Viator · group up to 30 pax

Princes' Islands Tour from Istanbul

3.3(23)Istanbul1 hour
VIATOR3.1(14)TRIPADVISOR3.4(9)

Description

Cruise the Marmara Sea to Princes' Islands, first visiting Heybeliada and then visiting Buyukada, the popular summer resort with sandy beaches and pinewood scenery. These were once the pleasure islands of Byzantine Princes. PS : The Horse carriages were stopped until April 2020.

Tour Options

Princes' Islands Tour - Arabic
  • Duration: 7 hours Lunch Minivan Pickup included
Princes' Islands Tour-English
  • Duration: 7 hours Lunch Minivan and Ferry Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included120 min

Buyukada is populer destination for summer time.

Highlights

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

What's included

Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Lunch
Local taxes
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
Drinks
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities

Pickup Locations & Times

Only city center hotels for pickup.

Traveller Ratings

3.3
23 reviews
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Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(23)

G
Geoffrey_B
April 21, 2026
Cancelled tour.

Very disappointed, tour cancelled on morning of arranged pick up. Left waiting for pick up. Assume tour organiser at fault.

Operator response

We understand your disappointment that we were unable to organize your desired tour. We are just as sorry as you are; you're not alone, many of our guests were also unable to participate in their tours. Sometimes circumstances beyond our control happen.We have notified you of the full refund and it will be transferred to your account as soon as possible.

E
ELIZABETH_Y
October 30, 2025
Disappointment with a capital D

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.

Operator response

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.

T
Trevor_D
August 30, 2024
Good day out

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

Operator response

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

T
tsiraj2022
May 17, 2024
Do NOT WASTE your MONEY!!

It was horrible, it felt like a borderline scam/stupid waste of money the "Guided Trip" included ONLY transportation to the island and nothing more. There were no guides just some people who ONLY told us how much time we can spend on the island before the ship leaves - and the time/stay on the island was EXTREMELY LIMITED - it was 1.5 hours max. THIS IS NOT A GUIDED TOUR THIS IS JUST 5 TIMES MORE EXPENSIVE WAY TO GET TO ISLAND - THATS IT, no tours, no guides, no nothing.

Operator response

Island tours are not a historical tour. It is a boat tour to get away from the crowds of the city and for relax. The guide does not have much to explain. It would be cheaper if you went on your own but it would not be easy either.

A
Amr_E
August 7, 2022
Bad Experience

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

Operator response

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.

F
fouada45
October 5, 2021
good but crowded

very good, we visited three islands, but there was too mush people in the group. And the guide wasn't informative at All

Operator response

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

I
imabule
September 27, 2021
A very relaxing day trip to the islands

My favorite part of the trip was getting to know Sulaiman, our tour guide. He was a pleasant companion and also knowledgeable about other places in Turkey where we have traveled. The large island has some good restaurants & shopping, ice cream of many flavors and a nice golf cart tour of the island. We ate some delicious fish by the seaside and the seagulls were quite entertaining — flying around and then landing near the window to wait for some food! Tips: although these are islands there are no beaches for swimming. In September the ferry ride can be windy and chilly so bring a jacket or sweater. Allow time on the large island for strolling along the many quaint shops and time to sit for some coffee or tea.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

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

D
Deneice_H
July 20, 2021
Trip to Princess Islands

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.

Operator response

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

M
Mikhail_S
April 20, 2021
Not a Princess island tour at all

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.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

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.

S
SUE M
March 2, 2020
Beautiful out of time

Beautiful visit and Mood on this island away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.Old wooden houses,beautiful little village offering shops and restaurants and sweet scenery.The best way to have a quick look is to take a carriage and they seem to take good care of their horses by allowing them breaks and water.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

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