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Experience the best of Princes' Islands

Browse through our curated collection of Istanbul to Princes' Islands. Learn more about the history and culture of Istanbul as you indulge in guided tours with meals and return transfers at discounted prices.
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Slide 1 of 7, Ferry docked at Princes Island with cityscape in the background, Istanbul.
Ferry docked at Princes Island with cityscape in the background, Istanbul.
Burgaz Island waterfront with boats and hillside houses, Princes Islands, Istanbul.
Heybeliada Island street with colorful houses and blooming flowers in Istanbul.
View from Saint George Monastery on Büyükada Island, Turkey, overlooking the sea and cityscape.
Man enjoying Turkish breakfast with various dishes and tea.
Statue and Turkish flags in a square on Buyukada, Princes Islands, Istanbul.
Aya Yorgi Monastery exterior with bell tower and Turkish flag, Buyukada.
8 hrs
3 more
  • Visit two of the Princes' Islands in one day with ferry travel arranged, while your guide shares stories about their history and culture.

  • An English-speaking guide leads the cruise, with a boat trip and island entry, a 2-course open buffet lunch, hotel transfers, and an AC bus.

  • Heybeliada offers lanes around the island center to explore, while Büyükada brings shoreline views and a harbor walk by the marina.

  • Relish a delicious luncheon spread of chicken Shish kebabs, cold appetizers, rice, and salad.

More details
  • Visit two of the Princes' Islands in one day with ferry travel arranged, while your guide shares stories about their history and culture.

  • An English-speaking guide leads the cruise, with a boat trip and island entry, a 2-course open buffet lunch, hotel transfers, and an AC bus.

  • Heybeliada offers lanes around the island center to explore, while Büyükada brings shoreline views and a harbor walk by the marina.

  • Relish a delicious luncheon spread of chicken Shish kebabs, cold appetizers, rice, and salad.

from Original price€32
€25.60

20% off

Slide 1 of 8, Ferry on the Bosphorus with Istanbul skyline in the background.
Ferry on the Bosphorus with Istanbul skyline in the background.
Horse-drawn carriages on a tree-lined street in Buyukada Island, Istanbul.
Coastline view of Princes Islands, Istanbul, with hillside houses and lush greenery.
Heybeliada Island street with colorful houses and blooming flowers in Istanbul.
Woman listening to audio guide on cruise deck with ocean view.
Ruins of Leon Trotsky's house with overgrown greenery on Buyukada Island, Istanbul.
Statue and Turkish flags in a square on Buyukada, Princes Islands, Istanbul.
Woman biking on Prince Island with Istanbul skyline in background.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
3 more
  • Enjoy flexible round-trip ferry transfers from Istanbul to the car-free island of Büyükada for a relaxing break from the city's pace.

  • Explore Büyükada on foot or by bike at your own pace and see old villas, quiet beaches, Trotsky’s house ruins, and St. George’s Church.

  • Visit a 19th-century pharmacy and other historic landmarks that reflect the island’s rich past and tranquil atmosphere.

  • Take advantage of multiple daily ferry sailings and plan your island trip with departure and return times that suit your schedule.

  • Choose ferry tickets, a guided tour with lunch and hotel pickup, or fast-track entry to the ferry with audio guide for self-paced sightseeing.

More details
  • Enjoy flexible round-trip ferry transfers from Istanbul to the car-free island of Büyükada for a relaxing break from the city's pace.

  • Explore Büyükada on foot or by bike at your own pace and see old villas, quiet beaches, Trotsky’s house ruins, and St. George’s Church.

  • Visit a 19th-century pharmacy and other historic landmarks that reflect the island’s rich past and tranquil atmosphere.

  • Take advantage of multiple daily ferry sailings and plan your island trip with departure and return times that suit your schedule.

