Guided Tours

From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes’ Islands Tour to Heybeliada and Buyukada with Transfers

Horse carriage on a street in Buyukada, Princes Islands, Istanbul, with trees and historic buildings.

Horse-drawn carriage on Buyukada Island road, Turkey, with lush greenery and historic architecture.

Traditional old house with wooden shutters on Princes Island, Turkey.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk statue on Princes Island, Turkey.

Duration

8 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

4.0/5

(108)

Zeliha

Jun 2025

Verified booking

The boat ride was such a peaceful start to the day, with amazing views of Istanbul from the sea. We visited both Heybeliada and Buyukada each had its own charm. Our guide was informative and friendly, making everything smooth. The lunch at the island restaurant was delicious, and I appreciated the hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.

Tanya

Apr 2025

Verified Partner Review

Took this trip with my boyfriend and honestly, we both LOVED it! The ferry was busy but we grabbed seats on the top deck (bring a light jacket—windy up there!). Our guide, Murat, was super chill, pointed out random stuff I’d never notice. The islands themselves are peaceful, no cars buzzing around, and had the best pistachio baklava at some tiny bakery on the second stop. We rented bikes, but the gears were kinda wonky, so check before you pedal off! The lunch was decent, nothing fancy but filled us up. Would do it again for sure.

Ilona

May 2025

Verified Partner Review

We took our 6yo twins and they looooved the ferry ride! I was a bit nervous about crowds but it wasn’t too bad on a weekday. Maybe bring snacks, lunch was just ok for picky eaters. Rented a little cart on the second island, the kids thought it was hilarious. Staff helped us with stroller. Would recommend, but try to avoid weekends.

This full-day guided tour from Istanbul includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip boat transfers, and an expert tour guide, making it easy to explore the Princes’ Islands without worrying about logistics.

A scenic boat trip across the Sea of Marmara brings you to the peaceful, car-free islands of Heybeliada and Büyükada, a tranquil escape from Istanbul’s city buzz.

On Buyukada, wander past grand Ottoman-era villas with their characteristic balconies, discover hidden beaches, and relax in the island’s natural beauty as your guide tells you stories of its fascinating past.

Admire the historic wooden architecture and peaceful forests on Heybeliada, the second-largest and greenest of the Princes’ Islands, and soak up the laid-back island vibe.

Personalize your tour with an English or Russian-speaking guide, and upgrade for an included Turkish lunch for a hassle-free and immersive experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Round-trip boat transfers

Full-day guided tour of Buyukada and Heybeliada islands

Professional English or Russian-speaking tour guide (as per option selected)

Lunch (as per option selected)

Beverages

Bike rental on the islands

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

How do we collect reviews?
4.0
108 ratings
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Zeliha
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The boat ride was such a peaceful start to the day, with amazing views of Istanbul from the sea. We visited both Heybeliada and Buyukada each had its own charm. Our guide was informative and friendly, making everything smooth. The lunch at the island restaurant was delicious, and I appreciated the hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.
Fatima
May, 2025Verified Partner Review
5/5
This trip was soooooo worth it. The boat was crowded but vibes were good. Loved walking around without any cars. The guide was super helpful.
Viktor
May, 2025Verified Partner Review
4/5
Went with my girlfriend. The boat was busy but not too bad. The island views were amazing, and we enjoyed lunch by the sea.
Petra
May, 2025Verified Partner Review
4/5
Fun trip with kids. The boat was crowded, but the guide made sure we were comfortable. The islands are lovely and safe for families.
Rosa
May, 2025Verified Partner Review
4/5
Went with my husband. Boat was packed, but we got lucky with seats. Island had nice cafes but a bit pricey. Guide was helpful and friendly.

Sail from Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands and explore Heybeliada and Büyükada on this full-day guided tour.

Getting started

Your journey begins with a convenient hotel pickup. You’ll meet your guide at the pier for a short briefing, after which you’ll board the boat and set out across the Marmara Sea for the Princes’ Islands.

Heybeliada Island

The Princes’ Islands are an archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, known for their car-free streets, historic mansions, and tranquil atmosphere. In Ottoman times, the islands served as a place of exile before becoming a relaxing retreat for Istanbul’s aristocratic and wealthy families. On Heybeliada, you can soak in the peace amidst the island’s lush pine forests and historic buildings.

Buyukada Island

On Büyükada, the largest of the nine islands, explore the Ottoman-era mansions, rent an electric bike or a scooter to wind through the streets at your own pace, take a peaceful stroll on its pristine beaches, or go for an energizing swim. With historic villas, monasteries, museums, and landmarks like Leon Trotsky’s home in exile, there’s plenty to discover on this island retreat.

Throughout the tour, your expert guide will share stories about the islands’ history, architecture, and cultural significance. Based on the ticket option you choose, you can enjoy a sumptuous lunch of local Turkish delicacies. You’ll end your tour with a scenic boat trip back to Istanbul and a comfortable drop back to your hotel.

Additional information

Hotel pickup and drop-off is only available from hotels in central Istanbul locations.

Arrive at the hotel lobby or pick-up point 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Hotel transfers

This ticket includes hotel pickups and drop-offs.

In the next step of booking, please specify the name and address of your hotel.

This is applicable to all hotels in Aksaray, Laleli, Beyazıt, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Taksim and Beyoglu.

On the day of your tour, please report at your hotel lobby 10-15 min prior to your scheduled departure.

If your hotel does not have a lobby, please wait at the entrance of the hotel.