5 (386)
Istanbul
Princes Islands: Escape Istanbul's Crowds - Full-Day Tour
Overview
Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul offers a peaceful escape from Istanbul's busy city life. This cruise takes people on a relaxing boat trip to one of the last natural spots near Istanbul. Away from the city's noise and traffic, these islands offer a calm and beautiful experience.
On this journey, travelers can expect to see amazing places like the Galata Bridge and the Galata Tower, which have been important in Istanbul's history. The tour also visits Heybeliada and Büyükada, two of the Princes Islands known for their quiet streets and pretty nature. Passengers will also get a glimpse of the Maiden's Tower and Topkapı Palace from the water, both famous landmarks that tell stories of Istanbul's past. This trip is more than just a tour; it's a chance to relax and enjoy a different side of Istanbul.
The tour includes an English and Russian-speaking guide and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. It does not include lunch or soda, and there is no hotel pick-up or drop-off. The goal is to give visitors a high-quality experience of Istanbul's islands. With positive reviews, this tour is known for being an excellent way to see the Princes Islands and enjoy a break from the city. 
Highlights
Escape the City: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip away from Istanbul's busy streets.
See Beautiful Islands: Visit Heybeliada and Büyükada, known for their quiet beauty.
Iconic Landmarks: Get views of Galata Tower, Maiden's Tower, and Topkapi Palace from the water.
Comfortable Transport: Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable journey.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors loved the relaxing boat ride.
-
They enjoyed seeing the beautiful islands.
-
Many found the tour a great escape from the city's noise.
-
The guides were helpful.
Some wished there was more time on the islands.
-
Others thought lunch should be included.
The Journey
Galata Bridge
Sail under the iconic Galata Bridge, a vibrant artery connecting Istanbul's historic peninsula with the modern Beyoğlu district. This bustling hub offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, with the Yeni Cami mosque and Spice Bazaar creating a picturesque backdrop. Experience the lively atmosphere as locals fish from the bridge and vendors hawk their wares, immersing you in the everyday rhythms of Istanbul life. A walk across the bridge, especially at sunset, is a quintessential Istanbul experience.
Galata Tower
Ascend the historic Galata Tower, a commanding medieval stone structure that has watched over Istanbul for centuries. Originally built by the Genoese in the 14th century, the tower has served as a watchtower, a prison, and an observatory. Legend has it that Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, an Ottoman aviator, flew from this very tower across the Bosphorus with artificial wings. Today, the tower offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of Istanbul, making it a must-visit for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
Heybeliada
Escape the urban frenzy of Istanbul with a visit to Heybeliada, the second largest of the Princes' Islands. This tranquil island paradise is a car-free haven, offering a refreshing blend of lush pine forests, charming wooden mansions, and a relaxed pace of life. Explore the island by bicycle or electric vehicle, discover historic sites such as the Ayia Triada Monastery and the Naval High School, and savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. Heybeliada is the perfect destination for a peaceful day trip, offering a glimpse into Istanbul's layered history and natural beauty.
Büyükada
Discover the charm of Büyükada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, a car-free sanctuary where nature and history intertwine. Spend three hours exploring the island at your own pace, whether by bicycle or electric vehicle. Hike to the Ayia Yorgi Church for breathtaking panoramic views, admire the opulent historic mansions that line the streets, or simply relax on one of the island's inviting beaches. Indulge in fresh seafood and local delicacies at waterfront restaurants, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere that defines this idyllic island escape. Büyükada offers a unique opportunity to experience Istanbul's island life, away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Maiden's Tower
Witness the enchanting Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi), a captivating landmark perched on a small islet at the entrance of the Bosphorus. Steeped in centuries of legends and folklore, this picturesque tower has served as a lighthouse, a customs point, and even a quarantine station. As the sun sets, the tower illuminates, casting a magical glow across the water and bringing the tales of Istanbul to life. Its iconic silhouette against the Istanbul skyline makes it a must-see for romantics and history buffs alike.
Topkapı Palace
Marvel at the grandeur of Topkapı Palace from the Bosphorus, once the opulent residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. This sprawling complex, a testament to imperial power and artistry, boasts stunning architecture, intricate pavilions, and lush courtyards. From this unique vantage point, appreciate the scale and splendor of the palace as it cascades down towards the water, offering a glimpse into the lives of the sultans and the rich history of the Ottoman Empire. Topkapı Palace is a symbol of Istanbul's glorious past and a treasure trove of cultural heritage.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a guide who speaks English and Russian, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort. Please note that lunch and soda are not included. Also, hotel pick-up and drop-off services are not provided, so participants will need to arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.
Hot Tip
Many visitors suggest bringing your own snacks and drinks to enjoy on the boat, as lunch and refreshments are not included in the tour. Also, wear comfortable shoes for walking around the islands!
