Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Buyukada

This Princes Islands tour takes you out of the city and onto the calm Sea of Marmara with a full-day ferry cruise, guided stops, and time to wander on Heybeliada and Büyükada. You’ll start with hotel pickup options, then settle in for sea views while Istanbul slowly fades behind you.

Two things I really like: the guides are consistently praised for being clear and knowledgeable (names that come up include Oktay and Sulayman), and the value is hard to beat for the included transport plus lunch.

One drawback to plan for: free time can feel short on Büyükada depending on what you want to do, and the terrain includes hills, so wear shoes with grip.

Key takeaways before you book

• Guides you can actually learn from: travelers repeatedly mention guides like Oktay and Sulayman for good English and useful island context.
• Big views, easy day pacing: ferry rides bookend the day with long enough breaks to breathe.
• Lunch included on board: Turkish dishes served onboard with one water (for the lunch-included option).
• You choose your island pace: free time lets you walk, snack, shop small, or go for a swim in season.
• Hills and steps are real: expect steep climbs in places, especially if you aim for monastery areas.
• Budget for extras: drinks, swimming beach fees (in summer), and photo packages are not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Princes Islands Cruise Really Feels Like

If you’re doing Istanbul sightseeing and you want a break that still feels special, this tour hits a sweet spot. You get a proper day trip without the pressure of renting transport, buying ferry tickets separately, or trying to coordinate multiple islands on your own.

The vibe is simple: boat first, island walking second, and then you’re back in Istanbul with time left in your evening. In the reviews, the most common theme is that it’s a smooth, well-run day that doesn’t feel overly hectic—especially for the price point.

And yes, the sea views are a big part of it. You’ll cruise from Istanbul toward the islands, with coastline views that make the trip feel like more than just a transfer.

Price and what you get for $18

With pricing listed at $18 per person and an 8-hour schedule, you’re paying mainly for the logistics: hotel pickup/drop-off (if you choose it), air-conditioned transport, ferry tickets between islands, and an onboard lunch option.

That combo is where the value comes from. In Istanbul, the cost of moving around plus ferry tickets can add up fast, and lunch can be expensive if you’re buying it day-of. Here, the included lunch (Turkish dishes onboard with one water, for the lunch-included option) means you’re not scrambling during your free time.

That said, some “nice-to-have” costs still show up:

• Drinks beyond the included water
• Swimming-related fees if you pick a private area
• The optional electric vehicle/bicycle rental on the islands
• Photo sales from the onboard photographer
• The tour’s shopping stop

So I’d call it good value, not a fully all-inclusive package.

Pickup windows and where the day starts

The day begins with optional hotel pickup in several areas (including Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Kabataş, Eminönü, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Laleli, Beyazıt, and Vezneciler). Pickup generally happens between 08:00 and 09:15, depending on your chosen option.

If you’re not using pickup, the tour’s ship departs from across Kadir Has University. The meeting-point guidance is very specific: you can reach the port using the T5 tram from Sirkeci and get off at the Cibali stop, then walk to the water and look for a boat named MİLANA.

This matters because Princes Islands days can be easy to mess up if you show up late. Plan to arrive early enough to find the boat without stress.

The morning cruise: watching Istanbul disappear

After pickup (or meeting at the port), you head to the port area and then board for a sightseeing cruise of about 1.5 hours. There’s also a 45-minute coach segment in the flow, which helps gather the group and move you into the right departure rhythm.

On the water, Istanbul’s skyline and coastline give you a “from far away” perspective you don’t get on foot. You’ll pass by nearby island names in the route (Kınalıada and Burgaz Island are listed as pass-by points), and you’ll gradually settle into that slower ferry pace.

In winter months, this part often feels even more comfortable because the islands are calmer. A few travelers mention that going in places like December can mean quieter streets and fewer crowds.

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Heybeliada stop: green, calm, and short-but-sweet

Your first island stop is Heybeliada (noted as possibly different sometimes). It’s described as the greenest among the islands and the second-largest, which matches why this stop works well for a quick reset.

The tour timing here is tight but manageable: you’re listed for about 45 minutes including photo stop, guided tour elements, and then free time. That’s enough time to:

• Walk the port area
• Take in viewpoints
• Get a feel for island pace versus Istanbul bustle

Some reviews specifically point to places like a Greek monastery being worth looking for on Heybeliada, and mention a short walk from the boat. The key is that the time is limited, so you’ll want to pick one or two targets rather than trying to do everything.

