Living Streets of Istanbul

Kurtuluş Caddesi

COST
USD/person

DURATION
5 hours

MIN/MAX GROUP SIZE
2-12

DIFFICULTY
<1> 2 3 4 5

Overview

Prince Island Cultural Routes

As part of our sustainable tourism efforts, we aim to minimize the negative impact of visitor density on natural life and tranquility in the Islands. Our goal is to protect their natural beauty and maintain the cultural fabric.

We will take the water taxi to Büyükada (Prinkopi). Büyükada is the largest of the Prince Islands and our favorite island to hike. Today’s hike varies between 10-12 km (6-9 miles). It includes the rich historical heritage of churches, monasteries and mansions, celebrity homes, spectacular vistas, pine-shaded trails, and quiet roads.

Trip Information

Trip Highlights

Hiking.
Historic mansions.
Old Prinkipo Orphanage (Largest standing wooden structure in Europe and the second in the world)
St George Church.
Wildflowers.
Stories and homes of historic personalities, such as Leon Trotsky, Ottoman dignitaries and exiled Byzantine empresses.
Pine shaded trails.
Adalar Museum.

What’s Included?

Lunch.
Certified professional guide.
Guide’s expenses, etc.
Entrance fees to Adalar Museum.
Carbon footprint.

Trip begins / ends

Karaköy Ferry Terminal/Karaköy Ferry Terminal

Location

Büyükada (Prinkipo) of the Prince Islands

FAQ

What is the itinerary like?

Meet at 08:45 at Karaköy Ferry Terminal.
Drive to Şile (h 15m). Make a short stop on the beach for a quick dip if the weather is right.
Drive 15 minutes to Ovacık Village and meet our host.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared with 100% local products and local specialties.
Go for a 4k hike. If you are not in the mood for a hike, you can sit with the ladies of the cooperative and enjoy their company, or walk in the village.
Re-group and start the workshop. The workshops vary depending on the season. The most popular one is pasta making followed by making fruit jams, vinegar, pickles, cheese, yoğurt and fruit harvest.
Enjoy drinks and chat while the lunch is getting ready.
Enjoy a delicious, local lunch.
End the day with a relaxing cup of tea or coffee and engage in a meaningful conversation with the members of the Women’s Seed Cooperative. Ask them questions about their enterprise, how they started, the challenges they face, and their vision for the future. Be open to answering their questions too, and create a space for mutual learning and exchange of ideas.
Return to Istanbul.

What is the best time for this tour?

This trip is enjoyable year-round, as each season offers its own unique charm. In spring, the mountains are covered with wildflowers. Summer brings the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the Black Sea. Autumn is the perfect time to pick ripe fruits directly from the trees. In winter, you can enjoy peaceful walks in the snow and then warm up by a cozy wood fire.

Who would love this tour?

This tour is ideal for families with children of any age, as well as small groups of friends. The opportunity to interact with the local women, who have taken their futures into their own hands, is both rewarding and educational. If you are a foodie or believe in empowering women and supporting local communities, this community-based experience is a perfect choice for you.

What to bring?

This tour is rewarding all year round. Make sure you are dressed season-appropriate.
Comfortable shoes. Best, hiking boots with ankle support.
Suntan lotion.
Hat.
Please follow the weather forecast. Bring a raincoat if necessary.
You may bring a light towel and a bathing suit. We can squeeze in a quit dip into the Black Sea. Şile has nice sandy beaches.

How do we meet?

We meet at 09:15 in front of the Osmanbey Metro Station (Osmanbey exit). Please find your guide carrying the Hike’n Sail sign.