Guests must be ready at the Meeting Point (in front of the Cibali Tram Station) at 09:00 AM sharp. Please arrive at least 10 minutes earlier to ensure a smooth departure for your Princes island tour.
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise in Istanbul | Private Yacht Tours
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Istanbul Prince's Island Tour
12 photos
Duration
8 Hours
Max People
50 People
Availability
All Year
Pick-up & Drop-Off
Exclude
Audio guide
On-demand, anytime
Written guide
Historical context
12 languages
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Audio Guide
by BOSPHORUS SUNSET
While your guide narrates in English on board, follow every landmark in your own language. Pause, rewind, or revisit the Bosphorus anytime — even after the tour.
🇹🇷 Türkçe
🇬🇧 English
🇩🇪 Deutsch
🇷🇺 Русский
🇫🇷 Français
🇮🇹 Italiano
🇯🇵 日本語
🇨🇳 中文
🇪🇸 Español
🇸🇦 العربية
🇵🇹 Português
🇰🇷 한국어
A day on the Princes Islands, by ferry
This is the budget version of the Princes Islands: the public ferry from Kabataş, plus a guide for the day on Büyükada — the largest and most-visited island. Total cost is €60 per person because it uses the normal ferry system rather than a private yacht. The ferry itself is part of the experience — 90 minutes each way through the Sea of Marmara with coastal views you’d never see from the Bosphorus.
The itinerary: 9 AM meet at Kabataş ferry terminal, take the public fast ferry to Büyükada. On the island you’ll have a walking and horse-and-carriage tour covering the main landmarks — the late-19th century wooden mansions on the uphill streets, the neoclassical Splendid Hotel, the Greek Orthodox monastery at the top of the highest hill (optional additional climb), and the small harbour with its fish restaurants. Lunch is on you — most people eat at a harbour restaurant (budget about €15–25 per person).
The return ferry leaves mid-afternoon; you’re back in central Istanbul by 5 or 6 PM.
Note: Büyükada banned horse-and-carriages in 2020 for animal welfare reasons. Replacement electric vehicles now serve the island — your tour uses those. Bicycles are also available to rent at the harbour if you prefer.
Who this is for: solo travellers and couples on a budget, anyone who wants the Princes Islands experience without committing to €800 for a private yacht. For the private swimming version, see the yacht swimming tour. For private yacht to the islands without swimming, see the Princes Island yacht tour.
Practical: comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets, some hills). The ferry runs year-round but the island is busiest July–August. For a quieter visit, book May, June, or September.
Included/Excluded
- Lunch
- Guiding service
- Bosphorus Boat Tickets
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
Tour Plan
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Prince's Island Tour – Itinerary
Meeting Point
Guests gather at the designated meeting point in central Istanbul.
Ferry Ride to the Princes’ Islands
Scenic cruise across the Sea of Marmara with city views.
Arrival in Büyükada
Introduction to the island and its peaceful atmosphere.
Island Exploration
See Ottoman mansions, traditional wooden houses, and pine forests.
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy Turkish cuisine with beautiful sea views.
Free Time on the Island
Relax, take photos, or explore the coastline.
Return Ferry to Istanbul
Afternoon boat ride back to the city.
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Meeting Point (In front of the Cibali Tram Station)
Day tour of the Princes Islands from Istanbul by public ferry. 9 AM meeting at Kabataş, 90-minute ferry to Büyükada, walking and electric-vehicle tour of the main sites, free time for lunch at the harbour. Return by 5–6 PM. From €60 per person — licensed guide, ferry tickets, island tour included.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We take the public ferry from Kabatas pier together as a group. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and is a scenic experience itself.
We visit Buyukada, the largest and most popular Princes Island. It has the best infrastructure for visitors with restaurants, historic mansions, and beautiful walking paths.
No. Motor vehicles are banned on the islands. Transportation is by eco-friendly electric vehicles and bicycles, which keeps the atmosphere peaceful and quiet.
Yes, lunch at a seaside restaurant on Buyukada is included. Fresh fish and traditional Turkish dishes with sea views.
Yes, the ferry operates year-round. Winter visits are quieter and have a unique charm, though some island restaurants may be closed.
€60,00
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Edward Reed (verified owner) –
This is a must-do when in Istanbul. The contrast between the city and the islands is stark. We loved the tranquility, the architecture, and the delicious food.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Edward! The stark contrast between the city and the tranquil islands is truly remarkable. The architecture and delicious food make this an essential Istanbul experience!
Jeffrey Hayes (verified owner) –
Superb. This tour offers a great mix of boat ride and exploration. The island is beautiful and serene. Our guide was very friendly and helpful.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Jeffrey! The great mix of boat ride and island exploration with a friendly guide is what makes this tour superb. We are glad you enjoyed the serene atmosphere!
Joseph White (verified owner) –
Excellent tour. Very well organized. The guide was passionate and shared great stories about the island’s history. A must-do in Istanbul.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Joseph! A passionate guide who shares great stories about the island’s history is what makes this tour stand out. So glad the organization was excellent!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Penelope Kokkinou (verified owner) –
Υπέροχη εμπειρία! Το νησί είναι πανέμορφο και ήσυχο. Η βόλτα με το ποδήλατο ήταν υπέροχη και το γεύμα δίπλα στη θάλασσα νοστιμότατο. Ιδανική εκδρομή για όσους θέλουν να ξεφύγουν από την πολύβουη πόλη.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Efcharistoume, Penelope! To nisi einai pragmatika panemorfo kai isycho. Charikan pou i volta me to podilato kai to gevma dipla sti thalassa sas aresan. Elpizo na sas xanadoume!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Charlotte Dubois (verified owner) –
Magnifique journée! La traversée en ferry offre une vue imprenable sur Istanbul. L’île est magnifique, pleine de charme et de tranquillité. Le déjeuner de poisson était frais et savoureux.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Merci beaucoup, Charlotte! La traversee en ferry avec sa vue imprenable et le charme tranquille de l’ile font de cette journee un moment inoubliable. Ravis que le dejeuner ait ete a la hauteur!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Nancy James (verified owner) –
This tour was amazing. The Princes’ Islands are a hidden paradise. The peaceful environment, the historical houses, and the sea views are incredible. The guide was very informative.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Nancy! We love hearing the Princes’ Islands described as a hidden paradise. The peaceful environment, historical houses, and sea views are truly incredible!
Oliver Brown (verified owner) –
A breath of fresh air, literally! The ferry ride was scenic, and the island is charming. We loved the old-fashioned atmosphere. Highly recommended for families.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Oliver! A breath of fresh air with that old-fashioned island atmosphere — perfectly described. Glad the scenic ferry ride and charming island impressed you!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Angela Russell (verified owner) –
Very nice tour. The island is beautiful. The only downside was a bit of a wait for the ferry on the return, but everything else was perfect.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Angela! We’re glad everything else was perfect. We appreciate the note about the return ferry wait — we’ll keep working to minimize those delays!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Emily Davies (verified owner) –
This tour was the highlight of our week. The Princes’ Islands are so peaceful. We loved walking through the streets and admiring the architecture. The lunch was delicious.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Emily! The Princes’ Islands’ peaceful streets and stunning architecture are a world away from the city buzz. So honored this was the highlight of your week!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Jessica Young (verified owner) –
Incredibly peaceful. The absence of cars is what makes this place special. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch by the sea and a nice long walk. The ferry ride back at sunset was magical.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Jessica! The car-free peace, leisurely seaside lunch, and a nice long walk — that’s the island life at its finest. The scenic ferry ride is the perfect bonus!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team