  • Choose ferry tickets, a guided tour with lunch and hotel pickup, or fast-track entry to the ferry with audio guide for self-paced sightseeing.

from
€12
Slide 1 of 9, Buyukada Island view from cruise with Turkish flag, Istanbul.
Buyukada Island view from cruise with Turkish flag, Istanbul.
Horse carriage on a tree-lined street in Buyukada, Princes Islands, Istanbul.
Cyclists on a scenic road lined with pink flowers on Buyukada Island, Turkey.
Traditional wooden house with shutters and bougainvillea on Princes Island, Turkey.
Statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on Princes' Island, Turkey, with surrounding greenery.
Historic mansion on Büyükada, Princes Islands, Istanbul, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
Cyclists on a tree-lined street near a pink house on Heybeliada Island, Princes Islands.
View from Saint George Monastery on Büyükada Island, Turkey, overlooking the sea and cityscape.
Aya Yorgi Monastery exterior with bell tower and Turkish flag, Buyukada.
8 hrs
3 more
  • A scenic boat trip across the Sea of Marmara takes you to peaceful, car-free Heybeliada and Buyukada, away from Istanbul's city buzz.

  • This full-day guided tour from Istanbul includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip boat transfers, and an expert guide for a hassle-free Princes' Islands experience.

  • On Buyukada, admire Ottoman-era villas, discover hidden beaches, and hear stories of the island's past from your guide.

  • Admire the historic wooden architecture and peaceful forests on Heybeliada, the second-largest and greenest of the Princes' Islands.

  • Personalize your tour with an English or Russian-speaking guide, and upgrade to include a Turkish lunch.

More details
  • A scenic boat trip across the Sea of Marmara takes you to peaceful, car-free Heybeliada and Buyukada, away from Istanbul's city buzz.

  • This full-day guided tour from Istanbul includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip boat transfers, and an expert guide for a hassle-free Princes' Islands experience.

  • On Buyukada, admire Ottoman-era villas, discover hidden beaches, and hear stories of the island's past from your guide.

  • Admire the historic wooden architecture and peaceful forests on Heybeliada, the second-largest and greenest of the Princes' Islands.

  • Personalize your tour with an English or Russian-speaking guide, and upgrade to include a Turkish lunch.

from
€30
Slide 1 of 8, Ferry docked at Princes' Islands pier with Istanbul skyline in the background.
Ferry docked at Princes' Islands pier with Istanbul skyline in the background.
Guests feeding seagulls on a ferry during Princes' Islands Day Trip tour.
Tour guide with guests at ornate gate on Princes' Islands tour.
Street view of Buyukada with colorful buildings and greenery during Princes' Islands day trip.
Buffet lunch setup on Princes' Islands cruise with sea view in the background.
Panorama of Burgazada island with hillside houses and a mosque, Princes' Islands, Istanbul.
Cyclists on a scenic road lined with pink flowers on Buyukada Island, Turkey.
Aya Yorgi Church entrance with bell tower, Buyukada, Princes' Islands.
8 hrs 30 mins
2 more
  • Slip away from busy Istanbul for a carefree day on the Princes' Islands, with hotel pickup, drop-off, and a scenic round-trip ferry crossing handled.

  • An expert local guide leads your Buyukada visit, sharing stories of island life while you enjoy an included lunch and all essential ferry tickets.

  • Stroll Buyukada's peaceful streets lined with historic mansions, take in sea views, and soak up the laid-back charm of this car-free island retreat.

  • After the guided section, enjoy relaxed time on Buyukada to wander the waterfront, browse local shops, or linger over views before sailing back.

More details
  • Slip away from busy Istanbul for a carefree day on the Princes' Islands, with hotel pickup, drop-off, and a scenic round-trip ferry crossing handled.

  • An expert local guide leads your Buyukada visit, sharing stories of island life while you enjoy an included lunch and all essential ferry tickets.

  • Stroll Buyukada's peaceful streets lined with historic mansions, take in sea views, and soak up the laid-back charm of this car-free island retreat.

