Best of · ISTANBUL ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 8 istanbul island hopping tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you pay.
You’ll leave Istanbul by private boat for Kınalıada and Büyükada, with a guided walk, onboard lunch, free time, swimming, and optional electric vehicle hire. English or Arabic hosts help keep the day moving. Hotel pickup is available, and the boat is named Deluxe.
“It was too cold abd all inside seats were totally occupied”
Take a return ferry from Eminönü to Büyükada, the largest and most famous Princes’ Island. Use your smartphone ticket, explore old villas, Trotsky’s former home, St. George Church, beaches, and harbor restaurants, then return on a scheduled afternoon ferry. An optional audio guide is available in six languages.
“Overall the trip was decent. Do NOT purchase the tickets online, purchase them at the port in Istanbul as you will pay much less per ticket”
Travel from Istanbul to Heybeliada and Buyukada by ferry, with island history from guides such as Suleyman, a seasonal lunch, and free time for walking, swimming, biking, or cafés. Hotel pickup is optional, and the electric car tour costs extra.
“We had an incredible boat trip experience to the Princes Islands. From the very beginning, everything was handled professionally and smoothly. Our guide was waiting for us at the meeting point with transport to take us to another boat without any stress or delay. That level of care and organisation immediately gave us confidence that we were in good hands. The trip itself was absolutely amazing. The atmosphere on board was relaxed and enjoyable with nice music and well stocked bar. Lunch was another highlight. The food was delicious, fresh, and full of flavour. The service was excellent — attentive, friendly, and professional throughout the entire experience. Everything felt well…”
Spend about nine hours cruising from Istanbul to Kınalıada and Büyükada on a privately owned boat. You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide-led island walk, buffet lunch, and up to four hours for beaches, mansions, and optional electric bike or scooter rental.
“Great trip, all went to plan. The staff on the boat has great knowledge and answered all our questions.”
Leave Istanbul by boat for a relaxed day on Kınalıada and Büyükada. You get island time, sea views, and an English or Arabic-speaking guide, with optional lunch, hotel pickup, and return transport. The route may also pass Burgazada and Heybeliada.
“Kind and helpful guide tour, operator very responsive, clear instructions, timely information, flexible”
You’ll leave your Istanbul hotel by minibus, cruise the Marmara Sea on a boat reserved for your group, and visit Kınalıada and Büyükada. Expect a Turkish lunch on board, guided commentary in English, Russian, or Arabic, and several hours to explore independently.
“We did this tour in January and still enjoyed the trip. The 2 islands we visited were very interesting, so different from the busy streets of Istanbul. It was good to see a different side to this area. The lunch we had on the boat was simple but good. The tour was well worth the amount we paid for this day out.”
Spend eight hours sailing from Cibaliport Pier to Büyükada, Heybeliada, and Burgazada. You get ferry transfers, sea views, onboard lunch if selected, and free time to explore without a local island guide. Audio announcements are available in English and Turkish, with other language support noted.
“buon servizio, imbarcazione comoda e pulita, la guida e' stata eccezionale, unica nota negativa, e' che al mattino il pickup e' arrivato con un ora di ritardo e se non chiamavo io il tour operator, non avrei avuto notizie in merito”
Leave your Istanbul hotel around 8:30 to 9:00 for a private-boat trip across the Marmara Sea. Explore Büyükada and Heybeliada, enjoy included lunch at a local seafood restaurant, and return by evening with an English-speaking guide.
“lunch good and staff friendly but little to see on islands. You could go by ferry yourself to one island.”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
