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.
Alexander Wright (verified owner) –
A great escape from the busy streets. The pine forests and sea views were amazing. The electric vehicle tour was very convenient and informative.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Alexander! The pine forests, sea views, and convenient electric vehicle tour make for a perfect escape. Glad it was both informative and relaxing!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Hannah Robinson (verified owner) –
I loved this tour! Cycling around Buyukada was so much fun. The island is clean, green, and incredibly charming. The lunch was fresh and tasty.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Hannah! Cycling around Buyukada on a clean, green island with fresh, tasty lunch — that sounds like the perfect day. So glad you loved it!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Liam O’Connell (verified owner) –
A perfect escape from the city hustle! The ferry ride was beautiful and Buyukada is stunning. We loved the horse-drawn carriage and the fresh sea air. Highly recommend this trip.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Liam! Buyukada’s car-free charm and fresh sea air make it a perfect escape. So glad you enjoyed the horse-drawn carriage ride and the beautiful ferry crossing!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Dimitri Petrov (verified owner) –
A fantastic day out. The organization was seamless from the meeting point to the return ferry. The island itself is beautiful and peaceful. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the Princes’ Islands. Highly recommended.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Dimitri! Seamless organization from meeting point to return ferry is what we strive for. Glad the beautiful, peaceful island and our guide impressed you!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Ella Baker (verified owner) –
Una experiencia maravillosa. La isla es preciosa, llena de historia y naturaleza. El paseo en bicicleta fue lo mejor. El almuerzo frente al mar, inolvidable.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Muchas gracias, Ella! La isla es un tesoro de historia y naturaleza. El paseo en bicicleta y el almuerzo frente al mar hacen de este tour una experiencia inolvidable!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Chloe Wilson (verified owner) –
The Princes’ Islands are a hidden gem. The tour was seamless from the meeting point to the return ferry. Our guide was friendly and gave great recommendations for our free time.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Chloe! The Princes’ Islands truly are a hidden gem. We’re glad the tour was seamless and our friendly guide’s recommendations added to the experience!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Jason Rivera (verified owner) –
If you want a relaxing day away from the crowds, this is it. The Princes’ Island tour was the highlight. We enjoyed the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Jason! A relaxing day away from the crowds with fresh air and peaceful atmosphere is the essence of the Princes’ Island experience. We are glad it was your highlight!
Robert Phillips (verified owner) –
Fantastic value. The ferry journey is scenic, and Buyukada is a beautiful island. The electric vehicle tour was a great way to see the highlights.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Robert! Fantastic value is what we aim for. The scenic ferry journey to Buyukada combined with the electric vehicle tour truly covers all the highlights!
Arthur Donovan (verified owner) –
A wonderful escape from the city. The ferry ride across the Marmara Sea was smooth and offered great views. Büyükada is incredibly peaceful without any cars. We loved walking through the pine forests and admiring the old mansions. A perfect day trip.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Arthur! The ferry across the Marmara with great views followed by Buyukada’s car-free peace — what a wonderful escape. Glad the whole experience delivered!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team
Jasper de Wit (verified owner) –
A great day trip. The organization was perfect. The ferry ride is scenic and the island is beautiful. We especially enjoyed seeing the old wooden villas. A very relaxing experience.
Bosphorus Sunset Team –
Thank you, Jasper! The scenic ferry ride and beautiful old wooden villas are highlights that never get old. Glad the organization was perfect from start to finish!
— Bosphorus Sunset Team