Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

81 Reviews | Istanbul, Turkey

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8 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

Enjoy a relaxing Experience the serenity of the biggest Princes' Island in Turkey, Büyükada, on this full-day guided tour from Istanbul. After traversing the Sea of Marmara by boat. On Büyükada, learn about the island’s history from your guide.

See all Princes's Island Kınalı Island, Heybeli Island, Burgaz Island,

Full-day trip from Istanbul to Princes Iland (Heybeliada and Büyükada) by boat

Marvel at top Istanbul sights like Topkapi Palace and Kiz Kulesi

Spend time at leisure on the largest of the Princes’ Islands and embrace laid-back island life

Hear the island’s history from your guide and learn of its role as a place of exile for banished Turkish aristocrats

Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned coach included

What's Included

Lunch with one water (if option selected)
Boat tickets
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Guide Service

Meals for ages 0–2
Drinks on the boat
Beach entrance fee for swimming in summer
Electric Vehicle or Bcycle
Personal expences

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

Pick up is included from hotels located in the Old City and Taksim areas. Please ask for availability for hotels located in other zones.Turkey Traveler pickup is offered FREE Pick-up & Drop-off service available from all hotels in central Istanbul. FINDIKZADE, AKSARAY, LALELİ, BEYAZIT, SULTANAHMET, SİRKECİ, TEPEBAŞI, ŞİŞHANE, TAKSİM, TALİMHANE. We will give you a pick-up time in the tour day. Please ask for pick-up possibility from other locations. There may be an extra charge for transportations from other locations.No pick-up or drop off service from the hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul

What To Expect

Dentur Avrasya Kabataş İskelesi

Meet your guide at your central Istanbul hotel and travel by air-conditioned coach to Kabatas port for your full-day Princes' Island tour. Hop aboard your boat and cruise to the biggest and most popular Princes Island, Büyükada.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Galata Koprusu (Pass By)

We'll go under Galata bridge, and the guide will tell you the history of the bridge.

TopkapI Palace (Pass By)

Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections

KIz Kulesi (Pass By)

One of the most iconic images of Istanbul surely has to be the Kız Kulesi Üsküdar, known in English as Maiden's Tower, Tower of Leandros, Leander's Tower

Kinaliada (Pass By)

Kinaliada has beautiful summer homes which people rent it for the season, and a large Armenian community prefers this island for their summer vacations. Its nice beaches attract many people from the city, Ayazma beach is one of them. Water Sports Club has an Olympic pool as well. Hristos Monastery is located up on a hill and was built by the Byzantine emperor Romanus IV (Diogenes) while he was exiled here and where he was buried. The monastery is open to the public only on Fridays. There are several restaurants and cafeterias along the pier, where there is a very modern mosque to the left. There aren't much alternatives to overnight on the island.

Burgazada (Pass By)

The Burgazada island is famous for the house of Sait Faik Abasiyanik, famous Turkish story writer from the beginning of 20th century, who lived here. His house is now converted into a museum, and in Kalpazan Kaya, a place he used to visit often, there is now a cafeteria offering great views of the sunset. There is a nice sailing and water sports club and many rocky beaches, but the island doesn't offer much places to overnight unfortunately.

Heybeliada

There are some interesting buildings on Heybeliada; one is the Naval Academy from 1838 and other one is the Halki Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary from 1844. The theological school is a large building up on a hill in the middle of pine trees, but it's closed today. Halki Palace is a well-known hotel built in 1862 for the parents of the Greek high School, it was destroyed by a fire and then restored as a hotel in 1995. A small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary stands in the courtyard of the Naval Academy. Degirmen is a nice picnic area on the side facing to Kasik island. There are also a public beach set in a nice cove and a water sports club on this side of Heybeli. One can enjoy many restaurants and cafeterias around the pier to try local dishes and fresh fish. The island is also busy during winter months because of many schools and the sanatorium, there are also many trekking and hiking trails over the hills and through the pine groves.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Buyukada

Buyukada is the largest and the most famous of this Islands chain. There are several small hotels where people stay for the weekend. Some of the historical buildings are Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery from 6th century, Ayios Dimitrios Church, Hristos Church and Monastery, and Hamidiye Mosque built by ottoman sultan Abdulhamit II. A long route or a short route can be chosen to visit the island when you rent a horse drawn carriage. Unlike the calm and forested southern part, the northern part of Buyukada is a heavy residential area being close to the pier, therefore most of the private yachts anchor on the southern tip. Dil promontory is a favorite spot for picnickers, and Yoruk Ali beach is open to the public for swimmers. There are many restaurants, cafeterias and shops situated around the pier. There is also a small museum on the island.

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Dentur Avrasya Kabataş İskelesi

Finally, rendezvous with your guide at predetermined time and board your return boat to Istanbul. Once back on land, head back to your hotel where your tour concludes.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023