Review Summary
Customers generally say the Princes Islands Blue Journey is an excellent escape from Istanbul's hustle, featuring comfortable boat rides, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and stunning scenic views that justify the experience.[2][6][9] Positive highlights include timely departures and arrivals, peaceful island atmospheres, swimming opportunities, historic site visits, and welcoming tour organizers.[2][6][9] Most travelers appreciate the balance between guided exploration and free time to relax, and many specifically praise individual guides for their attentiveness and cultural insights.[2] Minor complaints have included occasional communication issues with pickup logistics and discrepancies between advertised activities and actual offerings, though these represent a small fraction of feedback.[1][10]
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Istanbul
€523.6
Uncover Bursa's Majesty: A Guided Tour from Istanbul to Uludağ Ski Adventure
5.0
(6 reviews)
Experience Bursa Uludağ Ski Tour from Istanbul with an English-speaking driver. Explore Bursa's Ottoman history and natural beauty. Enjoy comfortable transport and scenic views on this immersive adventure. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers seeking a unique day trip, excluding lunch. Remember to capture historical sites.
Istanbul
€50
Bursa Nature Tour: Cable Car & Green Mosque Day Trip
4.7
(13 reviews)
Duration: 780
minutes
The Bursa Nature Tour with Lunch and Cable Car offers a captivating escape to Bursa, the Ottoman Empire's first capital. This full-day adventure from Istanbul unveils a city that beautifully blends history and nature. Visitors will explore landmarks like the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), renowned for their stunning tile work, and savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
The tour begins with a scenic ferry ride, followed by visits to a Turkish Delight factory and a jam shop. Participants will marvel at a giant historical plane tree before ascending Uludağ via cable car for breathtaking views. Some tours include an optional chairlift ride for an even higher vantage point. The Bursa Nature Tour promises a memorable exploration of Turkey's rich heritage and natural beauty.
This guided experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to the National Park and Green Mosque, and the cable car ride to Uludağ. Lunch is also provided. This tour does not include personal expenses or the optional chairlift ride. With expert local guides and transportation provided, it's an effortless way to discover the wonders of Bursa.
Istanbul
€25
Escape to Nature: Sapanca Lake & Maşukiye Day Tour from Istanbul
4.3
(15 reviews)
Duration: 780
minutes
The Sapanca Lake Tour offers a refreshing escape from Istanbul's bustle. Enjoy scenic walks by Sapanca Lake, explore Maşukiye's forests, and savor a delicious lunch by a waterfall. This tour combines nature, relaxation, and local cuisine for a memorable day trip suitable for all fitness levels.
Istanbul
€28
Bursa & Uludağ Tour: Escape Istanbul's Heat!
4.1
(9 reviews)
Duration: 600
minutes
The Green Bursa and Uludağ Tour from Istanbul offers a refreshing escape to nature and city life. This full-day bus tour takes visitors to Bursa, a city known for its colorful houses and historical sites, and Uludağ Mountain, a popular spot for winter sports and stunning views.
Expect a day filled with cultural exploration and natural beauty. The tour starts with a hotel pickup in Istanbul, followed by a drive across the Bosphorus Bridge. In Bursa, explore the Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii) and the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), important examples of Ottoman architecture. Visitors can also see the Inkaya Tree, a very old and big tree. A ride on a cable car takes everyone up to Uludağ Mountain for a barbecue lunch and amazing views. There will also be the chance to buy Turkish sweets on the way!
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, cable car fees, entrance to Uludağ Mountain National Park, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch with a soft drink. Personal expenses are not included. This tour gives a great experience with expert guides, cultural immersion, and beautiful landscapes.
Istanbul
€40
Unveiling Bursa & Uludag: A Historical Day Trip from Istanbul
3.9
(10 reviews)
Duration: 720
minutes
The Bursa and Uludag Tour whisks you from Istanbul to explore Bursa's historical sites, including the Green Mosque. Enjoy a scenic lunch on Uludag Mountain, with an optional cable car ride. This tour offers a blend of culture and natural beauty, creating lasting memories.
Istanbul
€50
Istanbul: Gedikpasa Turkish Bath with Privacy Option
4.9
(1163 reviews)
Duration: 60
minutes
Experience the historic Gedikpasa Hamami in Istanbul, a 550-year-old Turkish bath located near the Grand Bazaar. This isn't just a bath; it's a journey into Turkish tradition. Built in 1457, the Gedikpasa Hamami offers a unique cleansing ritual in the heart of Istanbul's old city.
The Gedikpasa Hamami offers separate sections for men and women, ensuring privacy and comfort. Skilled therapists use traditional methods, including a kese scrub, to exfoliate and revitalize the skin. Guests can relax in the warm chamber and enjoy a steam bath before the cleansing begins. This experience combines traditional cleansing with options for various massages to improve your relaxation.
More than just a cleansing ritual, the hamam fosters a sense of community and well-being. It's a holistic experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and connected to Turkish culture. The hamam ritual includes marble stone rest, a scrub, and a foam massage. Guests can also enjoy Turkish coffee, tea, sherbet, water, Turkish delight, nuts, and fruit.
Nearby Events
Maximum Uniq Açıkhava
Jun 20
9:30 PMYann Tiersen Live at Maximum Uniq İstanbul
Yann Tiersen brings his enchanting live performance to Maximum Uniq Açıkhava in İstanbul, blending classical, folk, and electronic sounds in a symphonic showcase of his most cherished works.[1] Renowned for the iconic Amélie soundtrack, the French multi-instrumentalist delivers minimalistic yet emotionally profound music that captivates global audiences, with recent releases like Rathlin from 'Distance – The Liquid Hour' adding fresh piano compositions to his set.