  • After the guided section, enjoy relaxed time on Buyukada to wander the waterfront, browse local shops, or linger over views before sailing back.

from
€26.10
Slide 1 of 7, Cruise ship docked at Princes' Islands with cityscape in the background.
Cruise ship docked at Princes' Islands with cityscape in the background.
Coastal view of historic mansions on the Princes' Islands, Turkey, with lush greenery and blue waters.
Kinaliada ferry station with a ferry approaching, surrounded by hillside homes in the Princes' Islands.
Guest dining on grilled fish with tea during Princes' Islands Sightseeing Cruise tour.
Scenic view of Princes' Islands from Buyukada, showcasing lush greenery and coastal landscape.
Person praying in a small chapel with icons in Kinaliada, Istanbul, Turkey.
Woman biking with city view at Princes' Islands, Istanbul.
Explore at your pace
3 more
  • Visit two Princes Islands in one cruise instead of piecing together island visits on your own.

  • Both island ferry tickets are included, along with a live guide who shares history and stories during the crossings and walks between sights.

  • Kinaliada has lanes where you can walk to churches and cafes; on Buyukada, you can explore wooden houses and the island square by the harbor.

  • Upgrade your ticket to include lunch onboard or on the island, or pick the package that also adds round trip hotel transfers in Istanbul.

More details
  • Visit two Princes Islands in one cruise instead of piecing together island visits on your own.

  • Both island ferry tickets are included, along with a live guide who shares history and stories during the crossings and walks between sights.

  • Kinaliada has lanes where you can walk to churches and cafes; on Buyukada, you can explore wooden houses and the island square by the harbor.

  • Upgrade your ticket to include lunch onboard or on the island, or pick the package that also adds round trip hotel transfers in Istanbul.

from
€18.06
Slide 1 of 12, Couple on e-bikes enjoying a scenic ride on Princes Island, Istanbul.
Couple on e-bikes enjoying a scenic ride on Princes Island, Istanbul.
Streetscape of Princess Island with traditional houses and blooming flowers.
Cyclists riding e-bikes on Princes Island, Istanbul, surrounded by trees.
Horses grazing in a forest on Princes Island, Istanbul.
Panorama of Burgazada island with hillside houses and a mosque, Princes' Islands, Istanbul.
Ferry docked at Princes' Islands pier with Istanbul skyline in the background.
Woman enjoying Turkish tea on a ferry boat.
Aya Yorgi Church with bell tower and Turkish flag, Princes Island, Istanbul.
Two people riding e-bikes along a coastal road on Princes Island, Istanbul.
Streets of Princess Island with Turkish flags and historic buildings.
Traditional multi-story white wooden house on Buyukada, Istanbul.
Ferry approaching Princess Island with boats in the bay and lush greenery.
5 hrs
  • Glide through car-free streets by e-bike with an expert local guide, covering more of Buyukada in less time while keeping your ride relaxed and eco-friendly.

  • Meet your English-speaking guide, get a quick e-bike intro, then set off without strain so you can focus on the views, stories, and island life around you.

  • Your tour includes e-bike use for the entire route, plus an English-speaking guide at every stop to lead the way and share context at key viewpoints.

  • Pause along the route to soak in panoramas, hear local anecdotes, and enjoy an included coffee or tea that lets you slow down and savor the island atmosphere.

More details
  • Glide through car-free streets by e-bike with an expert local guide, covering more of Buyukada in less time while keeping your ride relaxed and eco-friendly.

  • Meet your English-speaking guide, get a quick e-bike intro, then set off without strain so you can focus on the views, stories, and island life around you.

  • Your tour includes e-bike use for the entire route, plus an English-speaking guide at every stop to lead the way and share context at key viewpoints.

  • Pause along the route to soak in panoramas, hear local anecdotes, and enjoy an included coffee or tea that lets you slow down and savor the island atmosphere.

