Prince Islands day trips change your pace fast. This one gives you sea views, island time, and a guided storyline without complicated planning. I like that the day is built around real time on the water and on the islands, not just photo stops from a bus. I also like the people factor: guides such as Oktay and Sulayman are often mentioned for making the schedule feel smooth and friendly. The main thing to keep in mind is timing—Büyükada has the most freedom, while Heybeliada is shorter, and the terrain can be hilly.

You should expect a relaxed cruise across the Sea of Marmara, with Istanbul slowly sliding out of view. Then you get breaks on Heybeliada and Büyükada, plus lunch served on board when you choose that option. One possible drawback: the end-of-tour shopping stop can feel salesy, and if you’re hoping for lots of swimming time, it’s limited to summer months.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Two islands, one day: Heybeliada first, then Büyükada with the longer stay
• Lunch onboard: Turkish dishes served with one water (when selected)
• Real freedom on the islands: walk, browse, and (in summer) swim on your own schedule
• Mansion sightseeing on Büyükada: electric-car style coverage of mansion streets
• Return cruise atmosphere: music and dancing can turn the ride back into the fun part of the day

Entering The Day: Pickup, Boat Name, and Getting Oriented Fast

This tour runs about 8 hours total, starting with pickup from many areas in Istanbul. Your hotel pickup window is typically between 08:00 and 09:15, depending on where you’re staying. If you’re not doing hotel pickup, the meeting point is by the water across Kadir Has University, and the ship you’re looking for is named MİLANA.

If you’re using public transit, the port is reachable by the T5 tram from Sirkeci to Cibali. Either way, the best move is to get there early. You’ll be boarding a ferry and then switching into island timing, so a calm start prevents the usual last-minute stress.

The Cruise Out: Sea of Marmara Views and What Pass-By Stops Mean

You start with a coach ride (around 45 minutes) to the water, then settle into the ferry cruise. The boat portion takes roughly 1.5 hours before the first island stop, and this is where the day’s mood changes. You see Istanbul’s shoreline fade into open water, and the Sea of Marmara has that breezy, salty feeling that makes even a short trip feel like a vacation.

Along the way, you may pass by islands such as Kınalıada and Burgaz Island. These aren’t meant to steal your attention from the main plan. Instead, they’re a preview—nice for photos, and useful context when you later land on Heybeliada and Büyükada.

Heybeliada: Short Walks, Green Views, and Monastery-Style Opportunities

Heybeliada is often described as the greener island, and it’s the first stop after the crossing. The plan typically includes a photo stop and guided tour before you get free time. Depending on the day, Heybeliada may even be swapped for another island—so don’t count on one exact storefront or one exact viewpoint.

Your free time here is generally around 45 minutes of walking, which is enough for a focused taste of the island. Wear shoes you can walk in. Hills are part of the experience, and some of the most interesting sights on these islands involve uphill walking.

If you want something specific to aim for, you’ll often hear about the Greek monastery area on Heybeliada. It’s not far on foot from the boat, but it’s still a climb. The practical strategy is to go early during your free time so you’re not rushing at the end.

Büyükada: Mansions, Lunch On Board, and the Best Use of Your Time

This is the main event island. Büyükada gets the longer slice of your day—around 3 hours of free time—so you can actually slow down. You’ll also get guided explanations when you arrive, plus time to see sights and wander.

Before or during the Büyükada portion, lunch is served on board. Lunch is included if you select the option, and it’s described as fresh seasonal Turkish dishes served with one water. I like this setup because it prevents the classic day-trip problem: you land on an island, everything looks great, and suddenly you’re paying city prices for lunch while trying to find your way.

Büyükada is also where the tour leans into “how the island looks” rather than “only where you stand.” One of the highlights is a ride that covers mansion areas via an electric car tour style approach. Even if you prefer walking, that coverage helps you see the island’s character without trying to cover too many hills on foot.

You’ll likely pass or visit viewpoints and street areas where old houses and sea views are the point. If you want to make this time really count, choose one “big idea” and one “casual idea.” Big idea could be a monastery or a viewpoint. Casual idea could be café time or wandering the waterfront streets.

Your 3-Hour Free Window: Swimming, Bikes, and Electric Vehicles (What’s Actually Yours to Choose)

Once lunch is over, you’re given freedom to explore. This is when you can make the day fit your style: wander, snack, browse, or move faster with rented transport.

On the island, you might find options to rent bicycles or an electric vehicle. Important practical note: any rentals are your choice. The provider specifically says renting and using these vehicles is your responsibility, so don’t assume someone is guaranteeing the vehicle’s condition for you.

