The Islander’s Tour: Büyükada

To understand Istanbul, now and then you need to step away from it. So we take a day trip to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, whose way of life has always been something apart.

We meet in Bostancı at 12:00 and take the 12:30 boat to the island. After a short introduction to the island’s history and culture, we look at the pier square and its buildings, take our group photo by the clock tower and walk up Çankaya Avenue, where the historic mansions stand closest together: the Anadolu Club, Hotel Calypso, the Fabiato Mansion known as the Turing House, the İzzet Pasha and John Pasha mansions, Trotsky’s house, the Stone School and many more tell the island’s story.

After the mansions we climb together to the Monastery of Saint George. Then comes free time: those who wish can walk over to see the old Greek Orphanage from outside. We return on the 17:20 boat to Bostancı, or stay on the island a little longer.

Available on request all year round. €100 per person (minimum 2, maximum 30 travellers); private tour €250 per group (up to 30 guests). Children up to 12 free. Boat tickets and lunch are not included. Your guide is Osman Altay, in English or Turkish. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.