Princes Islands Full-Day Tour from Istanbul: Buyukada & Heybeliada

Princes Islands day trip from Istanbul: the key facts

This is a one-day group trip by ferry to two of the Princes Islands in the Marmara Sea: Heybeliada and Buyukada. There are no private cars on the island roads, so the day is about walking lanes between old wooden mansions and pine woods, a quiet hilltop with a seminary on Heybeliada, and the busier waterfront of Buyukada. Free time on the island is part of the plan, and lunch is included.

It suits people who have spent a few days in the old city and want a slower day, families who like walking, and anyone who simply wants to be on the water for a while. It is not a sightseeing day with museum entries. The price on the page is from $34 per person.

How does the day run?

You are collected from your central hotel at 08:30 and taken to the pier for the morning ferry. As the boat leaves, the city skyline falls behind and open water takes over. You stop at Heybeliada, the quieter island, then continue to Buyukada, where there is a livelier seafront and free time to walk. Lunch is served during the excursion. The tour wraps up at around 17:00 with a drop-off back at your hotel. The page does not give the exact ferry times or which island comes first on every date, so ask when you book. Our Princes Islands attraction page has more background on the islands.

How do we get around on the islands without cars?

On foot, mostly. The page describes the islands as having no cars on the roads, with walking paths along the coast. An optional electric vehicle on the island is listed as an extra cost; it is useful if you have children or anyone who does not want to walk uphill. Its price is not shown, so ask on the day or in advance. Wear comfortable shoes: the lanes on both islands climb, especially toward the Heybeliada hilltop.

Which language does the guide speak?

The inclusions list a licensed English or Arabic-speaking guide, but the FAQ on the same page says the tour is guided in English only. If you need Arabic, do not assume it: ask us to confirm in writing that an Arabic-speaking guide is assigned to your date. For a fully private day in Arabic, see our Arabic-speaking guides in Istanbul.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Lunch during the excursion is included. Drinks with lunch are not, and dinner is not part of the tour because you are back in the city by late afternoon. The page does not describe the menu or the restaurant. If you have dietary needs, say so when you book. Bring some cash for drinks, ice cream or a coffee by the water on Buyukada during free time.

What should we bring and wear?

Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun cream in the warmer months, and a jacket for the ferry, where it is often windier and cooler than in the city. A small bag is easier than a large one on a crowded deck. There are no mosque visits in the listed route, so there is no special dress code for the day, but modest clothing is sensible if you step into a church or the seminary grounds. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Is the price really from $34, and in which currency?

The booking box shows from $34 per person. The FAQ compares this tour with the full-day historical tour in euros and says the other tour costs €113 more than this one, which points to a different base figure. The booking box also offers start times between 08:00 and 14:00, while the FAQ gives a fixed 08:30 pick-up. Please ask us to confirm the price, currency and pick-up time in writing before you pay.

How is this different from the other islands tour and from city tours?

We list a second islands day, the Princes Islands full-day tour with ferry and lunch, with its own price and format, so compare the two pages before choosing. If you want monuments instead of a slow island day, the Istanbul full-day historical tour covers Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and the Grand Bazaar. Other easy days out of the city include the Bursa day tour and the Sapanca and Masukiye tour. Our Istanbul day trips page compares the main options, and day tours lists them all.

How do we book this tour?

Pick a date and the number of guests in the booking form on this page, or write to us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88 with your date, hotel and group size. The tour runs daily with no minimum group size. We reply with your pick-up time, the guide language, the final price and the inclusions, and we confirm the plan in writing before you make any payment. Please read the cancellation policy before confirming.