Yann Tiersen's career spans punk rock experimentation to masterful piano mastery since age four, creating a distinctive acoustic-electronic fusion.[1] Maximum Uniq Açıkhava, located in Sarıyer, offers an open-air setting perfect for immersive concerts.[2]
Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi
Dec 25
8:30 PMYasemin Sakallıoğlu: Doğru Koca Nasıl Seçilir? - Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi
Yasemin Sakallıoğlu, “Doğru Koca Nasıl Seçilir?” isimli tek kişilik komedi gösterisiyle Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi’nde sahne alıyor. Genç komedyen, aile bağları, kadın-erkek ilişkileri ve bu konuların psikolojik etkilerini esprili bir dille ve çeşitli tiplemelerle aktarıyor. Seyirciyi kendi yaşamından komik hikayelerle güldürürken, kendini de eleştirme cesaretini gösteriyor.
Yasemin Sakallıoğlu’nun bu gösterisi iki sezondur kapalı gişe oynanıyor ve 100. performansını geride bıraktı. Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi ise İstanbul’un önde gelen tiyatro ve performans mekanlarından biri olarak, sanatseverlere modern bir izleme deneyimi sunuyor.
ENKA Oditoryumu
Dec 23
8:30 PMBorusan Quartet Yeni Yıl Konseri at ENKA
Borusan Quartet ile Yeni Yıl Konseri brings one of Turkey's most celebrated chamber ensembles to ENKA Oditoryumu for a festive season finale. This year-end celebration features an exquisite repertoire spanning Marin Goleminov, Fazıl Say, and Astor Piazzolla, blending classical precision with the passionate energy of contemporary compositions. The Borusan Quartet's mastery of chamber music promises an intimate yet powerful performance that carries the joy of music into the final days of the year.
The ensemble's reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming makes this New Year's concert a cornerstone event for classical music enthusiasts across İstanbul. ENKA Oditoryumu, housed within the prestigious Sadi Gülçelik Sports Complex and featuring a 650-seat capacity with modern technical facilities, provides an ideal setting for chamber music's delicate nuances and emotional depth.
Süleyman Seba Kültür ve Sanat Merkezi
Jan 18
7:00 PMBaturay Özdemir Stand Up at Süleyman Seba Kültür Merkezi
Baturay Özdemir - Stand Up arrives at İstanbul's Süleyman Seba Kültür ve Sanat Merkezi, offering a night of sharp wit and bold comedy. Özdemir, a celebrated Turkish comedian known for his fearless takes on politics, identity, and social issues, presents an engaging stand-up performance blending personal storytelling with incisive satire.
His unique voice has earned him a dedicated following through his impactful YouTube specials and live shows. Süleyman Seba Kültür ve Sanat Merkezi, a prominent venue in İstanbul’s arts scene, provides an intimate atmosphere perfect for comedy, making this event a must-see for fans of cutting-edge Turkish humor.
Çorlu Ünal Baysan Kültür Merkezi
Dec 18
8:00 PMFazıl Say Live in Tekirdağ: 50 Years at the Piano
Fazıl Say - Piyano Başında 50 Yıl offers an extraordinary chamber music experience at Çorlu Ünal Baysan Kültür Merkezi in Tekirdağ. Celebrating 50 years of piano mastery, the event presents world-renowned pianist and composer Fazıl Say, whose career merges classical tradition with innovative improvisation. Say’s global presence and acclaim bring a unique fusion of Western classical and Turkish folk elements to this intimate venue.
Fazıl Say's artistry is shaped by his early training, international accolades, and prolific compositions, including symphonies and piano concertos. The Çorlu Ünal Baysan Kültür Merkezi is a prominent cultural center in Tekirdağ, known for hosting diverse arts and theatre events, providing an ideal setting for Say’s evocative performance that bridges cultural heritage and contemporary music innovation.
Zorlu PSM - Turkcell Sahnesi
Dec 31
9:00 PMTolga Çevik: Tolgshow at Zorlu PSM - Turkcell Sahnesi
Tolga Çevik brings his legendary improvisational comedy show Tolgshow to Zorlu PSM - Turkcell Sahnesi, one of Istanbul’s most prestigious venues. Known for his razor-sharp wit and audience-driven performances, Tolgshow is a dynamic blend of stand-up, sketch, and spontaneous comedy that has captivated audiences across Turkey and beyond. The show continues to evolve with new material and surprise guests, making every performance a unique experience.
Tolga Çevik is a household name in Turkish comedy, celebrated for his roles in hit films like Magic Carpet Ride and Vizontele, as well as the acclaimed series Avrupa Yakası. His improvisational theatre work, especially Tolgshow, has earned multiple awards and a loyal fanbase. Zorlu PSM - Turkcell Sahnesi is renowned for its state-of-the-art acoustics and intimate atmosphere, ensuring every laugh is felt up close.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Istanbul
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Istanbul From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Historical Tours & Pop in Istanbul. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Istanbul Activities