Princes’ Islands: a walk, swimming in Büyükdere, and lunch

Name: Princes’ Islands: a walk, swimming in Büyükdere, and lunch
Start: 2026-08-26T09:30:00.000+03:00
End: 2026-08-26T15:30:00.000+03:00
Location: Istanbul

Discover the Princes’ Islands, a serene escape from Istanbul’s bustling city life. This day-long cruise takes you to Kınalıada and Büyükada, with guided insights, a onboard lunch, and free time to explore, swim, or simply relax by the sea.

Details

Escape the noise and traffic of Istanbul with a day trip to the Princes’ Islands, one of the city’s most scenic retreats. This tour covers two of the archipelago’s most popular islands—Kınalıada and Büyükada—and includes a relaxing cruise across the Sea of Marmara, a tasty lunch on board, and leisure time to enjoy at your own pace.

Throughout the journey, a English-speaking guide shares stories about the islands’ history, landmarks, and local highlights. On Kınalıada, you’ll have time to stroll along the charming waterfront. On Büyükada, you’ll enjoy roughly two hours of free time—perfect for exploring the island’s historic wooden mansions, stopping at a café, renting a bicycle, or even heading to the beach for a swim.

This tour is an excellent choice for travelers looking to combine a sea excursion, island exploration, and a taste of the distinctive Princes’ Islands atmosphere—all in a single, well-paced day.

Online Booking

What is included in activity

Round-trip transfer from hotels in central Istanbul

Passenger ferry cruise across the Sea of Marmara

Services of a English-speaking guide

Lunch served on board the ferry

Free time on Kınalıada for a waterfront stroll

Free time on Büyükada (approximately 2 hours) for independent exploration

Visits to historic wooden mansions and 19th-century villas (viewed during free time)

Opportunity to swim at the beaches of Büyükada (seasonal, at your own discretion)

What is not included

Personal expenses

Access to local cafés, restaurants, and bicycle rental (at your own expense)

Hide

Departure: Hotels in central Istanbul

Duration: 6 hours

Group size up to 200 persons

Children allowed

English

Mobile ticket

Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

River cruise ship

Change time

Open deck

Professional guide

Enclosed deck

Places you will see

• Sea of Marmara
• Princes’ Islands
• Kınalıada
• Büyükada
• Historic wooden mansions
• Büyükada waterfront
• Cozy island streets
• Beaches of Büyükada
• Panoramic views of Istanbul from the sea
• Passenger ferry cruise
• 19th-century historic villas
• Local cafés and restaurants
• Famous cats of Büyükada

Still have a question? Contact guide

Reviews by travellers

4.8 out of 5

854 reviews

429

164

Pamela D.

I loved all the attractions. It was fantastic. I recommend it to everyone!

about 1 month ago

Joe C.

The tour was very well organized. We were picked up from the hotel, taken to the aquarium, and brought in without any queue. There was also enough time for shopping at the mall afterwards. Everything was thought through and taken care of — many thanks! The aquarium itself is very impressive; I recommend going during feeding time — it's an extra special experience.

about 2 months ago

Lloyd S.

Today's tour was one of the most memorable days on the island! The locations were not just beautiful but truly magical, and with hardly any tourists — a rare find for Bali. Our guide was a real gem: cheerful, energetic, with excellent communication skills, and knew every detail of the route, happily sharing interesting stories. They also took such professional photos that the shots looked straight out of a magazine. The day flew by, and we left feeling full of positive emotions. Huge thanks!

about 2 months ago

William C.

An interesting tour with an excellent guide, Nurten. Everything was great. Good organization.

2 months ago

Linda B.

Great tour, amazing views! Delicious dinner 🍲

3 months ago

Mary R.

A truly beautiful location. Everything was organized at the highest level. I enjoyed the tour and will definitely recommend your team to friends. Thank you.

4 months ago

Route details changed.

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