Princes’ Islands Tour from Istanbul

Imagine leaving noisy, teeming Istanbul behind and arriving in a world where, instead of cars, you hear only the waves and the sound of bicycle wheels on the cobbles.
The Princes’ Islands are an archipelago of nine jewels in the Sea of Marmara that has drawn travellers for centuries with its air of calm, its green hills and its old architecture.
Our tour gives you the chance to visit the two most beautiful islands — Heybeliada and Büyükada — to enjoy walking where there are no cars, to eat a good lunch and to see corners rarely shown to visitors.

Setting out from Istanbul

The morning begins at the quay, where your guide meets you. We set off on a spacious ferry towards the Princes’ Islands. During the crossing you can enjoy the fresh sea air and watch Istanbul slowly disappear over the horizon.

Heybeliada — a jewel of quiet

Our first stop is Heybeliada, the second largest island of the archipelago.

Here you will see:

• The Naval Academy, founded in 1773.

• The Church of the Virgin Mary in the academy courtyard.

• Fine public beaches and welcoming promenades.

Heybeliada is known for its relaxed air — this is where you can feel far from civilisation while being only an hour from the city.

The crossing and lunch

After the walk around Heybeliada we board the ferry again and head for the largest island of the archipelago. Lunch is served on the way, with traditional Turkish dishes.

Büyükada — the island of the elite

Büyükada is the largest and best known island in the Sea of Marmara. It is loved not only by visitors but by celebrities and wealthy residents of Istanbul, who spend their summers here.

You will see:

• Magnificent wooden villas in the Ottoman style.

• The north of the island with its residential quarters, and the south with its quiet woods.

• Welcoming cafes, patisseries and souvenir shops.

On Büyükada it is easy to forget that you are only a few kilometres from a noisy city.