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Sea of Marmara

Sea of Marmara: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Istanbul: Princes' Islands Cruise with Lunch & Transfer

1. From Istanbul: Princes' Islands Cruise with Lunch & Transfer

Cruise across the deep-blue waters of the Marmara Sea on a boat tour departing from Istanbul. Experience two of the nearby Princes's Islands, Büyükada and Kınalıada, with free time to explore each. Enjoy a hotel transfer and a delicious buffet lunch on board. Get picked up from your hotel in Istanbul, then head to the port to board your boat. Set sail into the mesmerizing ocean surrounding the city and navigate to Kınalıada. Take a short walking tour with your guide and learn about the island along the way. Hop back on the boat and eat a buffet lunch to recharge your energy before traveling to your next destination. Make a stop at Büyükada, the largest of the nine islands, and have plenty of free time to discover at your own pace. Relax on the quiet beaches and go for a refreshing swim. Alternatively, rent an electric bike or scooter, as cars aren't allowed on the island. Ride conveniently among the glorious mansions with their characteristic balconies. Finally, get back on the boa for your return trip to Istanbul, then sit back on the ride to your hotel.

Istanbul: Day Trip to the Princes' Islands

2. Istanbul: Day Trip to the Princes' Islands

Only an hour’s ferry ride from the city center, the Princes’ Islands consist of 9 small islands that will transport you back in time and away from hectic city life. Spend a day exploring 2 of these islands, Heybeliada and Buyukada, to gain insight into a multicultural society in modern Turkey, akin to the multicultural society that existed here during the Ottoman Empire. Start with a cruise over the Marmara Sea to Heybeliada for a walking tour. Ride through the pine forests next to picturesque bays and past old villas. Then, take a ferry over to the largest island, Buyukada, and have lunch at a nice restaurant. Spend the afternoon enjoying the cheerful local life near the village square. Admire the well-preserved Victorian-era cottages that are covered in colorful flowers all summer.

From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

3. From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

Explore Büyükada, the largest of Turkey’s Princes islands, on this 9-hour excursion from Istanbul. Cruise across the Sea of Marmara, watching the sights of Istanbul slip from view. See the pedestrianized island in the best possible way – by bike (not included) or spend time at leisure, perhaps relaxing on one of its beaches, before returning to Istanbul. Travel from your hotel by air-conditioned coach to the port with your guide, and board the boat that will take you to the Princes islands. The largest and most interesting of the islands is Büyükada, which is your destination for the day. From the boat, look back on the sights of Istanbul, seeing iconic landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the pretty Kiz Kulesi (also known as the Maiden’s Tower), which was featured in the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. Dock in Büyükada and then take a stroll through the streets on your own, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of island life.  Return to the boat and listen as your guide talks about the island’s history during the ride. Learn about its time as a place of exile for banished statesmen and royalty, and of its life as a monastic settlement during Turkey’s Byzantine-Christian period. Pass lovely wooden mansions that are stunning examples of the island’s late Ottoman-era architecture, and look out over the sparkling sea. Seagulls are everywhere in Büyükada, and if you’d like to feed them your guide will give you simits (bread with sesame seeds) so you can toss them a treat. Have lunch on the boat in summer or in a restauarant in the winter, then spend the rest of your day at leisure on the island. Later, meet your guide at a pre-arranged time for your boat ride back to Istanbul. The last leg of your journey will be by coach, and you’ll be dropped off at your Istanbul hotel.  

Istanbul: Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to Princes Islands

4. Istanbul: Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to Princes Islands

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.

From İstanbul: Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour & Cable Car Ride

5. From İstanbul: Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour & Cable Car Ride

"Pick Up" On the day of this excursion, a driver and a professional tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in the city centre of Istanbul. "Car Ferry" In order to reach Bursa, the bus will drive you towards a harbour in order to enjoy a car ferry ride while passing the Marmara Sea. During this ferry trip, you can enjoy views over Bosporus and over the imposing bridges that connect Asia and Europe. "Gemlik" When the ferry trip is over, this tour continues with a bus towards Gemlik. At a beautiful location close to a lake, a break will be offered. There, you will have 1 hour of free time to explore the area according to your interests. Except from walking around and admiring the beauty of nature, you may also join alternative activities such as Atv safari, at an extra cost. "Turkish Delight Shop" By the end of your free time, the bus will continue towards the next stop of the excursion. A stop will also be made at a shop selling authentic Turkish delight. This worldwide famous dessert is one of the sweetest memories you will have from Turkey. Thus, do not miss the chance to purchase your favourites from this shop. "Uludag Mountain" When you arrive in Bursa, you will visit a 600-year old plane tree to snap some photos. Then, you will be driven towards Uludag Mountain. At a local restaurant there, you will enjoy a delicious meal in a quiet setting. After the lunch break, you will have free time to explore the area and enjoy your time in the mountain. "Cable Car Ride" Once the free time is over, you will enter in a cable car and enjoy an exciting and fun ride towards Bursa’s city centre. "Green Mosque" At the centre, a bus will be waiting for you in order to transfer you to the Green Mosque. This monument forms one of the most important ones in the city. It includes multiple important rooms, such as a library and tombs. The interior of this mosque will impress you as it is beautifully decorated with green tiles. "Return" The Green Mosque will be your last stop. The bus will then start driving towards Istanbul by following the same route. According to the schedule, return to your hotel in expected during the night.

