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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Charles Scott (verified owner) –
Great tour. The ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara was beautiful. The island is very peaceful and the old houses are fascinating. A must-do.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Charles! The ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara and the peaceful island with its fascinating old houses make this tour truly special. Glad you found it a must-do!
Steven Hughes (verified owner) –
A fantastic day out. Very well organized. The island is stunning and car-free, which makes for a very relaxing experience. The lunch was great.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Steven! The car-free nature of the island is what makes the experience so uniquely relaxing. We are glad the organization and lunch met your expectations!
Ralph Stevens (verified owner) –
Highly recommended day trip. The scenery is stunning and the atmosphere is so peaceful. We loved exploring the island and learning about its history from our guide.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Ralph! The stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere are what make this day trip so special. Glad our guide’s historical insights added to the experience!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
William Harris (verified owner) –
Superbe journée! L’île est magnifique et l’ambiance est très détendue. Le trajet en ferry est agréable et offre de belles vues. Je recommande à 100%.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Merci, William! L’ile est magnifique et l’ambiance detendue est exactement ce dont on a besoin. Le ferry offre de belles vues en bonus. 100% recommande en retour!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Diana Simmons (verified owner) –
Perfect escape! We loved every minute. The pine forests, the sea air, the charming houses. The lunch at the seaside restaurant was the cherry on top.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Diana! Pine forests, sea air, charming houses, and a seaside lunch truly is the perfect escape. We are thrilled you loved every minute!
Declan O’Brien (verified owner) –
This tour is a gem. It’s so well-organized and the destination is beautiful. Büyükada is like a step back in time. The absence of cars makes it so peaceful. We had a brilliant day.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Declan! A step back in time on a car-free island — that’s the magic of Buyukada. So glad the organization and destination both impressed you!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Emma Taylor (verified owner) –
Very nice and relaxing. The island is beautiful. It was a bit windy on the day we went, but that’s not the tour’s fault. Still a 5-star experience overall, but I’ll give 4 for the weather.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Emma! A 5-star experience even on a windy day — that says a lot about the island’s beauty. Glad you had a relaxing and lovely time!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Jack Lewis (verified owner) –
A perfect day out. The Princes’ Island tour is a great way to see a different perspective of Istanbul. The old mansions are beautiful. Highly recommended.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Jack! The old mansions and the different perspective of Istanbul from the Princes’ Islands — it’s a side of the city most visitors don’t expect. Glad you recommend it!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Kevin Morgan (verified owner) –
Top notch tour. The guide was excellent and the itinerary was perfect. The Princes’ Islands are a beautiful escape. The lunch by the sea was delicious.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Kevin! We are thrilled the guide was excellent and the itinerary perfect. Lunch by the sea on the Princes’ Islands is always a delicious highlight!
James Sullivan (verified owner) –
Great value for money. The ferry trip alone is worth it, but exploring Buyukada takes it to another level. The absence of traffic is so calming.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, James! The ferry ride plus Buyukada’s car-free tranquility is unbeatable value. Glad the calming absence of traffic made it special for you!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team