Leave the energy of Istanbul behind for a peaceful day on the Princess Islands, where sea views, quiet streets, historic charm, and a slower island rhythm create one of the city’s most refreshing escapes.
Set in the Sea of Marmara, the Princess Islands — also known as Kızıl Adalar or Adalar — offer a very different side of Istanbul. Once used as a place of exile during the Byzantine era, these islands later became a beloved retreat for locals and travelers looking to enjoy fresh air, coastal scenery, and a break from the city’s busy pace.
The tour focuses on the most accessible and atmospheric public islands, especially Büyükada, the largest and most popular of the group. Along with Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Kınalıada, these islands are known for their relaxed character, seaside views, and elegant old island houses.
With ferry travel and key arrangements handled smoothly, this Princess Island Tour is a gentle, scenic, and memorable way to experience another face of Istanbul.
Your Princess Island Tour begins with hotel pick-up at 8:30 AM, followed by a comfortable transfer to the harbor for your ferry journey from Istanbul to the peaceful Prince Islands. As the city slowly fades behind you and the sea breeze opens across the water, the day begins with a refreshing sense of escape from Istanbul’s busy streets.
The Prince Islands archipelago is made up of nine islands, each with its own quiet charm, but the largest and most enjoyable is Buyukada. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, elegant old streets, and car-free island lifestyle, Buyukada feels like a completely different side of Istanbul. Transport on the island is traditionally enjoyed by horse-drawn carriage, bicycles, and electric bikes, allowing the scenery to unfold at a calm and unhurried pace.
Upon arrival, enjoy a one-hour horse-drawn carriage phaeton tour around Buyukada, passing leafy lanes, seaside views, and magnificent 19th-century wooden mansions with overhanging balconies. These historic homes, many now used as summer residences, give the island a romantic, nostalgic character that makes it especially photogenic.
Lunch will be served at a fish restaurant with a beautiful view toward the Asian side of Istanbul, giving you time to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. After lunch, you’ll have a few hours of free time to explore the island at your own pace, walk through its picturesque streets, discover scenic viewpoints, and visit historic churches and monasteries.
Around 7:00 PM, take the ferry back to Istanbul, where your transfer will be waiting to take you comfortably back to your hotel after a peaceful and memorable island day.
Yes. The Princess Island Tour is ideal for travelers who want a peaceful break from Istanbul’s busy streets without leaving the city area for an overnight trip. Buyukada offers sea views, historic wooden mansions, quiet lanes, island cafés, and a slower pace that feels very different from Sultanahmet, Taksim, or the Bosphorus waterfront.
This tour focuses on Buyukada, the largest and most popular of the Prince Islands. Buyukada is known for its car-free atmosphere, elegant 19th-century mansions, seaside views, churches, monasteries, and relaxed island lifestyle. It is the best choice for a full-day Princess Island Tour because it offers the strongest mix of scenery, history, dining, and free-time exploration.
The tour begins with hotel pick-up at 8:30 AM, followed by transfer to the harbor for the ferry from Istanbul to the Prince Islands. The ferry ride is part of the experience, offering fresh sea air and views as the city skyline fades behind you. After the island visit, you return by ferry around 7:00 PM and transfer back to your hotel.
Yes. The itinerary includes lunch at a fish restaurant with a beautiful view toward the Asian side of Istanbul. This adds a relaxed coastal element to the day and gives travelers time to enjoy the island atmosphere rather than rushing between sightseeing stops. Guests with dietary needs should mention them before booking so available options can be checked.
Buyukada is loved for its calm, low-traffic island feeling. Instead of the heavy road traffic common in central Istanbul, the island is known for slower transport such as bicycles, electric bikes, and local island routes. This makes the tour feel more relaxed and scenic, especially for travelers who want quiet streets, sea views, and historic homes.
The itinerary mentions a one-hour horse-drawn carriage phaeton tour around Buyukada. However, transport rules on the Prince Islands can change, and carriage operations may depend on current local regulations. If phaetons are not available, similar island sightseeing may usually be arranged through permitted local transport, such as electric vehicles or other approved options.
Yes. This Istanbul day tour can work well for families because it includes a ferry ride, island scenery, lunch, gentle sightseeing, and free time. Children often enjoy the boat journey and open island atmosphere. Families should still be prepared for a full-day outing, walking on island streets, and a return to Istanbul in the evening.
The walking level is generally easy to moderate. The tour includes transfers, ferry travel, an island sightseeing route, lunch, and free time, so you can adjust some of the walking based on your comfort. Buyukada has some sloped streets and viewpoints, so comfortable shoes are recommended if you plan to explore beyond the main waterfront area.
Wear comfortable shoes and relaxed clothing suitable for a full day outdoors. In summer, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are useful because the island and ferry areas can be sunny. In spring or autumn, bring a light jacket, especially for the ferry ride, as the sea breeze can feel cooler than central Istanbul.
Yes. Buyukada is one of the most photogenic Istanbul day trips, especially for travelers who enjoy seaside views, historic wooden mansions, quiet streets, flowered balconies, and ferry scenes. The views toward the Asian side of Istanbul, the island’s nostalgic architecture, and the slower local atmosphere create strong photo opportunities throughout the day.
Light weather changes usually do not stop the tour, but ferry schedules and island comfort can be affected by strong wind, heavy rain, or sea conditions. If weather creates operational issues, timing or arrangements may need adjustment. It is best to dress seasonally and keep some flexibility, especially during cooler or windier months.
