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Büyükada

Büyükada: Our most recommended tours and activities

Istanbul: Princes' Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer

1. Istanbul: Princes' Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer

Cruise across the deep-blue waters of the Marmara Sea on a boat tour departing from Istanbul. Experience two of the nearby Princes's Islands, Büyükada and Kınalıada, with free time to explore each. Enjoy a hotel transfer and a delicious lunch on board. Get picked up from your hotel in Istanbul, then head to the port to board your boat. Set sail into the mesmerizing ocean surrounding the city and navigate to Kınalıada. Take a short walking tour with your guide and learn about the island along the way. Hop back on the boat and eat a lunch to recharge your energy before traveling to your next destination. Make a stop at Büyükada, the largest of the nine islands, and have plenty of free time to discover at your own pace. Relax on the quiet beaches and go for a refreshing swim. Alternatively, rent an electric bike or scooter, as cars aren't allowed on the island. Ride conveniently among the glorious mansions with their characteristic balconies. Finally, get back on the boa for your return trip to Istanbul, then sit back on the ride to your hotel.

From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

2. From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

Explore Büyükada, the largest of Turkey’s Princes islands, on this 9-hour excursion from Istanbul. Cruise across the Sea of Marmara, watching the sights of Istanbul slip from view. See the pedestrianized island in the best possible way – by bike (not included) or spend time at leisure, perhaps relaxing on one of its beaches, before returning to Istanbul. Travel from your hotel by air-conditioned coach to the port with your guide, and board the boat that will take you to the Princes islands. The largest and most interesting of the islands is Büyükada, which is your destination for the day. From the boat, look back on the sights of Istanbul, seeing iconic landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the pretty Kiz Kulesi (also known as the Maiden’s Tower), which was featured in the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. Dock in Büyükada and Heybeli then take a stroll through the streets on your own, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of island life. Return to the boat and listen as your guide talks about the island’s history during the ride. Learn about its time as a place of exile for banished statesmen and royalty, and of its life as a monastic settlement during Turkey’s Byzantine-Christian period. Pass lovely wooden mansions that are stunning examples of the island’s late Ottoman-era architecture, and look out over the sparkling sea. Seagulls are everywhere in Büyükada, and if you’d like to feed them your guide will give you simits (bread with sesame seeds) so you can toss them a treat. Have lunch on the boat in summer or in a restauarant in the winter, then spend the rest of your day at leisure on the islands. Later, meet your guide at a pre-arranged time for your boat ride back to Istanbul. Gift and leather shop visit (Optional)The last leg of your journey will be by coach, and you’ll be dropped off at your Istanbul hotel.

Istanbul: Princes' Island Tour with Lunch & Transfers

3. Istanbul: Princes' Island Tour with Lunch & Transfers

Soak in the serene atmosphere of the Princes' Islands on a day trip from Istanbul with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Cruise past Topkapi Palace and Maiden's Tower, then glide across the Marmara Sea to reach the islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada. Start your day with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul, and transfer to the port. Hop onboard an old-school boat and set sail in the Sea of Marmara. Make yourself comfortable on the decks, and observe Topkapi Palace and Leander’s Tower. After a 1.5-hour boat trip, disembark at Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands. Take a walk around the charming old buildings, mansions, and villas that are home to local residents. Enjoy a place without any cars on the streets. After a stroll along the coast, hit the sandy bays to swim and unwind, or take a walk to the serene pine forest. Rent an electric car to tour the island for around 25 minutes and delve into the island's history. Accompanied by the tour guide, savor lunch on the boat while taking in views of the islands from the sea. After lunch, enjoy the tranquil charm of your second stop in Kınalıada, the second largest of the Princes' Islands. In the afternoon, sail back to Istanbul port, with 30 minutes of free time for shopping. Then, be transferred back to your hotel with unforgettable memories.