Istanbul: 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer

6. Istanbul: 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer

Explore Istanbul on a guided tour. Choose from a 1-day tour to top attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, or a 2-day tour with a cruise on the Bosphorus straight and a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace and Istiklal Street. Pick from a walking tour or a driving tour.  Day 1 – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar Explore the highlights of Istanbul on this private full-day walking tour that covers the major attractions, from the Hagia Sophia Museum to the iconic Blue Mosque, to the bustling maze of the Grand Bazaar, to the obelisk of the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The excursion starts with a pick-up from your Istanbul hotel and a walk through the lively streets of Turkey’s largest city to visit the dramatic former basilica of the Hagia Sophia, a great architectural beauty and an important monument during the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. For many centuries, this was the largest church in the world, and it still holds the position for the 4th largest dome. Dedicated to the Hagia Sophia or 'divine wisdom', it is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Move on to the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque. The mosque’s striking blue tiles give it its more common name and make it one of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions. Located close to Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque was considered the Supreme Imperial Mosque in Istanbul. Continue to Topkapi Palace, a relic of the glory days of the great Ottoman Empire. The former palace boasted a population of about 4,000 people at its peak and was home to 25 sultans over a period of 400 years.  Located on a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn, it sits in tranquil gardens that provide shade from the blazing heat of the summer. Pop into the museum to see the gorgeous Iznik tiles and the ornate stateroom of the harem, among other attractions. Visit the Hippodrome, the former circus built in 203 AD by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. See the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column, the 3 remaining monuments from the original building. Pause to look at the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, made from 8 marble columns. Complete your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With hundreds of small handicraft shops selling everything from handmade carpets to Turkish coffee, the atmosphere is electric, and it's a great place to try out your bargaining skills. Day 2 – Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, Taksim The spice bazaar is located in Fatih. It's known as the Egyptian Market because, during the Ottoman period, Egyptian exports were sold there.  The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia that connects the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses are located at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus and there are magnificent Ottoman palaces and mosques along the Bosphorus. Keep an eye out for them. Built in the 19th century, Dolmabahce Palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and housed some of the last Ottoman Sultans. The palace site was created by filling in the small bay on the Bosphorus. This gave rise to its name, in Turkish, Dolma means 'filled' or 'stuffed,' and bahce means 'garden'. Istiklal Street is brimming with life. There, you'll find a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars. From there, it is a 2-kilometer walk down to the Tunel Galata Tower area.

From Istanbul: Full-Day Tour to Bursa

7. From Istanbul: Full-Day Tour to Bursa

Explore the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy a full-day trip from Istanbul to see Bursa situated on the slopes of Mount Uludag. Start your journey with a pickup from your hotel on Istanbul’s European side. Next, you will transfer to the port to catch a ferry and cross the Sea of Marmara. Relax and enjoy the ride to Bursa, the former Ottoman capital. Upon arrival, visit the Green Mausoleum and Grand Mosque, Ulu Cami.  See historic bazaars, and sample some of the local produce of the region, such as chestnuts, honey, olives, and Turkish Delight.  Next, climb a mountain and tuck into a delicious barbecue lunch. Enjoy some free time to take an ATV safari, or a minibus to the ski slopes for a spot of skiing, if you like. You will have the opportunity of shopping from one of the most famous manufacturing places in Turkey. Finally, you will see the gorgeous old three which is more than 600 years old. Once the tour ends you will be dropped off at your hotel in Istanbul.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Boat Tour with Local Guide

8. Istanbul: Bosphorus Boat Tour with Local Guide

From the central meeting point in Sultanahmet, you will be transferred to the boat dock to embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus Strait connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe and Asia, making Istanbul one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the only one built astride two continents. The cruise will afford you the unique opportunity to view both sides of the city. During this cruise, your guide will provide commentary and answer questions as you admire sights like Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace and Rumeli Fortress as well as the ancient wooden villas, bridges and maritime landscapes. After the Bosphorus cruise, transfer to the original meeting point.

Princes' Islands Full Day Tour

9. Princes' Islands Full Day Tour

Let the various aromas and colorful sights overwhelm you on this full day tour of the Princes' Islands. And cruise along the Marmara Sea to the beautiful Princes' Islands by Maritime lines boat. The tour will take you to the isles via the popular summer resort Büyükada. This summer resort was once the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes, and it boasts stunning pinewood scenery. From here you will experience a tour of the island, as well as lunch at a local fish restaurant. In the afternoon you will be treated to the breathtaking scenery of Topkapi Palace and Leander's Tower, topped off by the unique sights of the Uskudar. See all this and beautiful sea views from the convenience of a luxury ship. Finally we will arrive back in the evening to Istanbul where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Smartphone Audio Guide

10. Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Smartphone Audio Guide

Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul and admire the cosmopolitan city from a completely different perspective while enjoying the beautiful views of the Orient and the Occident at the same time. The Bosphorus is 32km long, separates Europe from Asia, and connects the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea. Cruise along the strait between Asia and Europe and discover Istanbul tourist attractions, magnificent palaces, ancient castles, and other historical sites, as well as fine seaside residences and the Bosphorus bridge. Admire the views of Galata Tower, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque. Furthermore, you will have a glance at the spectacular pieces of authentic civic architecture on the European and Asian coasts.

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What people are saying about Sea of Marmara

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 1,091 reviews

The trip was good. The pick up was late but the driver was accommodating. The food tasted really good and the portions size was also good.

Amazing experience from start to finish, with door to door pick up. Would definitely to others

Wonderful scenery, good environment , no pollution, nice friendly people.

Amazing experience. Lunch was very tasty. Guide was very helpful.

Excellent experience I highly recommend, mood fiesta ambiance