Istanbul: Princes’ Island Büyükada Tour with Lunch & Electric Car

Summary

Drift from Istanbul to pine-shaded Büyükada by ferry then electric car

You’ll glide across the Marmara Sea from Istanbul to Büyükada, pass famous landmarks by ferry, then explore pine-lined streets by electric car with a local guide. Lunch is included at a family-run restaurant before you wander car-free lanes or relax under shady trees. If you’re craving an easy escape from city noise — this is your pause button.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the gulls — their cries cutting through the engine’s low hum as our ferry pulled away from Istanbul. The city’s skyline started shrinking behind us: Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower just shapes in the morning haze. Our guide, Murat, pointed out Dolmabahce Palace as we passed, but honestly I was more distracted by the salty breeze and that strange mix of diesel and seaweed you only get near busy docks. There were families chattering in Turkish, kids feeding simit crumbs to birds. It felt like everyone was heading somewhere for a story.

Büyükada showed up slowly out of the blue-green water, all pines and old wooden mansions with peeling paint — not perfect, but beautiful in its own way. No cars here (except for the odd service van), so it’s just bikes, horses sometimes, and those quiet electric carts. We hopped into one after landing; Murat grinned at my surprise when it zipped off almost silently. He told us about old Ottoman families who summered here — apparently some houses are still owned by their grandkids. The air smelled like warm bread from a bakery we passed (I almost asked to stop). And there was this moment when we crested a hill and saw the Marmara Sea stretching out — I didn’t expect it to hit me like that.

Lunch came at a local spot tucked between trees — grilled fish for me, eggplant salad for my friend, both better than anything we’d had back in Sultanahmet (don’t tell my hotel). There was this older couple next to us arguing gently over tea; our waiter just smiled and shrugged, like he’d seen it a thousand times. Afterward we wandered narrow lanes with cats sunning themselves on stoops, not really talking much. Sometimes you don’t need words.

On the way back to Istanbul I leaned against the ferry rail watching seagulls chase us for scraps. You know how sometimes you do something touristy but it actually feels real? That was this day trip to Büyükada from Istanbul for me. I still think about that quiet hilltop view — maybe because it felt like a pause from everything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Büyükada Island and Istanbul views

• Ferry ride across Marmara Sea
• View Dolmabahce Palace from sea
• View Bosphorus Bridge from sea
• View Galata Tower from sea
• View Maiden’s Tower from sea
• View Topkapi Palace from sea
• View Blue Mosque from sea
• View Hagia Sophia from sea
• Electric car tour on Büyükada Island
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant
• Return ferry ride to Istanbul
• Visit leather shop in Istanbul

Top questions

How long does the Princes’ Island Büyükada tour take?

This is a full-day tour including ferry rides, guided island exploration by electric car, lunch, and return transfer to Istanbul.

Is lunch included on the Büyükada day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant featuring Turkish dishes is included in your booking.

Are hotel pickups available for this Istanbul island tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Istanbul are included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible on this tour.

Do you visit more than one island during this tour?

No; this tour focuses on Büyükada only so you have more time to enjoy its sights without unnecessary stops.

What kind of vehicle do you use on Büyükada?

An electric car is used for touring around Büyükada since regular cars aren’t allowed on the island.

Can infants join this Princes’ Island tour?

Yes; infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Will we see famous landmarks during the ferry ride?

You’ll see sights like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Maiden’s Tower and Bosphorus Bridge from the Marmara Sea as you sail past.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Istanbul with return drop-off after your adventure. Ferry tickets for both directions are covered. On Büyükada you’ll join a short electric car tour led by a licensed guide before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant featuring Turkish dishes — all before heading back across the sea as evening approaches.