Istanbul: Prince's Island Tour with Lunch Electric Car Tour

4. Istanbul: Prince's Island Tour with Lunch Electric Car Tour

Explore Büyükada, the largest of Turkey’s Princes' Islands, on this 8-hour excursion departing from Istanbul. Begin your journey with a cruise across the tranquil Sea of Marmara, watching the iconic sights of Istanbul gradually disappear from view. Once you arrive at Büyükada, discover the island's pedestrianized streets and charming ambiance in the best way possible – by joining an included Electric Car Tour. Alternatively, you can choose to spend your time at leisure, perhaps lounging on one of the island's pristine beaches, before returning to the vibrant city of Istanbul. Your adventure begins as you depart from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide. Upon reaching the port, you'll board a boat bound for the Princes' Islands, with Büyükada as your primary destination. As you sail away from Istanbul, take a moment to admire the city's iconic landmarks such as the majestic Topkapi Palace and the picturesque Kiz Kulesi, also known as the Maiden's Tower, famously featured in the James Bond film, "The World is Not Enough." During your boat ride, your guide will share fascinating insights into the history of the island. Learn about its role as a place of exile for banished statesmen and royalty, as well as its history as a monastic settlement during the Byzantine-Christian period in Turkey. As you approach Büyükada, you'll be greeted by the sight of charming wooden mansions that showcase the island's late Ottoman-era architecture. The sparkling sea stretches out before you, and seagulls gracefully soar overhead. If you'd like, your guide can provide you with simits (bread with sesame seeds) to feed the seagulls and enjoy their company. Lunch will be served either on the boat in the summer or at a cozy island restaurant during the winter months. Following your meal, the remainder of your day is yours to enjoy at your own pace on the picturesque islands. Later in the day, you'll reconvene with your guide at a designated time for your boat journey back to Istanbul. Optionally, you can also visit local gift and leather shops to find unique mementos of your unforgettable day. The final leg of your journey will be a comfortable coach ride, ensuring your safe return to your Istanbul hotel, concluding a day filled with captivating experiences and cherished memories.

Istanbul: Full Day Princes Island Guided Tour with Lunch

5. Istanbul: Full Day Princes Island Guided Tour with Lunch

Begin your adventure on a ferry ride across the majestic Marmara Sea to the breathtakingly beautiful Islands of the Princes. Stop off at the largest of the islands, Buyukada, and explore the ancient island on a guided tour in an electric buggy. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the charming features of the island, full of historic villas nestled among the pine trees. Enjoy a delicious, locally-prepared lunch and hunt for souvenirs in the unique little shops. Relax on a return cruise across the calm Marmara sea. After returning from the island, there will be a break for visiting a local leather shop, before transferring to the hotel. If you do not want to visit the shop, you will be free to leave the group at the port and you may return to your hotel on your own.

Istanbul: Day Trip to the Princes' Islands

6. Istanbul: Day Trip to the Princes' Islands

Only an hour’s ferry ride from the city center, the Princes’ Islands consist of 9 small islands that will transport you back in time and away from hectic city life. Spend a day exploring Büyükada, to gain insight into a multicultural society in modern Turkey, akin to the multicultural society that existed here during the Ottoman Empire. Start with a cruise over the Marmara Sea to the largest island, Büyükada, and have lunch. Spend the afternoon enjoying the cheerful local life near the village square. Admire the well-preserved Victorian-era cottages that are covered in colorful flowers all summer.

Princes Islands Guided Tour with Round-Trip Ferry Tickets

7. Princes Islands Guided Tour with Round-Trip Ferry Tickets

Take a trip to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, from Istanbul and enjoy the cool breezes and charming sights along the way. Enjoy the mild climate, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses on Büyükada. Explore the the main square of Büyükada and admire the Victorian buildings Marvel at the beautiful scenery and elegant mansions reminiscent of the past. Have lunch at one of the many seaside restaurants serving fresh fish along the waterfront while gazing across at Istanbul.

From Istanbul: Büyükada Walking Full-Day Tour

8. From Istanbul: Büyükada Walking Full-Day Tour

Your tour starts with a ferry cruise across the Bosphorus to the Princes' Islands. You will stop at Büyükad, 'Big Island' in Turkish, and explore the the island's rich history. View the Ottoman mansions and experience the quiet, tree-lined streets before stopping for a traditional Turkish lunch. The Büyükada Island Walking and Carriage Tour continues with stops at ancient ruins and churches for you to explore. Your English-speaking guide will ensure you learn all about Büyükada's splendid past and notable residents.

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What people are saying about Büyükada

Overall rating

3.6 / 5

based on 351 reviews

Excellent services. Guide is friendly and helpful. People around the places we visited are very friendly and cordial. I highly recommend to visit Istanbul and use GetYourGuide services!

The trip was good. The pick up was late but the driver was accommodating. The food tasted really good and the portions size was also good.

Amazing experience from start to finish, with door to door pick up. Would definitely to others

Amazing experience. Lunch was very tasty. Guide was very helpful.

Excellent experience I highly recommend, mood fiesta ambiance