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.

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.

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.