from
€77.24
Slide 1 of 12, Guests enjoying a scenic walk on Princess Island with a view of the sea and lush greenery.
Guests enjoying a scenic walk on Princess Island with a view of the sea and lush greenery.
Guests waving during a speedboat ride near a coastal town.
Couple floating in clear waters of La Maddalena Archipelago during motorboat tour.
Guests hiking up a forested trail on Princess Island.
Horse-drawn carriage on a street in Buyukada, Princes Islands, Istanbul, with historic buildings and lush greenery.
Streets of Princess Island with Turkish flags and historic buildings.
Guests smiling on a speedboat ride with scenic coastline in the background.
Boats docked at the harbour in Princes Islands, Istanbul, with waterfront buildings in the background.
Traditional multi-story white wooden house on Buyukada, Istanbul.
Boats anchored in the bay with lush greenery on Princess Island, Turkey.
Harbour view of Princes Islands, Istanbul with city skyline in the background.
Istanbul skyline viewed from Princess Island with sea and greenery in the foreground.
4 hrs 30 mins
  • Spend a day off the mainland with a guided island escape that blends boat travel, hiking, swimming, local rituals, and plenty of sea air.

  • Begin with a 1-hour ferry ride as your English-speaking guide sets expectations for the day and shares tips to make the most of your island time.

  • Follow your guide along coastal paths to a hidden local beach, then board a speedboat that takes you to a quiet private island cove.

  • Sip Turkish tea or coffee and enjoy a fortune reading session, adding a local cultural twist to your island adventure before you head back.

More details
  • Spend a day off the mainland with a guided island escape that blends boat travel, hiking, swimming, local rituals, and plenty of sea air.

  • Begin with a 1-hour ferry ride as your English-speaking guide sets expectations for the day and shares tips to make the most of your island time.

  • Follow your guide along coastal paths to a hidden local beach, then board a speedboat that takes you to a quiet private island cove.

  • Sip Turkish tea or coffee and enjoy a fortune reading session, adding a local cultural twist to your island adventure before you head back.

from
€57.09
Slide 1 of 10, Aerial view of a yacht cruising on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
Aerial view of a yacht cruising on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
Person swimming in the Bosphorus during an Istanbul group cruise.
Bosphorus view with boats near Istanbul's lush green island.
Group enjoying a swim in the Bosphorus at sunset during Istanbul cruise.
Swimmer enjoying the Bosphorus waters during an Istanbul group cruise.
Cruise boat on the Bosphorus with Istanbul's bridge in the background.
Cruise boats on the Bosphorus near Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge, Istanbul.
Boat deck on the Bosphorus, Istanbul, with clear blue water.
Bosphorus cruise deck with Istanbul skyline in the background.
Swimmer in the Bosphorus near a yacht, Istanbul cruise tour.
6 hrs
1 more
  • Choose a cruise built for swimmers, with long stops for open water sessions at island bays so you can stay in the sea longer than on typical tours.

  • The Princes' Islands sit off Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, with wooded slopes, jetties, and quiet bays that make your swim feel away from the city.

  • Spend much of the day in the water during group swims at different bays, then dry off on deck between stops to sunbathe and watch the shoreline.

  • Your ticket includes six hours on the yacht with a professional crew, plus a sandwich prepared on board and complimentary soft drinks and water.

More details
  • Choose a cruise built for swimmers, with long stops for open water sessions at island bays so you can stay in the sea longer than on typical tours.

  • The Princes' Islands sit off Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, with wooded slopes, jetties, and quiet bays that make your swim feel away from the city.

  • Spend much of the day in the water during group swims at different bays, then dry off on deck between stops to sunbathe and watch the shoreline.

  • Your ticket includes six hours on the yacht with a professional crew, plus a sandwich prepared on board and complimentary soft drinks and water.

from
€91.28
Slide 1 of 5
8 hrs
2 more
  • Glide across the Marmara Sea on a round-trip ferry, trading Istanbul traffic for open water and a day-long island escape at a relaxed pace.
  • Benefit from a professional guide and included lunch, with your island excursion planned for you so you can focus on exploring instead of logistics.
  • Arrive at Buyukada, the largest Princes Island, and wander past historic wooden mansions, leafy streets, and seafront promenades along the shore.
  • Add optional hotel pick-up and drop-off so your island day begins at your door and ends back at your room, with transport logistics handled for you.
More details
  • Glide across the Marmara Sea on a round-trip ferry, trading Istanbul traffic for open water and a day-long island escape at a relaxed pace.
  • Benefit from a professional guide and included lunch, with your island excursion planned for you so you can focus on exploring instead of logistics.
  • Arrive at Buyukada, the largest Princes Island, and wander past historic wooden mansions, leafy streets, and seafront promenades along the shore.
  • Add optional hotel pick-up and drop-off so your island day begins at your door and ends back at your room, with transport logistics handled for you.
from
€35

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Choose the product type first: DIY public ferries are usually the lowest-cost option but include only transport, while guided tours typically bundle round-trip boat travel, a live guide, and often lunch.

