Guided Tours
Guided Studio Tour: Dirilis Ertugrul, Kurulus Osman and Destan
- Live Guide
- Hotel Pickup
- Easy Cancellation
4.8(355)
From€78
Day Trips from Istanbul
The easiest day trip from Istanbul is the Princes' Islands, a ferry ride away in the Sea of Marmara. For a full day out, guided tours go further — to Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, and to the lake and waterfalls of Sapanca and Maşukiye — or to the Riva studios where Turkish historical series are filmed.
Heading to the islands? Read our Princes' Islands guide for ferries, the four islands and what to see. Princes' Islands guide →
9 experiences
9 results
Day Trips
Sapanca Masukiye Tour from Istanbul with Shopping
- Live Guide
- Hotel Pickup
- Easy Cancellation
4.6(281)
From€30
Day Trips
Bursa Day Trip with Historic Market Shopping
- Live Guide
- Meal Included
- Easy Cancellation
4.6(125)
From€35
Day Trips
Burgazada Island Audio Guide
- Audio Guide Included
- Available in 25 Languages
- Self-Guided Experience
- Easy Cancellation
4.6(16)
From€10
Day Trips
Kinaliada Island Audio Guide
- Audio Guide Included
- Self-Guided Experience
- Easy Cancellation
4.5(21)
From€10
Day Trips
Buyukada & Heybeliada Princes' Islands Ferry Ticket with Audio Guide
- Audio Guide Included
- Round-Trip Transportation
- Easy Cancellation
4.8(260)
From€24
Day Trips
Heybeliada Island Roundtrip Boat Ticket with Audio Guide
- Audio Guide Included
- Round-Trip Transportation
- Easy Cancellation
4.7(78)
From€12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Istanbul?
Popular choices are the Princes' Islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada), Bursa with its Ottoman-era tombs and historic silk market, and the lake and forest scenery of Sapanca and Maşukiye. The islands suit a relaxed half or full day; Bursa and Sapanca are longer trips that are easiest with an organised tour.
How do I get to the Princes' Islands from Istanbul?
By ferry across the Sea of Marmara. Several of the island tickets listed here are round-trip boat tickets with an audio guide, and there is also a guided islands tour with lunch served on the boat.
Which of the Princes' Islands should I visit?
Büyükada is the largest, known for its grand wooden mansions and the hilltop Aya Yorgi church; Heybeliada is greener and quieter; Burgazada and Kınalıada are smaller and closest to the city. A combined Büyükada & Heybeliada ticket lets you see two islands in one day.
Are there cars on the Princes' Islands?
No — the islands are car-free. Visitors get around on foot or by bicycle, which is a big part of their slower, village-like appeal.
Is Bursa worth a day trip from Istanbul?
Yes, if you are interested in Ottoman history: Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is known for the Green Tomb with its Iznik tiles and its centuries-old silk market. It is a long day, so a guided day trip with hotel pickup takes care of the journey.
What is the Riva studio tour?
A guided full-day visit to the film studios in Riva, Beykoz, on Istanbul's Black Sea side, where the sets of the Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Kuruluş: Osman and Destan are located.