Private Princes' Islands Tour
Description
Leave the pace of the city behind and enjoy a private escape to the Princes’ Islands, where tranquil landscapes, island heritage, and authentic local tastes create the perfect day away from Istanbul. Your experience begins with a comfortable hotel pick-up, followed by a scenic ferry crossing over the Marmara Sea. Along the way, relax with traditional Turkish tea and fresh simit while taking in sweeping sea views. We focus our visit on Büyükada, the largest and most atmospheric of the islands. Stroll through its calm, car-free streets, sample island specialties, and, if you wish, enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee with a fun fortune-reading experience. The day also includes time at a secluded stone cove — an ideal spot to unwind or swim in clear waters. For guests seeking an elevated experience, private pick-up, drop-off, and exclusive sea transportation can be arranged upon request, ensuring a truly personalized and relaxed journey.
Tour Options
Itinerary
On board, you'll have the opportunity to discuss the history of the nine islands that make up the Princes' Islands archipelago. A wonderful journey accompanied by fresh and delicious Turkish tea. The ferry journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes from the European side and 45 minutes from the Anatolian side. If another port is closer to you, we’re happy to arrange to meet there—just ask! We can also organize a private transfer from your accommodation or private sea transportation. Just let us know.
We’ll arrive at Büyükada, the most peaceful and authentic of the four Princess Islands. To settle into the island’s calm vibe, we’ll start with a delicious coffee or tea, enjoyed with a beautiful sea view.
Located on Büyükada, this nature park is home to many unique bird species. You'll have the opportunity to explore the park, which is home to numerous small coves, and explore the islands' history while enjoying the stunning scenery.
This historic church, which attracts visitors from all over the world, has roots dating back 1,000 years. Situated on the highest point of the Princes' Islands, you must climb the 800-meter-long "hill of torment" to see it.
We will view the world’s first multi-storey wooden building and Europe’s largest wooden structure from up close.
This museum offers insight into both the recent and distant past of the Princes’ Islands, showing how the islands have evolved from past to present.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will contact you shortly after your reservation to discuss your pick-up time and other details. We kindly ask that you be ready at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(56)
A very nice tour though in November. We had very nice weather and a good time with our group and our leader. Efekan, a young, very polite and open-minded person, competent in all answers to our questions. Highly recommended. Jakob
Dear J B, Thank you so much for your kind comment. We hope to see you again soon. Danke. Best regards
The only point to complain about was that the pick-up at the ferry in Istanbul had not worked out. The taxi driver from the hotel to the ferry was super on time and we were then expected right on the largest of the islands. Our guide a local young lady made the day perfectly according to our wishes. She has a great knowledge of the history of the islands and speaks excellent English. Because we had booked privately with her, we could enjoy the trip. Walking through the pine forest and by e-bus we were on our way up. Then to the museum and back to the village. Tasty mussels tasted with rice. Afterwards we went back to Istanbul where the driver was already waiting for us. Highly recommended for those who do not like to travel in groups where the pace cannot be adjusted.
Lieber Gast Carolina_G, Vielen Dank für Ihre freundlichen Kommentare. Wir freuen uns darauf, Sie bald wieder auf unseren wunderschönen Inseln begrüßen zu dürfen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Princes Islands are charming to visit and a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. Lunch on the boat was great however there were no actual tour guides on the day. We were just dropped off and given free time to explore on both islands we visited.
Dear danieltZ6577FZ, The experience you described does not relate to our company. We reported this to TripAdvisor and Viator, but the review has not yet been removed. I kindly request that you remove your review from our page. Thank you. Best regards
The best tour to take if you are going to Prince's Islands. I reached out to them at the last minute for a tour and they were happy to accommodate me. Andrea, my tour guide, is super knowledgeable and one of the most kind people I have come across. They picked me up from my hotel and I met Andrea at the ferry terminal where we got to know each other. Based on my interests, we decided to go to the 4th island which has a lot of uphill hiking and very picturesque. Along the way, Andrea provided insights about the surroundings, including the house where Trotsky spent his years in exile. The hike is beautiful, with wonderful views of the other islands and the Asian side of Istanbul. We hiked up to the Orthodox Church which sits at an elevation of about 500 feet. The hike was steep, but 100% worth it thanks to the conversations I had with Andrea and his knowledge on the surroundings. There is also an option to take an electric bus or bike on the island if you choose to. Andrea also recommended an excellent restaurant right by the sea and we headed back to Istanbul where the same driver dropped me off. He was amazing as well as I requested him to drop me off at Galata Bridge so I could see the sunset. Overall this is perhaps one of the best guided tours I have been on, and in Andrea, I have found a great friend!