Do not book a 'skip-the-line' option expecting VIP boarding. Research shows there is no true skip-the-line system at municipal piers; these products mainly reduce ticket-counter hassle, not security or boarding waits.

If you are using municipal ferries, top up your Istanbulkart before travel day. Morning top-up and turnstile queues at major piers can be long on summer weekends and holidays.

Pick your departure pier by location and time budget. Bostancı–Büyükada takes about 25–40 minutes on fast ferries or about 35–45 minutes on regular services, while Kabataş–Büyükada is about 1 hr 15 min on regular ferries.

Book or aim for an early ferry, around 8–9 am, if you want cooler walking weather and fewer crowds. Early departures also make two-island plans like Heybeliada plus Büyükada more realistic.

Check inclusions carefully before booking. Some current Princes' Islands tours include lunch and hotel transfers, while other two-island variants are sold without lunch.

Ferry-only products do not include on-island transport, bicycle rental, electric shuttles, food, or paid beach entry unless the listing says so. Guided tours also usually exclude those island extras.

If you want explanations during the trip, choose a guided tour rather than a ferry-only ticket. The research confirms live guide commentary on group tours, but no audio guide inclusion is documented for public ferry options.

Independent travelers should note the last two return ferries to their intended pier as soon as they arrive. Return times vary by route, season, and day, and missing the last boat is a common stress point in traveler reports.

Travelers with children or limited mobility should favor tours or DIY plans centered on the harbor areas. The islands are flatter near the piers, while inland routes, hill climbs, uneven pavements, and ferry boarding gaps can be harder to manage.

About Princes Islands

A Princes' Islands day trip combines two experiences in one: the ferry crossing from Istanbul and time on mostly car-free islands once used as summer retreats. That mix gives it a different rhythm from city sightseeing. Büyükada adds mansion-lined streets and Aya Yorgi views, while Heybeliada offers a smaller harbor, sloping residential lanes, and a quieter pace.

Did you know?

The archipelago has nine islands, but only four—Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada—have regular ferry service and are commonly visited.

The name 'Princes' Islands' comes from their historical use as a place of exile for Byzantine and later Ottoman princes and other elites.

Aya Yorgi Monastery on Büyükada stands about 200–250 m above sea level, and the climb becomes especially busy with pilgrims on 23 April and 24 September.

Horse-drawn phaetons were banned and replaced by municipal electric vehicles, a change confirmed by BBC reporting in July 2020 and local municipality sources.

A ferry to Büyükada often stops at multiple islands in sequence, so one crossing can also pass Kınalıada, Burgazada, and Heybeliada depending on the route.

Why visit Princes Islands?

Mostly Car-Free Streets on the Main Islands

Private motor vehicles are generally banned on the main tourist islands, so visitors move mainly on foot, by bicycle, or by municipal electric shuttles. That changes the pace immediately after you leave the pier, especially on Büyükada and Heybeliada, where harbor promenades and side streets feel noticeably quieter than central Istanbul.

Aya Yorgi Views Above Büyükada

Aya Yorgi Monastery sits on a hill about 200–250 m above sea level on Büyükada. The steep path leads to wide views over the Sea of Marmara and neighboring islands, and it is also used by pilgrims on 23 April and 24 September.

Late-Ottoman Villas and Layered Heritage

Büyükada and Heybeliada are known for late-Ottoman and early Republican wooden mansions with balconies and gardens. The islands' multi-ethnic past also survives in churches, monasteries, synagogues, and mosques, giving a walking route more historical range than a simple seaside stroll.

