The Princes Islands tour offers a unique opportunity to escape the bustling streets of Istanbul and take in the serene beauty of these car-free islands. Visitors can explore the charming old buildings, opulent mansions, and quaint villas on Heybeliada and Buyukada, with the option to rent an electric car for a leisurely 25-minute tour. The tour also includes a relaxing lunch on the boat while taking in the scenic island views, as well as a visit to the tranquil Kinaliada, where travelers can stroll through the pine forests and swim in the clear waters. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the chance to witness a side of Istanbul that few travelers ever experience.
Key Points
- Explore the charming Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul, including the largest islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada.
- Rent an emission-free electric car for a 25-minute tour of the car-free streets and scenic landscapes of Buyukada.
- Enjoy a delightful lunch on the boat while taking in the stunning views of the Marmara Sea and the islands.
- Discover the tranquil pine forests, historic mansions, and sandy bays of the car-free island of Kinaliada.
- The tour includes roundtrip transfers from Istanbul, making it a hassle-free and convenient way to visit the Princes Islands.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
This tour offers a chance to escape the bustling streets of Istanbul and embark on a relaxing full-day journey to the serene Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara.
The tour takes visitors to two of the largest islands, Heybeliada and Buyukada, where they can explore the charming old buildings, mansions, and villas.
From the ferry, participants can catch glimpses of iconic Istanbul landmarks like the Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, and Maiden’s Tower.
Upon arrival, visitors can rent an electric car to tour the car-free streets and sandy bays of the islands.
The tour also includes a relaxing lunch on the boat while taking in the stunning island views.
Itinerary
In an article titled ‘Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour With Lunch and Transfers’, the ITINERARY is as follows:
The tour begins with a cruise across the Marmara Sea to the Princes Islands, where visitors can explore the charming old buildings, mansions, and villas on the largest island, Buyukada.
Once on the island, guests can rent an electric car to tour the car-free streets for 25 minutes.
During the tour, they’ll enjoy lunch on the boat while taking in the scenic island views.
The tour also includes a visit to Kinaliada, the second-largest Princes Island, where visitors can walk around the sandy bays and swim in the serene pine forest.
Exploring Buyukada
Upon arriving on Buyukada, visitors can enjoy the island’s charming atmosphere, exploring its well-preserved old buildings, opulent mansions, and quaint villas that dot the car-free streets.
With no vehicles allowed, travelers can leisurely stroll through the picturesque town, taking in the island’s tranquil beauty.
One of the highlights is renting an electric car for a 25-minute tour, allowing visitors to cover more ground and see the island’s highlights, including its sandy bays and serene pine forests.
Visitors can also enjoy a delightful lunch on the boat as they take in the stunning views of the island and the surrounding Marmara Sea, creating a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Electric Car Tour
One of the highlights of exploring Buyukada is the opportunity to rent an electric car for a 25-minute tour, allowing visitors to cover more ground and see the island’s key attractions.
These compact, emission-free vehicles provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate the island’s car-free streets and soak in the charming sights at a leisurely pace.
Some of the key benefits of the electric car tour include:
- Effortless cruising through the island’s winding roads and scenic landscapes
- Avoiding the hassle of walking long distances in the heat
- Enjoying a unique perspective of Buyukada’s historic mansions, lush vegetation, and stunning seaside vistas
Lunch on the Boat
After exploring Buyukada by electric car, travelers can sit back and enjoy a delightful lunch on the boat as they take in the stunning island views.
The lunch service is provided during the cruise back to the mainland, offering a chance to refuel and savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine while surrounded by the serene Marmara Sea.
The meal is included in the tour package, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the island experience without worrying about additional expenses.
As the ferry glides across the calm waters, passengers can admire the scenic coastline and historic architecture of the Princes’ Islands from the comfort of their seats.
This relaxing lunch break is the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure and discovery.
Visiting Kinaliada
The tour then takes visitors to Kinaliada, the second largest of the Princes’ Islands. Travelers disembark the ferry and have the opportunity to explore this charming island, known for its car-free streets and tranquil pine forests.
Guests can wander the picturesque neighborhoods, admiring the historic mansions and villas that line the narrow lanes.
Key highlights of visiting Kinaliada include:
- Strolling along the sandy bays and swimming in the calm, clear waters
- Discovering the island’s lush green spaces and relaxing under the shade of towering pine trees
- Enjoying the peaceful, car-free ambiance as you explore the island’s unique architecture and local way of life.
Activities on the Islands
Visitors can partake in a variety of activities while exploring the Princes Islands. They can stroll along the car-free streets and sandy bays, taking in the island’s charming architecture and serene natural surroundings.
Guests may also choose to rent an electric car for a 25-minute tour, allowing them to cover more ground and see the highlights of the island.
Those seeking a relaxing experience can unwind in the tranquil pine forests, basking in the serene atmosphere. Swimming is another popular activity, with the calm waters of the Sea of Marmara providing a refreshing respite from the day’s explorations.
No matter their interests, visitors are sure to find plenty of ways to enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise With Live Performance, Folk Dance and DJ
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
- Small-Group Bosphorus Yacht Cruise in Istanbul
- #1 Rated Istanbul Party Pub Crawl W Party Bus/Sultanahmet&Taksim
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise With Stopover on the Asian Side – (Morning or Afternoon)
Important Information
Tours are conducted in both Arabic and English, catering to the diverse language preferences of visitors.
At the end of the tour, guests may have the opportunity to attend a free fashion show featuring leather goods.
Participants should keep in mind that itinerary details may vary slightly based on weather conditions or other factors beyond the tour operator’s control.
The tour offers:
- Pickup and drop-off service from hotels (if option chosen)
- Air-conditioned bus transportation
- Inclusive ferry tickets and local taxes
- A delicious lunch on the boat while admiring the island views
- A roundtrip ticket for a 25-minute electric car rental on Buyukada Island
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- 1 Tour: Istanbul Highlights Street Food & Hidden Pearls
- Private Custom Tours in Istanbul
- Istanbul: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour
- Bursa Full-Day Tour From Istanbul With Cable Car
- Istanbul: Party Pub Crawl With Party Bus
- Learn To Cook From a Local: Private Cooking Class In an Istanbul Home
- Istanbul Airport Transfers With Vip Cars Hotel Pickup Drop
- Istanbul: Dinner Cruise and Entertainment With Private Table
- 3 Day Gallipoli in Depth Tour From Istanbul With Troy
- Istanbul: Best of the City Private Full-Day Walking Tour
- Istanbul: Cagaloglu Hamam Experience
- Istanbul Essential : Private Guided Old City Tour
- Istanbul Old City And Bosphorus Tour
- Full-Day Istanbul Old City Walking Tour
- Istanbul Imperial & Bosphorus Tour – Incl. Lunch
Recap
The Princes Islands tour provides a tranquil escape from the lively streets of Istanbul.
Visitors can stroll through the car-free islands, explore historic buildings and villas, and enjoy a relaxing lunch on the boat.
With the option to rent an electric car and visit the serene Kinaliada, this tour offers a well-rounded experience to take in the islands’ natural beauty and charm.