• Buyukada - Büyükada is the largest and most renowned of the Princes’ Islands, celebrated for its car-free streets, charming wooden mansions, and rich multicultural heritage. For centuries, the island has served as a place of exile, summer retreats, and tranquil island life, influenced by Ottoman, Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities.

Strolling through Büyükada is like stepping into a slower pace of life — serene streets, historic homes, churches, monasteries, and hidden viewpoints overlooking the Marmara Sea. Its unique combination of history, architecture, and island culture makes Büyükada an ideal location for a heritage walking tour.

• Splendid Palace Hotel in Buyukada - Splendid Palace Hotel is one of Büyükada’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the island’s elegant past. Constructed in the early 20th century, the hotel embodies the grandeur of Büyükada’s golden era, when the island was a favored summer retreat for writers, diplomats, and high society.

Here, guests can enjoy a leisurely break with coffee, tea, or a refreshing cocktail while soaking in the hotel’s historic ambiance. This pause is not just a rest, but also an opportunity to discuss island life — how people lived, socialized, and spent their summers on Büyükada in the past, and how that lifestyle continues to shape the island today.

• Çankaya Caddesi - Çankaya Street is one of Büyükada’s most historic and elegant streets, often described as an open-air museum of island architecture.

Agopyan Mansion stands out as an early example of refined island architecture, reflecting the lifestyle of prominent families who once shaped island society. Nearby, the Anatolian Club represents the social life of the island, where gatherings, conversations, and leisure defined the rhythm of summer days.

Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church reflects the deep-rooted Armenian presence on the island, while Mizzi Mansion showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of Büyükada’s historic residences.

Further along, visitors encounter Con Pasha Mansion, one of the island’s most striking buildings, and the famous Trotsky House, where Leon Trotsky lived during his exile in the 1930s. This house connects Büyükada not only to local history but also to world history, making Çankaya Street a place where many stories intersect.

• Aya Yorgi Church - Aya Yorgi Church is one of Büyükada’s most significant landmarks, located at the highest point of the island. Reached by a scenic walk, the church is a place of faith and local tradition, visited by both worshippers and tourists.

From the hilltop, there are stunning panoramic views over the Marmara Sea and the Princes’ Islands. This stop offers a peaceful moment to discuss the island’s spiritual life, traditions, and the significance of Aya Yorgi in Büyükada’s history.

• Buyukada Rum Yetimhanesi - The Old Greek Orphanage is one of the most striking landmarks of Büyükada and one of the largest wooden buildings in Europe. Standing as a powerful symbol of the island’s multicultural past, this historic structure reflects the rich Greek heritage of the Princes’ Islands and offers insight into their social and architectural history.
• Halki Theological School - Heybeliada, the second-largest of the Princes’ Islands, offers a quieter and more reflective atmosphere than Büyükada. Known for its pine forests, peaceful streets, and strong educational and spiritual heritage, the island reveals a different side of island life — calmer, deeper, and less touristic.

One of Heybeliada’s most important landmarks is the Halki Theological Seminary, located on a hilltop surrounded by nature. Founded in 1844, the seminary was one of the most significant educational centers of the Eastern Orthodox world, training generations of clergy and scholars. Although it has been closed to formal education since 1971, the site remains a powerful symbol of Istanbul’s multicultural and multi-religious history.

This visit is offered as an optional extra for guests who wish to explore beyond Büyükada. It requires additional time and ferry travel and is especially recommended for those with a strong interest in history, religious heritage, and lesser-known islands.

• Adalar Museum - Adalar Museum offers a deeper look into the history and daily life of the Princes’ Islands. Through photographs, documents, and exhibitions, the museum tells the story of the islands’ multicultural communities, architecture, and changing lifestyles over time.

This stop helps visitors better understand how Büyükada and the surrounding islands developed, providing context to everything seen during the walk. It is a quiet and informative pause that connects the island’s past with its present.

• Museum entry and Heybeliada seminary visits (if option selected)
• Local English speaking tour guide
• Tea and coffee

• Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
• Meals
• Gratuities

Princes’ Islands Heritage Discovery Walking Tour

Embark on a journey to uncover the enduring allure of the Princes’ Islands with a leisurely and enlightening heritage walking tour through Büyükada. This tour is perfect for those who have a keen interest in history, culture, architecture, and experiencing genuine island life, away from the bustling tourist paths.

For those eager to delve deeper, there is an optional extension to Heybeliada and the historic Halki Seminary. This additional excursion is perfect for individuals interested in religious heritage, educational history, and the tranquility of quieter islands, providing a more comprehensive insight into the Princes’ Islands.

This historical walking tour is relaxed, educational, and suitable for all ages, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a cultural exploration experience in Istanbul.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.