Full Day Princess Island Tour
Relax on a full-day escape to Princess Islands. Visit Kinaliada and Buyukada, enjoy lunch, shop, explore, or swim during summer with 2 hours of free time on the island.
Service Provider: Azure
Service Details
Begin your day with a hotel pick-up and transfer to the pier for a refreshing escape from the busy city life of Istanbul. Sail across the Sea of Marmara to the idyllic Prince Islands — a chain of nine islands known for their car-free, serene atmosphere, historic mansions, and coastal beauty.
Ferry Journey to the Prince Islands
Board a public ferry or private boat (depending on tour option) and enjoy a scenic cruise past Istanbul’s skyline, Bosphorus bridges, and sea birds gliding alongside. Your guide will share stories about the islands, which once served as a retreat for exiled royalty during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Kinaliada – The Island of Tranquility
Your first stop is Kinaliada, the smallest and closest of the inhabited Prince Islands. The name “Kinali” means “henna-colored,” referring to the island’s reddish earth and rocky hills. Though less visited than Buyukada or Heybeliada, Kinaliada offers a more local, quiet atmosphere — perfect for those who seek authenticity.
Stroll through charming streets lined with summer villas, admire the island’s Orthodox and Armenian churches, and take in stunning sea views. You’ll notice the absence of traffic — the only sounds are of bicycles, seagulls, and distant ferry horns.
This island is also home to several swimming spots, making it a favorite among Istanbulites in summer. The beaches here are simpler and quieter, giving you a more relaxed alternative to the larger islands.
Lunch by the Sea
Enjoy lunch at a seafront restaurant, featuring traditional Turkish mezes, fresh fish or grilled meats, vegetarian options, and local desserts. The slow rhythm of island life makes it easy to unwind and savor your meal by the waves.
Arrival in Buyukada
Upon arrival, step onto Buyukada, where time seems to stand still. The island has no cars — only bicycles and electric carts — which creates a peaceful atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Istanbul. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour or electric cart ride (depending on tour format) through the town center, lined with well-preserved Victorian-era mansions, charming seaside cafés, and local shops.
You’ll learn about the island’s multicultural past, once home to Turkish, Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities. Admire the Aya Yorgi Church (St. George Church) perched atop a pine-covered hill, or simply stroll the coastal paths at your own pace.
Free Time – Explore or Swim (Only in Summer)
After lunch, enjoy approximately 2 hours of free time on the island. You can:
• Walk along scenic coastal paths
• Rent a bicycle and explore hidden corners
• Swim at one of the island’s beaches (seasonal, summer only)
• Shop for island-made goods or handicrafts
• Relax at a local café and sip Turkish tea or coffee with a sea view
Return Ferry to Istanbul
In the late afternoon, regroup and board the ferry back to Istanbul. Enjoy one last peaceful cruise with views of the sunlit skyline. You’ll be transferred to your hotel, refreshed by a day of calm, culture, and coastal beauty.
Tour Highlights
Princes’ Islands, Kinaliada
Why Book This Service
- Escape the city's bustle with a day trip to a peaceful island paradise.
- Includes visits to Kinaliada, one of the most charming Princess Islands.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch with sea views in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Take advantage of 2 hours of free time to explore or swim.
- Ideal for nature lovers, couples, and families looking for a quiet day out.
- Includes round-trip ferry, lunch, hotel transfers, and guide assistance.
What's Included
- Hotel Pick-up and drop-off
- Professional Tour Guide
- Lunch (Drinks are extra)
- Entrance fees, mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfer to Islands by Boat
- Transportation with non-smoking A/C bus
Please Note
- This tour is seasonal: swimming is possible only in summer months (June to September) — bring swimwear and towel if you plan to swim.
- Walking shoes are recommended for exploring the island.
- No motor vehicles are allowed on the islands, preserving a peaceful environment.
- The itinerary may change slightly based on ferry schedules and weather conditions.
- Lunch includes a set menu; please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance.
- Tour includes ferry tickets, lunch, free time, and return transfer.
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel
Cancellation Details
Booking can be cancelled up to 3 day(s) before the tour start.
11 reviews for Full Day Princess Island Tour
Tour Pictures from Travelers
We really enjoyed the time passed on the boat and ambiance was great.
Food looked ok but we enjoyed eating at fish restaurant on the big Island.
We had wonderful day thank you guys for this good experience.
جولة ممتعة جداً، أحببنا جزيرة الأميرات والمناظر الطبيعية الجميلة.
One of the most peaceful days we had in Istanbul. The ferry ride to Buyukada was relaxing, with stunning sea views along the way. Once we arrived, we explored the island by electric vehicle, passing by beautiful Ottoman mansions and pine forests. Lunch by the sea was fresh and delicious, and we had enough free time to wander the quiet streets and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
The Princess Island tour was so peaceful. We enjoyed the boat ride and exploring Buyukada.
شاندار سفر، جزیرہ بہت پرسکون اور خوبصورت تھا۔
La promenade en voiture électrique était très sympa.
Un paseo encantador a las Islas Príncipe. Muy tranquilo y bien organizado.
Hermoso día fuera de Estambul, el ferry y la isla fueron maravillosos.
Absolutely loved this tour! The Princess Islands were peaceful and charming. Our ferry ride was scenic, and we enjoyed spotting seabirds and dolphins along the way. On the island, we took an electric carriage ride through the quiet roads lined with flowers and old mansions. We had plenty of free time to sit by the harbor, sip Turkish tea, and just watch the boats passing by. It felt like a true getaway from the noise of Istanbul.
Such a perfect escape from the busy city. The ferry across the Marmara Sea was smooth, and Buyukada welcomed us with its calm streets and fresh air. The electric car tour showed us the best parts of the island, including old wooden villas and quiet beaches. We loved having lunch with a view of the sea and walking up to the panoramic viewpoints where we could see the entire coastline.