Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip with Lunch and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

It's when the crazy Istanbul traffic and the stressed-out lifestyle of its inhabitants start getting to you, that you should escape for one day to the Princes' Islands. These islands are a 90-minute ferry ride away, and what you can expect when you get there is peace. The destination is Buyukada, the biggest of the 9 islands. Cars are forbidden, luxurious vegetation surrounds the islands, and traditional Ottoman houses and villas are waiting to be discovered.

Leaving the Golden Horn by ferry, you will round Sarayburnu (Seraglio Point), the headland on which the domes and minarets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque can be seen. You will pass four islands with their charming old Ottoman houses and finally reach Buyukada. Upon arrival at the island, you will see the lavish Ottoman mansions and other beautiful Victorian summer villas around the island. Explore the pedestrianized island in the best possible way...by horse-drawn carriage! Hear the history of this laid-back island from your expert local guide, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then spend time at your leisure, perhaps relaxing on its beaches, before returning to Istanbul.

Buyukada was used as an exile destination and as a monastery region during the Byzantine Christian Period. During the Byzantium history the island was also used as a prison for those who were opposing the emperor. It was Buyukada where the Byzantine Empresses Irene and Zoe and Anna Dalassena were sent to.