about 45 minutes might not be enough to explore thoroughly. On Büyükada, three hours can feel tight if you want to walk more or relax longer.

The schedule is quite tight, with specific pickup and drop-off times, so you’ll need to be punctual. Also, the weather plays a significant role—bad weather can affect the boat ride and overall experience, so check the forecast before booking.

Some reviews also mention issues with transportation logistics, such as delays in bus pickups or driver behavior, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. The guides and staff generally get high marks for their helpfulness and friendliness.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to visit the Princes Islands, this tour is a solid choice. It’s ideal for those who want a good overview of the area without the stress of planning ferry schedules or navigating public transport. Travelers who appreciate scenic boat rides and guided insights will get a lot out of it.

It suits people who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, cultural learning, and good food—plus, it’s a nice option for first-timers to Istanbul wanting a relaxing day outside the city. While it’s generally not aimed at adventure seekers or those wanting a long, leisurely exploration, it strikes a nice balance for most casual travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from several central locations like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Beyoğlu, making it convenient for most travelers.

How long is the boat cruise?
Expect about 1.5 hours each way, offering scenic views and a relaxing journey between Istanbul and the islands.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, with the start times depending on your pickup.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Turkish lunch overlooking the water is included if you select that option, which many reviews say is tasty and well-presented.

Can I swim on the islands?
Swimming is possible during the summer months, but it’s not a guaranteed activity and depends on weather conditions.

How much free time is there on the islands?
You get around 45 minutes on Heybeliada and three hours on Büyükada, though some find the time on Büyükada a bit tight for exploring in depth.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Most reviews mention the tour as well-organized and safe, making it suitable for families, especially those with older children who can enjoy walking and sightseeing.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Russian, and Arabic.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for walking. Check the weather forecast for appropriate layers, especially for the boat ride.

What is the price?
It costs around $31 per person, which provides good value for the combination of transportation, food, and guided sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

This Princes Islands tour offers a thoughtful way to escape Istanbul’s busy streets and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea. The combination of scenic ferry rides, insightful guided tours, and a tasty lunch makes it a well-rounded experience. Despite some time constraints on each island, many travelers find the day well worth it, especially given the affordability and hassle-free organization.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and culturally engaging day trip that doesn’t require much planning on your part, this tour is a solid pick. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with unwinding, all while soaking up the genuine charm of the Princes Islands in Turkey.

Whether you’re a first-timer in Istanbul or a seasoned visitor craving a different perspective, this experience can be a memorable part of your trip—just keep your expectations aligned with the itinerary’s pace, and you’ll have a lovely day.

You can check availability for your dates here: