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
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Valid 1 day
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Host or greeter
- 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
- Return from the Princes' Island anytime before 8 PM
Full description
Arrive at the Eminönü ferry station in downtown Istanbul, next to the Galata bridge amongst the fish and bread boats. Exchange your voucher at the ticket office and get access to the boat. The boat departs 4 times a day from Eminönü and returns in the afternoon and 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'. The size of the island is 5.4 km2 and there are 7,300 inhabitants. No traffic except emergency services, carriages and bicycles are allowed there.
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 into a time tunnel. Go to Hamlaci Street 4 and see the ruins of the villa which 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 worlds 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 returns from Büyukada (Big Island) to Eminönü every hour between 4 PM and 8 PM.
Includes
- Round-trip ferry ticket
- Self-guided tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers must bring their own headphones
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
Not allowed
- Pets
Know before you go
- Ferry return time from Big Island is every hour until 8 PM
