From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch
About This Tour
Leave Istanbul’s busy streets behind for a full-day sea and island escape to the car-free Princes’ Islands. Travel by boat across the Sea of Marmara, enjoy an included lunch, and explore the islands independently at a relaxed pace.
The usual route visits Büyükada and either Heybeliada or Kınalıada. You will enjoy sea views during the cruise and free time on the islands to walk among historic wooden mansions, take photographs, relax by the waterfront, or join optional activities at your own expense.
What You Will Enjoy
- Scenic boat travel with views of Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara
- Free time to discover the peaceful, traffic-free atmosphere of Büyükada
- Lunch included for adult and child ticket holders
- English and Russian-speaking assistance on board
- Round-trip shared hotel transfer from eligible European-side areas
- Music and light entertainment during parts of the boat journey
Tour Style and Free Time
This experience is primarily a sea, nature and free-exploration tour. It is not a fully guided walking or in-depth cultural tour. The guide provides organisation and general information, while most island exploration is completed independently.
Approximately two hours of free time is normally provided on Büyükada. Island order, visit duration and the second island may change according to weather, sea traffic and operational conditions.
Lunch and Optional Expenses
Lunch is served on the boat during the summer season or at a restaurant when required by weather or operations. Adult and child tickets include lunch. Infant tickets do not include a separate meal or seat.
Drinks, bicycle rental and electric island vehicle tickets are not included. These are optional purchases. Prices are determined by the independent provider and may change.
Hotel Pickup
Complimentary shared transfer is available from eligible hotels in Taksim, Şişli, Nişantaşı, Sultanahmet, Aksaray, Beyazıt, Sirkeci, Beyoğlu, Karaköy and Eminönü. Enter your hotel name and full address during booking so the transfer zone can be verified.
Your exact pickup window is confirmed after booking by email or WhatsApp. Please remain ready in the hotel lobby throughout that window. Because this is a shared transfer collecting guests from several hotels, pickup and return times can vary with traffic and the day’s route.
Important Information
- The boat normally departs between 09:45 and 09:55. Please follow your confirmed pickup instructions.
- From 15 November to 15 March, the tour visits only Büyükada.
- A brief scheduled shopping stop may take place in Sultanahmet on the return route. Making a purchase is completely optional.
- The program, island order, timings and lunch location may change due to weather, sea conditions or operational requirements.
- Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water and a valid photo ID are recommended.
Gallery photo credits and licenses
Destination photographs via Wikimedia Commons: Metuboy (CC BY-SA 4.0); Abdullah Muashi (CC BY 2.0); Aziz Akbiyik (CC BY-SA 3.0); Darwinek (CC BY-SA 3.0); Elelicht (CC BY-SA 3.0); Turker Miletli (CC BY 2.0); Neslihan Turan (CC BY-SA 4.0/CC0); Alpaslan Türköz (CC BY 3.0); Marina Sydorenko (CC BY-SA 4.0); Bright estrellas (CC0). The remaining original gallery images are CC0/public-domain works. Images have been resized and compressed for web display. License details and original files are available in the linked Büyükada and Heybeliada collections.
Highlights
- Scenic Sea of Marmara cruise with Istanbul views
- Visit Büyükada and, depending on the schedule, Heybeliada or Kınalıada
- Approximately 2 hours of independent free time on Büyükada
- Lunch included for adult and child ticket holders
- Peaceful car-free island atmosphere
- English and Russian-speaking assistance on board
- Optional bicycle hire and electric island vehicles at extra cost
- Brief scheduled shopping stop; purchases are entirely optional
Tour Route
Cibali Departure Point Start
Meet your guide at the Tramway Stop. Coach departs to the ferry terminal.
Ferry Terminal
Board the ferry for the 1.5-hour crossing to the Princes' Islands.
Heybeliada
Arrive at Heybeliada. Enjoy an included lunch with drinks on this peaceful island.
Bu00fcyu00fckada
2 hours of free time. Walk, swim, rent a bicycle or take an optional electric vehicle tour.
Ferry Return
Return ferry crossing back to Istanbul (1.5 hours).
Sultanahmet
30-minute shopping stop near the Grand Bazaar area.
Drop-off Return to Start
Return to the starting point or selected drop-off locations.
Audio Guide Available
2 languages supported
What's Included
- Round-trip shared hotel pickup and drop-off from eligible European-side areas
- Air-conditioned transfer vehicle
- Princes Islands boat tour
- English and Russian-speaking guide assistance
- Island entrance fees
- Lunch for adult and child ticket holders
Not Included
- Drinks with lunch
- Separate meal or seat for infants aged 0–2
- Bicycle rental
- Electric island vehicle ticket
- Tips and personal expenses
Meeting Point
Tramway Durağı özlem Park, Cibali, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. No refund for cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows. In case of bad weather, we offer a full refund or free rescheduling.
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