About this experience
The Princes' Islands is a place where Orhan Pamuk rests and works on his books, where Trotsky lived for 5 years, where the Masons gathered for summer sessions, and where people dance the Sirtaki in the evenings. I invite you to spend a day here not as tourists, but as locals! Visit a Greek bakery, admire the gardens and architecture, feed the cats, and write notes in the Church of St. George.
What to Expect
Cultural and Architectural Riches
Together we will explore the largest of the islands - Buyukada. We will stroll through the central square and main shopping street, find the astronomical tower of Mizz Kitty and the house of the writer Reshat Gyuntekin, the author of the novel "Little Cuckoo - Singing Bird". We will also see the second largest wooden structure in the world - a former shelter for Greek orphan children. In addition, I will show you ancient monasteries, a chapel for sailors, and the villa of millionaire Sabunjakis. I will reveal what makes the Princes' Islands unique and why they preserve echoes of different cultures: Greek, Armenian, Jewish, and Muslim.
Breathtaking Views
The Princes' Islands will impress you not only with history, but also with fantastic nature combined with a pleasant laid-back pace of life. You will breathe crystal clear air with the scent of pine, admire the panoramas of the Sea of Marmara, and walk along quiet hilly streets. And if you wish, you can taste authentic sweets prepared according to ancient family recipes, have dinner at Ataturk's Anatolian summer club, or enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine made specifically for the Monastery of St. George.
Organizational Details
- You will travel from Istanbul to Buyukada and back on your own. The ferry ticket price is 32 lira per person one way for adults and 26 lira for children over 6 years old.
- It is also possible to reach the Princes' Islands by sea taxi, which is operated by the Istanbul Municipality - a small speedboat that accommodates up to 10 passengers (only your group is on the boat). The journey takes about 40 minutes. The cost varies from 40-60 euros depending on the departure port. Sea taxi can only be ordered through the app, payment is only by non-cash payment. You can ask the guide to help you organize the trip or download the app yourself. The trip cost is not refunded in case of tour/trip cancellation less than 24 hours in advance!
- We can walk around the island on foot, rent bicycles, or use electric transport. Details can be clarified in a private message.
- Food and drinks are paid for separately
- If desired, the itinerary can include a visit to the Princes' Islands museum. The ticket price is 5 euros.
- Dinner at the Anatolian summer club is possible from May 15 to October 1
