Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

Exploring the Princes Islands from Istanbul offers a peaceful escape filled with scenic boat rides, charming island streets, and historic mansions. This 8-hour tour by WE GO TURKYE TRAVEL costs $31 per person and includes hotel pickup, ferry tickets, a guide, and a traditional Turkish lunch. The tour covers two of the most notable islands, Heybeliada and Büyükada, providing ample free time for sightseeing, relaxing, and even swimming during the summer.

This experience is well-suited for travelers seeking a blend of leisurely exploration and cultural insight, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sea views and local flavors. The journey begins with a pick-up from designated hotel locations, followed by a ferry cruise across the tranquil Sea of Marmara. The tour’s flexible schedule and guided visits ensure you get a taste of island life, without feeling rushed.

While the price is budget-friendly, it’s important to keep in mind that lunch is included only if you select that option, and extra drinks or bike rentals are not part of the package. Weather conditions also influence the experience, so clear skies enhance the scenic boat ride and swimming opportunities.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $31, this tour offers a full day of island exploration with transportation, guide, and lunch included.
• Two Main Islands: Visits to Heybeliada and Büyükada highlight the greenest and the largest of Turkey’s Princes Islands.
• Boat Cruise Experience: The journey involves a 1.5-hour ferry ride each way, offering scenic views of Istanbul’s skyline and landmarks.
• Guided Mansion Tours: Explore Büyükada’s historic mansions with an electric car tour, led by an informative guide.
• Free Time for Relaxation: Ample free time allows visitors to stroll, sightsee, shop, or swim during the summer months.
• Convenient Logistics: Hotel pickup from multiple central locations and a stop for shopping in Sultanahmet make the day organized and hassle-free.

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Journey Across the Sea of Marmara to the Princes Islands

The tour starts with hotel pickups from options including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, Beyoglu, or Fatih, between 08:00 and 09:15. From there, a 45-minute bus/coach ride takes travelers to the port, setting the scene for an enjoyable 1.5-hour cruise across the Sea of Marmara. Watching the Istanbul skyline fade into the distance, visitors gain a new appreciation for the city’s maritime proximity.

The ferry ride is a highlight of this experience, offering views of Istanbul’s iconic mosques, palaces, and bridges. The serene sea and fresh air make it a refreshing start, especially appreciated by travelers who enjoy scenic travel by water.

Exploring Heybeliada: The Greenest of the Islands

The first stop is Heybeliada, the second-largest of the Princes Islands but the greenest and most lush. The tour includes a photo stop, a guided walk, and a free time segment of about 45 minutes. This island features charming streets lined with old-style mansions that evoke a quiet, historic atmosphere.

The guides lead visitors through the island’s highlights, offering insights into its history and architecture. During free time, the opportunity to explore further, relax, or take photos makes this stop both informative and leisurely. However, the available time here is relatively short, so visitors looking to explore extensively might wish for more.

Visiting Büyükada and Its Magnificent Mansions

The second island, Büyükada, is the largest and most visited of the Princes Islands. After a guided explanation, visitors can take part in a guided electric car tour around the island, passing by majestic mansions that once belonged to notable figures. This guided mansion visit is a key highlight, showcasing the elegant architecture and beautiful seaside vistas.

Following the mansion tour, there is a break for lunch with a selection of delicious Turkish dishes presented with a lovely sea view. The lunch option is included in the tour price if selected, and often comes with a drink. Afterward, visitors enjoy about three hours of free time, during which they can explore the island further, shop for souvenirs, or even go swimming—only during the summer months.

The swimming opportunity is a special treat for those wanting to cool off, though it’s weather-dependent and not guaranteed year-round.

Cruising Back to Istanbul and Shopping Stop

After another 1.5-hour ferry cruise, the tour returns to Istanbul, with a brief stop in Sultanahmet for shopping. This allows visitors to pick up souvenirs or local products before the journey concludes. The bus/coach transfer back to the original pickup points takes approximately 45 minutes, ensuring a comfortable end to the day.

Drops-off are available at Fatih, Beyoglu, Sultanahmet, or Taksim Square, providing convenient access to central Istanbul hotels and accommodations.

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Practical Details and Tour Inclusions

Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry tickets, a professional guide, and lunch if opted for. Not included are meals for children under two, extra drinks on the boat, and bike rentals on the islands.

The tour operates in good weather, so clear skies enhance the boat ride and swimming options. It offers flexibility with booking, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, making it easy to plan without upfront commitment.

Highly Praised Guides and Scenic Views

The tour consistently receives positive feedback for its knowledgeable guides, often praised for their professionalism and friendliness. Guides such as Engin and Suleiman are noted for their helpfulness and engaging explanations.

Travelers also enjoy the scenic boat journey, which provides excellent views of Istanbul’s landmarks from the water, along with the relaxing pace of the day. The lunch overlooking the sea garners praise for its quality and setting, making the trip feel more special.

Limitations and Considerations

The short time allocated for exploring each island, particularly Heybeliada, might be a drawback for those wanting more extensive sightseeing or exploration on foot. The swimming option is only available during summer, so in colder months, this activity is not possible.

Plus, some reviews mention issues with transportation logistics, such as delayed coaches, but these are generally overshadowed by the overall positive experience of island visits, guided walks, and scenic boat rides.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This Princes Islands tour appeals most to travelers who appreciate scenic boat rides, historic architecture, and relaxed island atmospheres. It offers a good mix of guided sightseeing and free time, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for a comfortable, well-organized day trip.

Those seeking more extensive exploration or adventure activities might find the limited free time on the islands somewhat restrictive. However, for a cost-effective and enriching escape from Istanbul, this tour provides a satisfying balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and leisure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with multiple pickup points such as Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and Beyoglu.

How long is the boat cruise during the tour?
The ferry rides are approximately 1.5 hours each way, offering peaceful views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Sea of Marmara.

Can I swim on the islands?
Yes, swimming is possible during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the free time on Büyükada allows for this activity.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup, ferry tickets, guiding services, and lunch if you select that option. Additional drinks and bike rentals are not included.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Russian, and Arabic, ensuring clear explanations and assistance throughout the day.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and swimwear if you plan to swim. It’s also wise to have cash for souvenirs or extra drinks.

This Princes Islands tour offers a delightful blend of scenic travel, light exploration, and cultural sights—perfect for those wanting a relaxed day outside the bustling city of Istanbul. With affordable pricing, guided visits, and beautiful vistas, it’s a worthwhile choice for any visitor seeking a peaceful escape.

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