Also note: if swimming is on your wish list, it’s only available in summer months. In off-season, your “cool down” will likely be walking and photo stops rather than water time.

The guide matters: what travelers keep praising

Across the feedback, one thing shows up again and again: the guides don’t just read a script. They explain what you’re seeing, keep the group moving smoothly, and help you spend your limited island time better.

Names that appear in the reviews include:

• Oktay (praised for perfect English and a fun, professional tone)
• Sulayman / Suleyman (praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive)
• Other staff names mentioned include Ali and Ahmed during the onboard tour guidance

You also get more than one “style” of help. Some guests report guided options during the island time, including suggestions for where to walk and what to aim for with your short window.

Lunch on board: Turkish dishes plus a real break

Lunch is one of the reasons this day trip works. You’ll have a break for lunch after the guide provides necessary explanations on the way to Büyükada.

It’s described as excellent and served onboard, with one water included for the lunch-included option. Reviews repeatedly call the lunch tasty and satisfying, which is important because island food can be hit-or-miss and pricey when you’re hungry and rushed.

What I’d do if I were planning your day: treat lunch as the “reset button.” Eat, hydrate, and then decide what kind of free time you want on Büyükada—walk-focused or viewpoint-focused—before you hop into the action.

Büyükada: mansions, mansions, and more walking time than you think

Büyükada is the big one—the largest of the Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara. That’s also why it’s the main draw for many people.

The tour sets aside about 3 hours for Büyükada, including:

• Photo stop
• Visit and guided tour elements
• Free time for exploring
• Sightseeing time
• Possible swimming (seasonal)

One of the highlights in the description is exploring Büyükada’s majestic mansions. In practice, this is often done by way of an electric car tour or local transportation options during your guided time. Even if you skip those extra rides, the island streets and older houses are part of the appeal.

Terrain note: some reviews mention steep hills, especially if you go toward monasteries. That means you should come ready to walk. If you’re someone who hates stairs, this island can still be enjoyable—but I’d keep your expectations flexible and choose a shorter route.

Also, Büyükada tends to feel more lively than Heybeliada, with more cafés and places to browse. One review even mentions seeing ruins related to Trotsky’s house—so if you like quirky history stops, you might find a few small surprises depending on your route.

Free time: what you can do with your 3 hours

This is where you can “make the day yours.” The tour gives you free time on each island, and on Büyükada it’s long enough to do more than just wander aimlessly.

Here’s what you’ll realistically have available (based on the tour info):

• Explore on foot
• Rent an electric vehicle or bicycle (your choice, not included)
• Swim if it’s summer (with note: beach entrance fee and entry fees for swimming spots are not included)

A few practical traveler tips from the feedback:

• If you want the best views, plan for the climb. Several guests warn that monastery areas involve walking uphill.
• If you’re going beyond the basics, do a quick look at what’s nearby before you commit. One traveler notes they wished they could have explored more because time flies.
• For swimming, check whether it’s a free public beach or a paid area. The tour doesn’t include beach entrance fees.

If you want a low-effort plan: walk the main streets, pick one viewpoint goal, then spend the rest of the time eating snacks and taking photos. Your legs will thank you.

Electric vehicles and bikes: fun, but it’s on you

The tour mentions rentals of electric cars or bicycles on the islands. The important part is the wording: renting and using them is entirely your choice, and the company doesn’t take responsibility for issues.

So keep it simple:

• Rent only if you’re comfortable operating the vehicle type.
• Check it quickly before you roll off.
• Don’t assume it works the way rentals at home do.

This is the kind of detail that can save a headache later.

Swimming reality check for your season

The tour info is clear: swimming is an option during summer months only. Even then, swimming isn’t automatically free.

You might see:

• Free public beaches
• Private paid beaches with entrance fees
• Potential entry fees for swimming spots (explicitly not included)

So if you’re traveling in spring, fall, or winter, don’t plan your day around swimming. Your “water time” will mostly be the ferry ride and sea views.

