Program:
If you are relaxing in Istanbul and you are already pretty tired of the bustle of the big city, you want nature, peace and quiet, then be sure to take the time to visit the Princes' Islands. Only 25 kilometers from Istanbul and you find yourself in a completely different world. Once uninhabited, today they have been turned into a place for a secluded, romantic getaway with good infrastructure and entertainment for every taste.
The main transport that runs between Istanbul and the islands is a ferry, a boat trip, in the warm season it will be especially pleasant.
And if you want to spend your day in a special way, you can rent an individual VIP yacht, from 6 hours or more. You will have a great time with friends and swim in the cleanest waters of Istanbul.
Princes' Islands
is an archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, consisting of nine islands, which stretches along the coastline of the Asian part of Istanbul. They have become a favorite vacation spot for residents of the metropolis and a popular tourist destination. Locals love to come here to relax for a few days, and some lucky ones have their own summer house here.
Four islands are available for tourists to visit:
Buyukada (Büyükada)
- Heybeliada (Heybeliada)
- Burgazada (Burgazada)
- Kinalyada (Kınalıada)
The rest are privately owned or completely uninhabited.
In the old days, it was a place of exile for noble persons close to the Emperor, hence the name.
Later, Greeks, Armenians, Jews and wealthy Turks lived in Adalars. Thanks to this combination, on the Princes' Islands you can find monuments of different times and cultures. The nature of the islands is under protection, there are no industrial enterprises, the use of motor vehicles is prohibited.
Movement around the island is possible only on environmentally friendly transport: bicycles or electric cars.
The cultural program in this green oasis is varied and rich.
During the tour we will go to
Buyukada Island
The island is spread over an area of 5.4 km². It is the largest and most visited of all the islands.
Island attractions:
Orthodox monastery of St. George
This is a place of pilgrimage not only for Christians, but also for Muslims, and tourists who are simply interested in history. After all, it is named after the great George the Victorious, a particularly revered saint in Turkey and throughout the world.
You will see the very ancient icon of St. George, which, according to legend, was dug up in 963 by a shepherd on a hilltop. A visit to the temple is filled with hope for a better future, many people leave notes with wishes in a special transparent box. But if you do not attach importance to signs and legends, it is still worth walking along the southern hill of Yorgi, the view is amazing. And you will take with you numerous panoramic photos from a bird's eye view.
On the island of Buyukada there are 11 temples: Orthodox, Catholic, Greek and Armenian churches, Muslim mosques, synagogues.
Temple of St. Dmitry
Monastery of St. George
Monastery of Christ (Transfiguration of the Lord)
Church and monastery of St. Nicholas
Temple of Demetrius of Thessalonica
Temple "Panagia"
Hamidiye Mosque
Synagogue
House of the writer Reshat Nuri Gyuntekin
The birthplace of the famous sentimental novel "The Kinglet Songbird", which was based on the TV series of the same name. The novel was created in this house, and the prototype of the main character was the writer's neighbor. There is no museum and exhibits in the house itself, it is residential and belongs to Gyuntekin's heirs.
Trotsky House
In the period from 1929 to 1933, after being expelled from the USSR, the revolutionary Lev Trotsky lived on the island. After living on the island, Trotsky moved to France, and then moved to Mexico, where he was killed. Unfortunately, after the fire, little was left of a rather large house and the estate has not yet been restored, but it’s still worth looking at the former estate of a revolutionary.
Due to the fact that rich and high-ranking officials lived on the island of Buyukada at the beginning of the 20th century, many luxurious country villas were built here. Most of them are located on the right side of the port, now wooden and stone mansions are used as hotels or are private residences.
Buyukada is also known for its well-equipped beaches, where residents of the metropolis like to spend their weekends. A trip to the Princes' Islands will give you a lot of pleasant impressions and allow you to take a break from the crowded city, enjoy nature, beautiful beaches and solitude.
Excursion details
Duration: 5-6 hours
Included: Services of a licensed professional guide
For additional fee: Personal expenses
With myself:
- hats
- sunglasses and cream
- comfortable shoes
- money for additional expenses
Departure: In the lobby of your hotel or at a convenient location for you