Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Buyukada

Ferries, mansions, and sea air in one day. This Princes Islands tour from Istanbul sends you to Heybeliada and Büyükada, with a guide onboard, plus lunch built into the day.

I love the included lunch on board, because it removes the meal stress and keeps your timing smooth. I also love the free island time, so you get to wander at your pace instead of being herded from stop to stop.

One thing to plan for: both islands have steep hills, so pack proper shoes, and expect a short shopping stop at the end.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands, one smooth island getaway: You cruise across the Sea of Marmara, with Istanbul gradually fading from view.
• Guided time plus genuine free time: Heybeliada and Büyükada both come with time to explore on your own.
• Lunch is part of the deal: Turkish dishes served on board, plus tea and coffee available for purchase.
• On-island movement is optional: You can rent a bicycle or an electric vehicle on Büyükada, on your own.
• A fun return ride: Music and dancing are often part of the boat atmosphere on the way back.

Princes Islands in a Day: what you really get

This is a classic Istanbul escape: a full day on the Princes Islands, designed for people who want sea views and island vibes without planning ferries, tickets, or schedules. The tour runs about 8 hours, with hotel pickup in many areas (if you select it) and a guided ferry cruise between Istanbul and the islands.

You’ll spend your time in two places. First comes the calmer, greener island, usually Heybeliada. Then you shift to Büyükada, the big one, known for grand mansions and easier opportunities to explore with rented transport. The day also includes a Turkish lunch served onboard, and you get free time after lunch to keep the pace comfortable.

The value is the mix of guided context plus room to wander. You’re not just looking from a dock. You’re actually walking, sightseeing, and choosing how energetic you want to be.

Getting to the boat: Kadir Has University and the MİLANA

If you’re joining via the ship’s meeting point, it departs from the area across Kadir Has University. One practical route: take the T5 tram from Sirkeci and get off at Cibali, then walk toward the water.

When you arrive, look for the boat named MİLANA. If your plan includes hotel pickup, you can typically choose pickup from multiple Istanbul areas, including Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Kabataş, Eminönü, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Laleli, Beyazıt, and Vezneciler. Pickup happens between 08:00 and 09:15, so confirm your time and be ready in the lobby about 10 minutes early.

This matters because island days reward punctuality. Ferries wait for people, not for confusion. Show up early, grab your seat, and you’ll start enjoying the day the moment the group boards.

Sea of Marmara views plus onboard guidance

The cruise portion is more than transportation. You get a guided, information-filled ride, with views that help you understand why the Princes Islands feel so different from Istanbul proper.

You’ll pass by islands like Kınalıada and Burgaz Island during the day. Even if you never step off at every stop, watching the coastline change from the water gives you instant perspective. The islands sit in the Sea of Marmara in a way that makes the day feel lighter, breezier, and calmer than any street-level sightseeing.

Onboard, tea, coffee, and snacks are available for purchase. A professional photographer is also on the boat. If you like photos, ask about the price first, because the photographer is there to sell prints.

And yes, the vibe on the return trip can be lively. Several departures include music and dancing on the boat back to Istanbul, which turns the trip home into a fun group moment rather than just a quiet ride.

Heybeliada: green island time, short walks, and possible monastery stops

Heybeliada is the “green” one in this pair, and the schedule gives you breathing room. After the initial ferry ride, you reach the first island and get a short, guided orientation, plus free time. The free time can include a walk around the port area and nearby viewpoints.

One practical note: Heybeliada can sometimes be replaced by a different island depending on conditions, so don’t treat the exact name as guaranteed. What stays consistent is the overall structure: guided info on arrival, then time to explore.

If you’re into historic sights, plan for some walking. On Heybeliada, the Greek monastery area is commonly visited and is described as a short walk from the boat. In summer months, swimming may be available during your island time. In winter, expect cooler temperatures and focus more on scenery and strolling than beach time.

If you like your day to feel relaxed, Heybeliada is often the softer start. You’ll usually feel the change from Istanbul right away, with quieter streets and more room to slow down.

Büyükada: mansions, steep hills, and how to use your 3 hours

Büyükada is where the day can feel most “island-like.” You’ll typically have around 3 hours there, including guided explanations, photo stops, and sightseeing time, plus your own exploration after the group info.

This is also the time for optional transport. You can rent a bicycle or an electric vehicle on the island, but rentals are your choice and not included in the ticket price. You might also see electric local transport used by some participants as a practical way to cover distance without burning energy.

The island is famous for mansions and old architecture, and it can come with steep climbs. Reviews often highlight monasteries and scenic spots reached by walking, sometimes on challenging hills. If you’re sensitive to uphill walks, wear supportive shoes and pace yourself.

There are also extra sights you may encounter if you’re curious on arrival, like ruins connected to historic stories (Trotsky’s house is mentioned in return feedback). If St George Church is on your wishlist, keep your Istanbul card topped up, since local entry or transport costs may come up once you’re off the ferry.

In short, Büyükada is the best place to decide how active you want to be. Walk it, rent something, or mix both.

Lunch on board: Turkish dishes with one water included

Lunch is one of the biggest reasons this tour works well for first-timers. You don’t need to search for restaurants near the pier, negotiate menus in a second language, or worry about getting back to the boat on time.