Dear 144jiteshg, First of all, thank you so much for your kind comments. We want to provide you with the most wonderful experiences with our local guides. We are so grateful to hear this. We look forward to welcoming you back to the magnificent Princes' Islands as soon as possible. Best regards
We had a good time visiting the island. It was a great walking tour, our guide was pleasant and gave us a good overview of the history and local attractions.
Dear Traveler K9103NOsandraa, Thank you very much for your nice comment. We look forward to hosting you again on our tour. Hope to see you as soon as possible. Kind regards Onur Koçak Tour Manager
We had an amazing family trip to the Princes’ Islands. Our guide was fantastic—super knowledgeable, not just about the islands but Istanbul as well. The moment we arrived, it felt like we had left the city behind. Calm, peaceful, and full of charm. We visited a beautiful bay and were lucky enough to spot dolphins! The island’s quiet streets, historic homes, and nature made it feel like a world of its own. It was the perfect break from the crowds. Highly recommend this tour—an unforgettable experience!
Dear Traveler Hasan K, Thank you very much for your nice comment. We look forward to hosting you again on our tour. Hope to see you as soon as possible. Kind regards Onur Koçak Tour Manager
There are actually 4 islands, make sure you ask which one you are going to because the biggest island is the furthest, 2 hours on a ferry which is not made clear on itinerary. The biggest island is the one with the church and orphanage in the itinerary. So on realising this when we got on the ferry, we opted for going to Island no2, smaller and quieter and is full of cats, if you are a cat lover, its brilliant. Guide gives you cat food too. Lovely walk up the hill to the top of the island has beautiful views. In all honesty it's the perfect spot for a sit down and a picnic lunch. Perhaps Viator should offer this as an alternative to the restaurant we were taken to. The restaurant was nice but it was a fish restaurant and I do not eat fish at all. I was very disappointed that no one even asked about dietary preferences or issues. I do think this is a question that should be asked.
Dear Traveler kay_w Hi, First of all, thank you for taking the time to comment. We are very sorry that it did not meet your expectations. All our tours are made to Büyükada, which is the center of the Princes' Islands, as written in the tour plan (Except for special requests). On the day you toured, there was a local event in Büyükada and it was very crowded, so no2 Burgazada was preferred instead of Büyükada. There is a thought in this to please you. We make food and restaurant choices by consulting all our guests. There may have been a misunderstanding. If you choose us on your next visit, you can be sure that we will do our best to give you a better experience. Best regards Princes Islands Tour Team
Onur is a great guide. He is from the islands so he knows about them and the history and culture a lot. He was friendly and made the effort to speak good English with us. He took us to 2 beautiful churches and hosted us to a great lunch
Dear Traveler Vijayaraghav, Thank you very much for your nice comment. We look forward to hosting you again on our tour. Hope to see you as soon as possible. Kind regards Onur Koçak Tour Manager
Excellent tour!! We all had a wonderful time visiting the islands!! Onur and Ege are super hosts! Apart from his professionalism, Onur is a kind and helpful person, as he kindly accepted to help us with a problem we faced after leaving Turkey! Very highly recommended!!
Dear Traveler mariamI4781MD, Thank you very much for your nice comment. We look forward to hosting you again on our tour. Hope to see you as soon as possible. Kind regards Onur Koçak Tour Manager
Onur was a great guide. Gave us the real feeling of Prince islands. He arranged everything for us. We spend time in two Prince islands, By visiting monastery of Saint George, theological school of halki. We felt like locals. I highly recommend this tour.
Dear Traveler DayTrip707779, Thank you very much for your nice comment. We look forward to hosting you again on our tour. Hope to see you as soon as possible. Kind regards Onur Koçak Tour Manager