Getting back: the afternoon cruise and the fun factor

After your island time, you reconvene with the guide at the designated meeting point and return to Istanbul. The cruise back is again about 1.5 hours, which gives you time to relax, take photos, and enjoy that last stretch of sea air.

A fun detail from reviews: on the way back, there’s often onboard music and even dancing. Multiple guests describe it as a lively atmosphere that turns the boat ride home into part of the entertainment, not just transportation.

That matters because late-day travel can feel tired. Here, people report that the energy on board helps the day end on a high note.

The shopping stop: useful for souvenirs, not for bargains

At the end of the tour, you’ll have a shopping stop in the Sultanahmet District for about 30 minutes, then you’ll be dropped back at your hotel locations.

The tour data just calls it shopping. Reviews mention that some guests experience a leather and fur shop setup with a fashion-show style presentation. If you’re not into that kind of stop, treat it as a quick browse and set a firm mental limit on time and spending.

If you do enjoy shopping, come with a list of small souvenir goals. And remember that the most valuable “souvenir” is the island day itself.

What to bring so the day goes smoothly

Since you’re dealing with hills and island walking, I’d pack with comfort in mind:

• Walking shoes with grip (steep climbs are mentioned by guests)
• A light layer for the boat breeze
• A small bag for water and snacks (even though tea/coffee/snacks are available onboard)
• Sunscreen in summer, especially if you’re swimming
• Swimwear if traveling in summer months

If you’re the type who likes specific stops (like church visits), one review advises being ready with an Istanbul card topped up for the second island if you want to visit St George church. Even if you don’t aim for that, having a transit card loaded can reduce friction.

Season tip: quieter islands in colder months

Several reviews highlight that traveling outside peak summer can be a better way to enjoy the islands. One guest calls December a good choice to avoid big crowds, and another mentions the islands feeling serene.

If you want:

• calmer streets
• fewer people on board and on land
• an easier walking experience

…then consider off-season travel. You just won’t get swimming if it’s outside summer.

Who should book this Princes Islands tour

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a simple, guided day trip without planning ferry schedules
• Care about spending time on islands, not just looking at them from the boat
• Appreciate guides (Oktay and Sulayman are repeatedly named)
• Like the idea of an included meal and a fun return ride

It’s also a good choice for families and solo travelers, based on the overall tone of the feedback. The group setup sounds organized, and the time structure gives you free moments to choose your pace.

You might skip it if you:

• Want deep, long stops at one island (time is limited)
• Hate hills and steps and don’t want to walk at all
• Expect fully all-inclusive costs (swimming fees, drinks, and rentals are extra)

Should you book it? My practical call

Book it if you want the best bang for your time and money: ferry logistics handled, lunch included, and guides who actually guide. The consistent praise for service, comfort, and guide quality makes it a lower-risk choice than many “cheap tour” options.

Hold off if you’re the kind of traveler who needs hours and hours on one island, or if you’re only interested in swimming (because it’s summer-dependent and beach fees can apply).

If you do book: wear good shoes, arrive a bit early at the port, and plan your Büyükada free time around one or two priorities. You’ll feel like you got a full day, not just a rushed tour.

FAQ

How long is the Princes Islands tour to Heybeliada and Büyükada?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

It’s included if you select the pickup option. Pickup is available from several areas, and drop-off is done to multiple locations including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Beyoğlu, İstanbul, and Milana Gezi Teknesi.

Where is the meeting point if I don’t do hotel pickup?

The ship departs across Kadir Has University. You can reach the port via the T5 tram from Sirkeci, getting off at Cibali, then walk to the water and look for the boat named MİLANA.

What time does hotel pickup happen?

Pickup is scheduled between 08:00 and 09:15, depending on your selected option.

Are ferry tickets included?

Yes. Ferry tickets for islands transfers are included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included served on board with one water, if you select the option that includes lunch (not included for ages 0–2).

Can I swim on the islands?

Swimming may be possible during summer months. Beach entrance fees and entry fees to swim spots are not included.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not included. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available onboard at reasonable prices, and other drinks can be purchased.

What languages are the live guides?

The live tour guide is available in English, Arabic, and Russian.

Is there a shopping stop on the way back?

Yes. There is a short shopping stop in the Sultanahmet District for about 30 minutes before you return to your hotel.

You can check availability for your dates here: