Bosphorus Sunset Cruise in Istanbul | Private Yacht Tours

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Istanbul Prince's Island Tour

Duration

8 Hours

Max People

50 People

Availability

All Year

Pick-up & Drop-Off

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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.
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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

. 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.

. Meeting Point (In front of the Cibali Tram Station)

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.

Cibali Tram Station Maps link

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.

What our guests say
★★★★★
84 reviews · 4.83/5
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  1. Brendan Murphy (verified owner)

    This tour exceeded my expectations. The ferry journey alone is worth the price. But then you arrive on Büyükada and it feels like a different world. The old Ottoman-era mansions are stunning. A must-do in Istanbul.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Thank you, Brendan! Arriving on Buyukada and feeling like you’ve entered a different world — that’s the magic of the Princes’ Islands. So glad the tour exceeded your expectations!

      — Bosphorus Sunset Team

  2. Andrew Nelson (verified owner)

    Excellent escape from the city. The pine-scented air and sea views are wonderful. We enjoyed exploring the island on foot. Highly recommend this tour.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Thank you, Andrew! The pine-scented air and sea views are truly wonderful escapes from the city. Exploring on foot is the best way to soak in the island atmosphere. We highly appreciate your recommendation!

  3. Mark Gray (verified owner)

    Great escape from the big city. The ferry ride was nice and the island is very pretty. We loved seeing all the old wooden mansions.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Thank you, Mark! The old wooden mansions on the island are truly fascinating. A nice ferry ride and a pretty island make for a great escape from the big city!

  4. Matthew Thomas (verified owner)

    If you have a day to spare in Istanbul, do this. It’s a completely different vibe. The ferry ride itself is a great tour of the coastline. The island is beautiful.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Thank you, Matthew! The ferry ride as a coastline tour in itself, plus the completely different island vibe — that’s what makes this day trip so special. Glad you recommend it!

      — Bosphorus Sunset Team

  5. Enrique Dominguez (verified owner)

    Increíble. Las Islas de los Príncipes son un paraíso de tranquilidad. Paseamos en bicicleta, comimos pescado fresco y nos bañamos en el mar. Un día perfecto lejos del bullicio de Estambul. El tour está muy bien organizado.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Muchas gracias, Enrique! Bicicleta, pescado fresco y un bano en el mar — un dia perfecto en las Islas de los Principes. Es realmente un paraiso de tranquilidad!

      — Bosphorus Sunset Team

  6. Isabella Fernandez (verified owner)

    ¡Increíble experiencia! El tour a las Islas de los Príncipes fue lo más destacado de nuestro viaje. Pasear en bicicleta por la isla principal y disfrutar de la brisa marina fue perfecto.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Muchas gracias, Isabella! Pasear en bicicleta por Buyukada es realmente una experiencia destacada. Nos alegra que haya sido lo mejor de su viaje a Estambul!

      — Bosphorus Sunset Team

  7. Frank Morris (verified owner)

    A wonderful, relaxing day. The ferry ride gives you great views of Istanbul from the water. The island is beautiful and car-free. A perfect break.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Thank you, Frank! The ferry ride with great views of Istanbul and the beautiful car-free island truly make for a perfect break. We are glad it was a wonderful relaxing day!

  8. Henry Perez (verified owner)

    Absolutely loved it! The Princes’ Islands are a must-see. The combination of a boat trip and island exploration is perfect. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Thank you, Henry! We are thrilled you loved the combination of a boat trip and island exploration. A knowledgeable guide makes all the difference on this tour. Glad it was a must-do for you!

  9. Amy Sanders (verified owner)

    Maravilloso! Las islas son preciosas. Alquilar una bicicleta fue la mejor decisión para explorar. El almuerzo con vistas al mar fue espectacular. Lo recomiendo mucho.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Muchas gracias, Amy! Alquilar una bicicleta es sin duda la mejor forma de explorar las islas. El almuerzo con vistas al mar es siempre espectacular. Esperamos verte de nuevo!

  10. Daniel Simmons (verified owner)

    Wonderful trip. The scenery is beautiful. We opted to walk around and explore, and it was perfect. So many charming streets and viewpoints.

    • Bosphorus Sunset Team

      Thank you, Daniel! Walking around and discovering charming streets and viewpoints is the best way to experience the island. We are glad the scenery was beautiful for you!

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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.

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