Tour Code | : | PER009IST |
City | : | ISTANBUL |
Tour Name | : | Princes Islands |
Tour Dates | : | DAILY |
Duration | : | FULL DAY
| 08:30 - 17:30 |
Available Languages | : | EN |
BIG ISLAND (BÜYÜK ADA), TOUR OF BIG ISLAND BY HORSE-DRAWN CART
The tour starts by picking-up from the hotel and the guests are transported to the tour meeting point.
An exile place during the Byzantine era... One of the prestigious summer destination today, place with romantic name of Princes' Islands, is an archipelago of nine tiny isles in the Sea of Marmara just few mile off the cost of Istanbul. The vicinity to the city makes them a great destination for a day escape from the city. Only 45 minutes by the fast ferry from Istanbul they are a world away in terms of pace & ambience.
ABOUT THE PRINCES ISLANDS | Most of Istanbul residents refer to the Princes' Islands as “Adalar” (the Islands), as they are the only islands around the city. Any kind of motor vehicles is banned here; something that comes as a welcome relief after the traffic mayhem of Istanbul. Except for the necessary police, fire and sanitation vehicles, transportation is by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage and on foot, as in centuries past.
The name of the islands comes from the Byzantine period, when princes and empresses were exiled there. But during the Ottoman period, especially around 19th century with the use of steamboats, these islands became a popular resorts for Istanbul's rich people, building their wooden houses. Jewish, Greek and Armenian communities were a large part of the inhabitants of the islands. Today, the islands are popular tourist destinations for daily excursions especially during summer months. There are many monasteries and historic buildings on the islands, besides Victorian style old wooden mansions.
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GETTING THERE | Cruise the Marmara Sea to the Princes' Islands by a regular public ferry boat. The destination is Büyükada (Big Island), the largest among the chain of 9 islands but we will pass by four other islands on the way Kinaliada (Henna Island), Burgazada (Fortress Island), Heybeliada (Saddlebag Island), which are densely populated and Sedefada (Mother-of-Pearl Island) with just a small settlement on it. The other four - Sivriada (Sharp Island), Yassiada (Flat Island), Kasik Ada (Spoon Island) and Tavsan Ada (Rabbit Island) are currently deserted. The whole ridge is famous for the mild climate and lush vegetation and the first five islands, in addition - for the ornate Ottoman houses.
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WHILE THERE  | Upon arrival at “Buyuk Ada” take a tour of the Island by horse-drawn carriage known as phaeton. It is the largest and the most famous of this Islands chain. Some of the historical buildings are Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery from 6th century, Ayios Dimitrios Church, Hristos Church and Monastery, and Hamidiye Mosque built by sultan Abdulhamit II.
While on the circular tour of Büyükada, you will pass elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvillea. You will feel as though you have stepped back into a more leisured and gracious age, almost expecting grand 19th century ladies and gentlemen to come strolling down to the waterfront on an afternoon promenade.
You will have lunch at one of the local restaurants on the sea shore
Later, you will have time to stroll around on your own. Return to Istanbul late afternoon
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INCLUDES
- Return transportation to/from the pier by fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
- Pick-up/Drop-off from city center hotels
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Horse-drawn cart tour around the island
- Public ferry boat tickets
- Lunch at the local restaurant
EXCLUDES
- Any personal expenses
- Meals and drinks unless specified
- Tips & gratuities
- Optional activities cost
- Turkish visa fee
- Travel and Health insurance
NOTES
- Children of age 2,99 and below are free of charge
Disclaimer
- This is a scheduled motor-coach tour
- Group might consist of up to 40 people
- Group might include the people of different nationalities, cultures, ages and interests
- The regular tour is of a good value, but may not be the best choice for those who have special interests and/or concerns about keeping up with, or being held back by, a group.
- Touring is paced to allow the average traveler reasonable time to enjoy each site
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Book, Starting From
0 € per person
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