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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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.
Guests gather at the designated meeting point in central Istanbul.
Scenic cruise across the Sea of Marmara with city views.
Introduction to the island and its peaceful atmosphere.
See Ottoman mansions, traditional wooden houses, and pine forests.
Enjoy Turkish cuisine with beautiful sea views.
Relax, take photos, or explore the coastline.
Afternoon boat ride back to the city.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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
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
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
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!
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!
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!
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!