You will be collected right from the hotel and transfer you to the meeting point. Meet with other tour participants and local tour guide, drive to port to take a ferry to Princes Island. Princes Islands are famous for the Byzantine Princes, and beautiful pine woods and beaches. There are several islands close to each other. We will disembark in Big Island (Also, It is called Buyuk Ada). Grand Island is the largest and most enjoyable of the islands. Upon arrival to Big Island, we will have lunch at a local restaurant then enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage among the pine trees. Then you will have free time to take picture and self-exploration. Take the ferry back to Istanbul.
At the end of the Princes Island tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Brief Info about the sites:
Buyukada, it is called in English Big Island is the largest island among the Princes’ Islands in the Marmara Sea. It covers an area of 5.4 km², and the distance of the island to the nearest Maltepe shore is 2.3 km.
Big Island was used as an exile destination and as a monastery region during the Byzantine Christian period. The island was also used to exile the close relatives of kings and statesmen who might have threatened their political power. Furthermore, the island was also used as a prison for those who opposed the ones in power. One of the oldest structures on the island was a convent used for the exile of the Byzantine empress and for clergymen who lived in seclusion; however, this structure has not made it to the present day. Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting exiles to the convent, named Kadınlar Manastırı, was the Byzantine empresses, Irene, who had the monastery built.
The regular Princes Island tour has morning pick up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to ferry boat for pass through to island. During your visit there you will have a chance for horse carriage sightseeing tour, lunch at the restaurant there and free time to explore the beautiful part of the island with the local tourist guide, This is one of the most entertaining cruise in the Marmara Sea (Especially in summer).
Tour Includes
Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off (from central hotels)
Transportation by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches
Ferry boat fees
Horse Carriage Sightseeing in Princes Island
Lunch daily (Excluding beverages)
Local taxes
Tour Excludes
Tips to Driver and Guide
Personal Expenses
Drinks at the lunch
Optional Istanbul Day Tours