The Princes' Islands – Büyükada & Heybeliada

A day without cars, horns or hurry: by ferry we glide past the old town out into the Sea of Marmara, stroll along the villa streets of Büyükada, climb to St George's monastery and eat fish by the water. Ferry tickets are included.

Highlights

• Ferry ride with views of the old town, Topkapı and the Bosphorus mouth
• Büyükada: 19th-century wooden villas, electric buses instead of cars
• Aya Yorgi monastery on the hill with views across the Sea of Marmara
• Heybeliada: naval academy, pine forest and the Holy Trinity monastery
• Lunch at a fish restaurant on the quay
• Ferry tickets included, private tour without strangers

Full description

The Princes' Islands were once a place of exile for Byzantine princes, later the summer retreat of Istanbul's upper class. To this day they are car-free – you walk, cycle or take the electric bus. We start in Kabataş; the crossing takes a good hour and is an experience in itself.

On Büyükada, the largest island, we stroll through the villa streets, see the house where Trotsky lived and climb to St George's monastery – the view is worth every step. After lunch we cross to Heybeliada or stay if you would rather sit on the beach. Return in the late afternoon; for guests on the Asian side also possible from Bostancı.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• Ferry from Kabataş
  Past Sarayburnu, Haydarpaşa and Kadıköy out into the Sea of Marmara.
• Büyükada – waterfront and clock tower
  Arrival, orientation, the square with the bicycle rentals.
• Villa quarter
  Wooden houses, gardens, the Splendid Palas façade, Trotsky's house.
• Aya Yorgi monastery
  On the island's highest point, a pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims.
• Lunch by the water
  Fish, meze, views of the neighbouring islands.
• Heybeliada
  Naval academy, pine forest, Holy Trinity monastery (exterior).

Included

• 7 hours private, state-licensed guide in your language (Mehmet Humayunoğlu or an experienced colleague from his team)
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more
• Return ferry tickets for all participants
• Island hop Büyükada – Heybeliada

Not included

• Electric bus, bicycle rental and entrance fees on the islands
• Lunch and drinks
• Vehicle to the pier, optional
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

Meeting point at the Kabataş ferry pier (Şehir Hatları, Adalar line) in front of the kiosk; guests on the Asian side can meet me at Bostancı pier on request. Hotel or Galataport pick-up with a booked vehicle.

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

Route to the meeting point (Google Maps): 📍 Kabataş ferry pier 📍 Bostancı pier

Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Comfortable shoes – About 40 minutes uphill to the monastery; alternatively electric bus to the foot of the hill.
• Ferry times – Ferries run on a fixed schedule; we align the start time with it.
• Season – Most beautiful from May to October; bring swimwear in summer.