Lunch is served on board with one water included (for the option that includes lunch). The food is described as Turkish dishes, and the timing fits the day naturally because it happens after your first island stop.

Also useful: tea, coffee, and snacks are available for purchase onboard. That gives you flexibility if you want something extra beyond the included meal, but it does mean drinks beyond the single water are not free.

A good strategy here is simple: eat well, then use your post-lunch free time with energy. If you plan to climb hills on Büyükada, you’ll appreciate the fuel. If you don’t, you can still enjoy longer walks, photos, and shaded breaks without feeling rushed.

Swimming reality check: summer-only and possible beach fees

Swimming is possible, but the tour doesn’t promise it year-round. The option to swim on the islands is available only during summer months. When swimming is available, you’ll have access to both free public beaches and private paid beaches.

Important for budgeting: beach entrance fees for swimming are not included, and entry fees for specific swim spots are also not included. That means if you want a particular beach or club, you’ll pay on your own.

If swimming is a priority, bring a swimsuit, towel, and sandals you can handle on uneven ground. In warm weather, it’s a fun way to break up island sightseeing. In cooler months, plan for sea views and walking instead.

The return ride and the short shopping stop in Sultanahmet

Coming back to Istanbul, the tour keeps the momentum. You’ll cruise again across the water, and some days turn the return into a party-like atmosphere with music and dancing onboard. It’s a fun reset after a day of walking.

Once you reach the city, there’s typically a short shopping stop in the Sultanahmet District for about 30 minutes, before you’re dropped back at selected areas or your hotel (depending on your pickup option).

This part is brief, so you’ll want a mindset shift. Treat it as a chance to grab a small souvenir if it fits your travel style. If you’re not interested in shopping, use the time to rest, freshen up, and save your energy for the evening.

Some groups also report that the shopping stop can involve a promotional presentation style, including leather or fur displays. Since it’s short, it’s usually more of a “stop by and decide” situation than a long commitment.

Price and value: why around $18 can work in Istanbul

At around $18 per person for an 8-hour island day, the big value is what’s already bundled together: ferry transfers between islands, air-conditioned transport for the group segments, a guided day structure, and lunch onboard (for the option that includes it). For many visitors, that’s the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

What you should think about is what might cost extra once you’re there. Drinks beyond the included water, any bicycle or electric vehicle rental, and swimming-related beach fees (in summer) are not included. If you want to buy photos from the onboard photographer, that’s also extra.

So the value comes down to you. If you’re happy with a guided day plus island free time, and you don’t mind paying a little for optional add-ons, this is a budget-friendly way to see both islands. If you want fully private transport, unlimited time on each island, or all meals and entry fees handled, you may prefer a more flexible option.

Who should book: the best match and the main mismatch

This tour fits best if you want a simple, structured day away from Istanbul’s streets. It’s also a great fit for people who like guided storytelling but still want time to roam independently. The included lunch helps a lot, especially if you’re arriving with limited patience for planning.

It can be especially appealing in off-peak seasons. Some winter experiences are reported as serene, with fewer crowds than you’d expect from popular sites. If you’re visiting in December or other quieter months, island life can feel calmer and more peaceful.

The main mismatch is time and terrain. Büyükada includes steep hills, and the total island time is limited compared to what you could do if you stayed longer or came without a schedule. If you’re someone who dislikes uphill walking, you’ll want to bring your own coping plan, like optional electric transport or focusing on the easier port-area wander.

Should you book this Princes Islands tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada?

I’d book it if your goal is a high-value day trip that trades complexity for comfort: ferry rides, a real meal onboard, guided stops, and enough free time to experience island streets and sea views. It’s also a good choice if you want to try the Princes Islands for the first time without committing to planning ferries yourself.

I wouldn’t book it if you want hours of solo time on just one island, or if steep hills sound like misery. In that case, you might prefer a more flexible plan that lets you control your pace and spending.

If you do book, pack good shoes, keep your Istanbul card topped up for potential church or transport costs, and bring swim gear only if you’re traveling in summer. That combination turns a simple ferry day into a memory you’ll actually remember.

FAQ

How long is the Princes Islands tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes air-conditioned transport (when the pickup option is selected), ferry tickets for the island transfers, and lunch served on board with one water (if you select the option with lunch).

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you choose that option. Pickup and drop-off areas include places like Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Kabataş, Eminönü, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Laleli, Beyazıt, and Vezneciler.

Will I have free time on Heybeliada and Büyükada?

Yes. You get free time at Heybeliada and also free time on Büyükada after the lunch break.

Where does the tour meet if I’m going to the port myself?

The ship departs from across Kadir Has University. You can reach it using the T5 tram from Sirkeci and getting off at Cibali, then walk toward the water. Look for the boat named MİLANA.

Is swimming included?

Swimming may be available during the island free time, but it is only offered in summer months. Beach entrance fees are not included.

Is the electric vehicle or bicycle included?

No. Electric vehicles and bicycles are not included in the tour price. If you rent them, it’s your choice and you pay separately.

What languages are available for the guide?

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

Is there shopping during the day?

Yes. After returning to Istanbul, there is a short shopping stop in the Sultanahmet District for about 30 minutes, before drop-off.