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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George Porter (verified owner) –
A very relaxing and enjoyable day. The Princes’ Islands are a unique place. The tour was well-paced and the guide was excellent. A great experience.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, George! A well-paced, relaxing day with an excellent guide on the unique Princes’ Islands — that’s exactly the experience we design. Glad you enjoyed it!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Brian Wood (verified owner) –
Excellent experience. The views from the ferry are stunning. Buyukada is a beautiful and tranquil place. The local lunch was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Brian! The stunning ferry views and the tranquil beauty of Buyukada make for a perfect day trip. A local lunch is always the ideal ending!
Alice Green (verified owner) –
Very nice and relaxing. A great break from Istanbul’s chaos. The island is beautiful. It was a bit crowded when we were there, but that’s to be expected in peak season. Still a great day.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Alice! A great break from Istanbul’s energy — the island’s beauty shines even on busier days. Glad you found it relaxing despite the crowds!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Margherita Romano (verified owner) –
Nel complesso una bella gita. L’isola è molto caratteristica e rilassante. 4 stelle perché il punto d’incontro non era segnalatissimo e abbiamo fatto un po’ di fatica a trovarlo. La guida però è stata molto disponibile e il tour è valso la pena.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Grazie per il feedback, Margherita! Prendiamo nota sulla segnalazione del punto d’incontro — lavoreremo per migliorarla. L’isola merita assolutamente la visita!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Sarah Parker (verified owner) –
Unforgettable day. The Princes’ Island tour offers a unique perspective. Walking through the streets lined with Victorian-era houses felt like stepping back in time. The lunch was perfect.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Sarah! Walking through streets lined with Victorian-era houses really does feel like stepping back in time. We are glad the day was unforgettable for you!
Benjamin Clark (verified owner) –
If you want to see a different side of Istanbul, do this tour. It’s so quiet and beautiful. We rented a bike and cycled around the whole island. Fantastic day.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Benjamin! Cycling around the entire island is one of the best ways to experience Buyukada’s peaceful beauty. So glad you discovered this different side of Istanbul!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Sophia Rossi (verified owner) –
Un’oasi di pace! L’isola è incantevole, le vecchie case in legno e i pini creano un’atmosfera unica. Il pranzo al ristorante sul mare è stato delizioso.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Grazie, Sophia! Le vecchie case in legno e i pini creano davvero un’atmosfera unica sull’isola. Siamo felici che il pranzo sul mare sia stato delizioso. Un’oasi di pace!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Siobhan O’Shea (verified owner) –
What a lovely day! The Princes’ Island tour was the highlight of our trip. We loved exploring the streets, admiring the beautiful houses, and enjoying the fresh sea air. The lunch was tasty and the staff were friendly. Highly recommend.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Siobhan! Being the highlight of your trip is the best compliment. The beautiful houses and island exploration make for a truly lovely day!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Fiona Gallagher (verified owner) –
Absolutely loved this tour! The Princes’ Islands are a hidden gem. We rented bikes and cycled around the entire island. The fresh air, the sea views, and the charming wooden houses made for a perfect day. The lunch at the seaside restaurant was delicious.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Fiona! Cycling around the entire island with fresh air and sea views is the ultimate Buyukada experience. So glad you discovered this hidden gem!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Katherine Rogers (verified owner) –
Very nice tour. The island is lovely. It was extremely hot the day we went, so exploring was a bit tiring, but that’s just the weather. The tour itself was great.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you for the honest feedback, Katherine! The island is lovely and we understand exploring in extreme heat can be tiring. We are glad the tour itself was well organized!