Princess Islands
Full-day coach and boat excursion from Istanbul with lunch
This enthralling excursion takes you away from the bustle of Istanbul to the peace and tranquillity of the Princess Islands, a small archipelago in the Sea of Marmara. The islands, on which monasteries were established during the Byzantine period, were once a place of exile for Byzantine princes.
We leave Istanbul by boat and cruise to Princess Islands. You disembark at Buyukada, the largest island in the archipelago. From the sandy beaches the island rises up to two hills with a valley in between. The southern hill, Yule Tepe, is the quieter of the two and also home to St George’s Monastery. Your tour of the island is by horse-drawn carriage as motor vehicles are not permitted on the islands. There is plenty of time to savour the pine-scented air and swim or relax on a beach in one of the many coves that ring the island. After lunch enjoy shopping at the numerous shops conveniently situated close to the pier.
In the evening board your boat for the return voyage to Istanbul. The cruise gives you a new perspective of the city with Topkapi Palace or Leander’s Tower looking particularly lovely from the sea.
This excursion includes pick-up and drop-off to the hotel, English-speaking guide, entry fees, lunch, ferry transfers and carriage ride.