Princes' Islands Tour from Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

6 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Escape from the busy streets of Istanbul for a full-day excursion to the Princes Islands. Cruise past Topkapi Palace, Leanders Tower and Uskudar, then glide across the Marmara Sea to reach the islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada. Learn about the princes of the Byzantine Empire who once relaxed on these islands. Have lunch at a fish restaurant and enjoy free time to explore on your own, taking in the beaches and historic sites at your leisure before returning to Istanbul.

Full-day tour to Princes Islands by boat from Istanbul
Visit the lovely islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada
Hear about the Byzantine and Ottoman rulers that visited the islands
Eat lunch at a local restaurant that features fresh fish
Enjoy time to visit the beach or town on your own
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul

What's Included

Local taxes
Lunch
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Drinks
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Only city center hotels for pickup.

Operating hours
.9:00 am

Itinerary

Buyukada Tabiat Parki

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

3.4

based on 22 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Disappointment with a capital D

ELIZABETH_Y, Oct 2025

Totally disappointed. Pickup was for 9:00am from the foyer of our hotel. We were in the foyer at 8:30. By 10:00 am we had the concierge ring the company running the tour. They said that the ferries were not running due to high winds and they would refund. We walked down to the port, ferries were running weather was fine. Still waiting on refund.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

We understand your disappointment that we couldn't take the tour you requested.We are as disappointed as you are; not only you, but also many of our guests were unable to take their tours.Weather conditions like this happen sometimes.The governor's office warned that the weather would worsen in the afternoon, making it difficult to return from the island.All schools closed early that afternoon. We couldn't risk it. We've notified Viator of the full refund, and they will transfer it to your account as soon as possible.

Good day out

Trevor_D, Aug 2024

Guide was very good and attentive and lunch was great, good value for a whole day. No complaints about the experience.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

Bad Experience

Amr_E, Aug 2022

Trip was a poor quality in everything transportation bus without AC, bad lunch, crowded and uncomfortable seats in the boat, and no proper pick up

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Dear, we have two option tours for Princes Islands. One of option large group and cheaper price. The other option small group and little high price. You can choice yourself which is the best option for you.

Trip to Princess Islands

Deneice_H, Jul 2021

It was a full day and we visited several Islands. My only complaints is meet-up time was incorrect of which I couldn't reach anyone while waiting, luckily I ended up just sitting for over an hour and the actual host finally called upon arrival to meet-up location. Second, carriage ride was not available during this time. However, it was substituted with mini carts. Boat ride and passengers friendly and very entertaining. Host spoke different languages and kept us informed. Trip was good overall.

Response from Host, Jul 2021

Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

Not a Princess island tour at all

Mikhail_S, Apr 2021

I do not like to write bad reviews. But this tour supposed to be guided tour for the island and instead it turned into photo tour. We only had 20min on each island and all those minutes turned into photo tours instead of guided tour and history of the island. They were taking photos so they can sell you later for $5 each. There was no history explanation, only photos. If you want real guided tour with proper explanation of the islands and history and culture this is not for you. Do not waste your time. Also they charged $80 for English speaking but $45 for Arabic and there was not any difference. They should just refund me the difference since it was not the tour I expected to be. I did not sign up for photo tour.

Response from Host, May 2021

The Princes' Island tour is a tour attended by those who want to be away from the city, especially those who want to see the green forest and the sea. This is not a cultural tour like any museum. There are 9 islands here. We can visit 2 or 3 islands, because we do not have much time because the sea route is long. We have English and Arabic guides on the island tour. The difference in price is due to the more expensive daily fare of English guides. You don't have to buy photos, we don't force anyone to buy it. If you come again, we recommend you to come in hot weather in summer, we hope you will more enjoy.

Very average

Waleed K, Aug 2019

We were picked up in a bus with 30+ people and then taken to the boat where we waited an hour before we left. A lot of time is spent waiting in large groups. The islands are very nice and definitely worth the visit but better to take the public ferry that runs at regular times.

Excellent tour

georgiosmavridis, Aug 2019

The tour was really nice, we visited two islands and lunch was really nice. our tour guide Burak was very friendly and gave us a great tour experience

Response from Host, Dec 2020

Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

A very nice place...Princess Island

Zeeshan_F, Aug 2018

Trip was worth it....though there was not enough time planned for this trip and everything was hurried. Our guide was nice and friendly and kept us updated and engaged at all times. Overall the trip was great, great food and great place.

Response from Host, Dec 2020

Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

The boat ride and the Islands are...

Sofia B, Jan 2018

The boat ride and the Islands are amazing. The guide was terrific and she was very knowledgeable

Response from Host, Dec 2020

Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

This was a good tour indeed. Althoug...

marwa h, May 2017

This was a good tour indeed. Althoug the start wasnt so good the bus was late and we start our program an hour late but the tour gide was so nice.We didnt spend so much in the first island but the lunch was great and we have more chance at the second island.

Response from Host, Dec 2020

Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

The tour was good and the lunch was...

Mustafa_A, Apr 2017

The tour was good and the lunch was also good if the quantity was more, it would have been best . For Buyu Kada Island , if something extra for the tour would have been there, same like the first island tour of horse carriages. it would have been musch better.

Response from Host, Dec 2020

Thank you very much, we would like to see you again.

I would say skip the tour. It...

Monica B, Jun 2016

I would say skip the tour. It consisted of 30 minute wait on the boat before we left the dock, then an hour ride to the first island which could be missed all together. There is nothing to see or do there. Then we took the boat another 15-20 minutes to the big island and spent 3 hours there. After a 1/2 hour walk around I just sat and drank a beer to wait for lunch lunch was best part of trip and for the time to run out. You get free time to explore on the island. I do not blame the tour guides for this, as I don't think any guide could make it appealing. When you leave the island, you get to ride 1.25 hours back to the other side and then side in van and fight traffic before getting dropped off. On a good note, the guide Tulip was great. She tried! This is 8 hours of my life that I will not get back!!!