Water activity

Istanbul: Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to Princes Islands

Activity provider: Istanbul Welcome Card
Water activity

Istanbul: Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to Princes Islands

Activity provider: Istanbul Welcome Card

From US$ 10.76 per person

Escape the hustle of Istanbul with return ferry tickets across the Marmara Sea to the Princes' Islands. Arrive at Büyükada (Big Island) where you can admire the magnificent old villas, rent a bike, and explore the historic sights at your own pace.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Valid 1 day
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Host or greeter
English
Audio guide included
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Take a walk and get used to the silence that reigns on the island
  • See a pharmacy from 1870 and feel like being in a time tunnel
  • Visit the ruins of Trotsky house and St. George Church
Full description

Exchange your voucher at the ticket office in Kabatas and get access to the boat. The boat departs from Kabatas ferry station in the morning and returns in the evening. A Marine Officer will welcome you at the departure pier, help you onto the boat, hand you a Bosphorus cruise plan, and explain to you what you will see during the crossing. Set off for the Princes' Islands, which in Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times were used as exile sites and as a monastery region. Today only 4 of the total 9 Princes’ Islands are open to public settlement. Arrive at the most famous and beautiful of these islands called Büyükada, or 'Big Island'. Spend the day exploring the island at your own pace. Take a walk through the center and get used to the silence that reigns on the island. See the Merkez Eczanesi, a pharmacy from 1870, and feel you have stepped back in time.

Go to Hamlaci Street 4 and see the ruins of the villa where Trotsky lived in exile between 1929 and 1933, writing his autobiography and 3 volumes on the "History of the Russian Revolution". Alternatively, rent a bike and cycle around the island admiring the magnificent old villas lining the streets. Explore the Greek Orthodox St. George Church on top of the island's tallest hill where you can also admire fantastic views of Istanbul, the Marmara Sea, and the neighboring islands. 

Stop over and visit the former Greek Orphanage, Europe’s largest and the world's 2nd largest wooden house. Enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the many restaurants around the harbor. Go to one of the public beaches (Halk Plaji) or beach clubs for swimming and sunbathing. If you like hiking, you can also walk around the island on foot. When you have finished exploring, take the return ferry to Istanbul at your leisure. The boat departs Büyukada (Big Island) to return to Kabatas ferry station at 3:30 PM.

Includes
  • Round-trip ferry ticket
  • Self-guided tour via an app
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Ferry Departure Point: the pier is located in Kabatas, across tram line number 1 and funicular, close to Dolmabahce Palace. Make your way to the 'Dentur Avrasya Kabataş İskelesi' ticket counter behind the red petrol station. Is it recommended that you use public transport to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Directions: • From Taksim: by foot or via funicular F1 (5 minutes) • From Dolmabahce Palace: by foot (5 minutes) • From Sultanahmet: tram T1 (15 minutes) • From Besiktas: by foot or via bus (5 minutes) • From Galataport: by foot (5 minutes) • From Galata Tower: by foot or tram T1 (10 minutes)

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Important information

What to bring

  • Headphones
  • Charged Smartphone

Not allowed

  • Pets

Know before you go

  • The ferry departs at 9:45 AM
  • The last boat returns from the Island is 3:30 PM. You will receive the most up-to-date informations before the tour starts
Customer reviews

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 131 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.2/5
  • Transportation
    4.1/5
  • Service
    3.5/5
  • Organization
    3.3/5

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This was a nice trip, but if you are interested in just visiting the islands by yourself, just but the tickets at the ferry terminal. There was also a cancelled ferry and we never hear about it until we arrived at the terminal. But there are some nice cafes you can hang around.

March 25, 2023

The guys at the ticket office were excellent, very helpful, and friendly. The trip was good but it wasn't clear on the information that the boat stopped at the other islands first so this was, at first confusing. It would help on the map to have an indication of how long it takes to walk both the short and long routes and where there are useable toilets on those routes. The Island Museum was very informative and interesting, the kind gentlemen that runs it was extremely friendly and helpful, it's a pity that not many people went there.

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March 25, 2023

Ein ganz besonderes Erlebnis für alle die Istanbul schon zu kennen glauben. Gerade an diesem Sonntag zog es bei schönstem Wetter nicht nur Touristen sondern auch viele Istanbuler auf die Inseln. Dort gibt es eine wunderbare Bäderarchitektur und gute Gastronomie und dank fehlender Verbrenner-Fahrzeuge ist eine sehr schöne Urlaubsstimmung.

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March 25, 2023

Product ID: 260867