Pine Forest Roads for Walks and Bikes

Higher parts of Büyükada open into pine woods and quieter roads used by walkers and cyclists. These inland stretches offer sea glimpses and more shade than the harbor area, though reviews regularly note that the roads can be hilly and more demanding in summer heat.

Sea Views on the Ferry Crossing

The trip starts with a ferry ride from piers such as Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy, or Bostancı, and many visitors remember the crossing as a highlight in itself. Depending on route and timing, you may watch Istanbul's skyline recede on the way out and return with sunset views toward the city.

Plan your visit

Kabataş Adalar Ferry Pier

On the Bosphorus waterfront south of Dolmabahçe Palace, next to the tram and funicular terminal, this is a convenient departure point for visitors staying around Taksim or Sultanahmet. Follow signs for Adalar or Büyükada, then pass through the ferry turnstiles or ticket area; municipal services use Istanbulkart or pier ticketing. Summer morning departures can be busy, with moderate to heavy queues and possible security checks. The approach is flat, and ferries use ramps, but the boarding gap can be awkward for wheelchair users without assistance.

Eminönü Adalar Ferry Pier

Located on the Golden Horn side near Galata Bridge, among several busy waterfront piers, this is a practical choice if you are already visiting the historic peninsula. It serves island-bound passengers heading to Adalar and can be crowded in the morning because Eminönü is a major transport hub. Expect turnstiles or ticket booths and possible security procedures at larger piers. Access is generally flat, but the environment is busy and boarding is ramp-based rather than fully barrier-free, so assistance may still be helpful for wheelchair users.

Kadıköy Adalar Ferry Pier

Set within Kadıköy’s main cluster of piers and clearly signed for Adalar, this is a good departure point for visitors staying on the Asian side or arriving via Marmaray. Municipal ferries stopping at Heybeliada and Büyükada are boarded through the pier access points after ticket validation. Crowds are a mix of local commuters and leisure travelers, with busier conditions on weekends. The terminal approach is generally flat, and boats use ramps, but boarding is not described as fully barrier-free.

Bostancı Ferry Piers

On the Sea of Marmara waterfront at Bostancı, several adjacent piers handle both municipal and IDO island services. This is one of the best options if you want the shortest crossing to Büyükada or are coming from Asian-side neighborhoods. Queues are often shorter than at central European-side piers, though services can be fewer. Municipal ferries use normal pier entry, while IDO or other fast ferries may require a specific ticket and fixed departure time, and some services may ask for ID matching. Boarding is ramp-based, and the pier area is usually less crowded than Kabataş or Eminönü.

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What our guests say

Jason M

Turkey
Solo
Aug 2026
I had a great way of escaping the current hot weather in the city. The yacht was comfortable an there was more than enough space for everybody. The sea was clean and cool. The crew were greatlt responsible and gentle with the guests. Highly recommended!

From Istanbul: Princes' Islands Swimming Yacht Cruise with Sandwich and Soft Drinks

David B

Turkey
Solo
Aug 2026
It was truly an amazing experience. Every moment from start to finish was fantastic and i would definitely recommend it to everyone. We had the chance to swim in beautiful waters and the teams attention hospitality and effort to make our tour more fun were absolutely outstanding. A big thank you to the entire team 🙏

From Istanbul: Princes' Islands Swimming Yacht Cruise with Sandwich and Soft Drinks

Luigino O

Solo
May 2026
Really enjoyed this trip. The hosts where really helpful and super friendly. Lunch was nice and just the right amount. Would definately recomend !

From Istanbul: Princes' Islands Guided Cruise with Lunch

Vincenzo C

Couple
May 2026
Perfect punctuality at the pick up, the journey was very relaxing and romantic, isles are enchanting. Every moment of the tour was very special, thank you!

From Istanbul: Princes' Islands Guided Cruise with Lunch

Muhannad A

Saudi Arabia
Solo
Apr 2026
Beautiful, but the stay on the islands is short and the ferry is slow. The lunch was also meager and its timing was inconvenient.

Istanbul to Princes’ Islands Round-Trip Ferry Tickets

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