Swimming is possible, but it’s seasonal. The tour information notes that swimming is only available during summer months, and there are both free public beaches and paid spots. Also, beach entrance fees and swimming spot fees aren’t included, so if you’re planning a swim, keep a little extra budget ready for that.

If you’re visiting outside summer, think of “swimming” as a maybe—not a plan. In colder months, the islands can still feel peaceful and scenic, and your best value is time for walking and sea-air views.

The Return: Music and Dancing, Plus The Reality of the Shopping Stop

After your island time, you head back with another cruise (about 1.5 hours). On the return ride, the vibe can be more playful than you’d expect for a history-and-scenery day trip. Many people note music and dancing on board, and it’s one of those small-group moments that makes the trip feel lighter at the end.

When you return to Istanbul, there’s a short shopping stop in the Sultanahmet district (about 30 minutes). This is a “time budget” decision: you get the show-room segment, but it doesn’t add much to the islands experience itself. If you love browsing for leather/fur-style items, it can be a bonus. If you dislike sales stops, treat it like a brief detour rather than a highlight.

Finally, you’re dropped off at multiple locations, including areas like Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Beyoğlu, İstanbul (likely central), and Milana Gezi Teknesi. If you’re using hotel pickup, your return drop-off should match what you chose.

Logistics That Matter: Shoes, Time Planning, and The Photographer Factor

This tour is simple, but the islands can be physically “honest.” People mention that both islands can involve steep hills when you aim for monasteries or certain viewpoints. So yes—bring walking shoes. Flip-flops are cute on the beach, but they’re less cute on an uphill path.

Another small thing that can annoy some people: a professional photographer may be on board. You can choose whether to buy photos. If you’re sensitive to upsells, just decide in advance what you’ll do if someone approaches you about pricing.

Also remember: onboard drinks other than lunch water may be for purchase. Tea and coffee and snacks are available at reasonable prices, but the tour doesn’t include everything you might want to drink.

Price and Value: Is $18 Actually Good for This Much Day?

For a listed price around $18 per person, this tour is strong on value because it bundles the big pieces that usually cost extra on your own. You get transport to the port, ferry transfers, guided interpretation, lunch onboard (when selected), and built-in time on two islands.

The key value isn’t just the price tag—it’s that you don’t have to solve the route. Istanbul to Princes’ Islands can be straightforward, but doing it as a DIY day trip means coordinating ferries, timing, and where you’ll spend your limited hours. Here, the schedule does that work for you.

You do pay a tradeoff: you don’t get unlimited time on each island. If your dream is long wandering on one island, this tour may feel a bit scheduled. But if you want a calm break from the city without spending an entire day commuting, this format makes sense.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Different)

This is a great fit if you want:

• an easy, guided escape from Istanbul
• a day focused on sea air, island streets, and viewpoints
• a plan that includes lunch without hunting for a restaurant

It may be less ideal if you want:

• lots of time on one island (Büyükada gets more time, Heybeliada is shorter)
• a fully self-paced day where you never deal with shopping stops
• a day centered on deep, technical touring of one site type

One smart approach is to treat this as “two islands worth seeing,” not “everything you could do on Büyükada.” With that mindset, the timing feels less like a compromise.

Should You Book This Princes Islands Tour?

Yes, I’d book this tour if you want a low-stress day with good value, island time, and a guided structure. It’s especially worth booking when you care more about atmosphere than about checking off a giant list of sites.

Before you go, do two quick checks: bring shoes for hills, and decide whether you’ll enjoy the brief shopping segment at the end. If you want peaceful scenery plus a fun return ride with music, this one has the right ingredients.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Princes Islands tour to Heybeliada and Büyükada?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Is lunch included on the tour?

Lunch is served on board with one water if you select the option that includes lunch.

Do I get ferry tickets as part of the tour?

Yes. Ferry tickets for the islands transfers are included.

What time does pickup happen?

Pickup happens between about 08:00 and 09:15, depending on your location.

Where is the meeting point if I don’t do hotel pickup?

The ship departs from across Kadir Has University. You should look for a boat named MİLANA near the water.

Is swimming included?

Swimming may be possible during summer months, but beach entrance fees for swimming spots are not included. There are free public beaches and also paid private beaches.

What languages are the guides available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, Arabic, and Russian.

Is there any shopping during the tour?

Yes. There is a short shopping stop in the Sultanahmet district before you’re dropped back to your hotel area.

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