Walking Tour Of Şişli

• 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.

• Car-Free Environment: One of the most unique features of the Prince Islands is that motorized vehicles are prohibited on the islands. This creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere, where the main modes of transportation are bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. The absence of cars and traffic contributes to a relaxed and stress-free environment.
• Historic Architecture: The islands boast a rich history dating back to ancient times and are home to a variety of architectural gems. Visitors can explore Ottoman-era mansions, picturesque wooden houses, and historical landmarks like churches, monasteries, and mosques.
• Natural Beauty: The Prince Islands are blessed with natural beauty, featuring lush forests, olive groves, and pristine beaches. The islands’ landscapes are perfect for leisurely walks and hiking, providing opportunities to connect with nature.
• Escaping the City: For Istanbul residents, the Prince Islands offer an escape from the bustling city life. Locals often visit the islands on weekends to enjoy a relaxing day or weekend getaway in a tranquil setting.
• Cultural Heritage: Each island has its own cultural identity and unique attractions. Büyükada, the largest island, is famous for its historical buildings and charming streets. Heybeliada is known for its religious sites, including the Halki Seminary. Burgazada and Kınalıada are smaller and quieter, offering a more secluded atmosphere.
• Summer Resorts: In the 19th century, the islands became popular summer resorts for Istanbul’s elite and foreign dignitaries. Many old wooden mansions and villas from that era still stand, adding to the islands’ historical significance.
• Ecotourism and Outdoor Activities: The car-free environment and natural beauty make the islands ideal for ecotourism and various outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.
• Cultural Events: The Prince Islands host various cultural events, including art exhibitions, music festivals, and theater performances, attracting artists and art enthusiasts from all over.

Prince Island Hiking routes is a project which was created by the Istanbul Chamber of Guides (IRO) in coordination with Istanbul Tourism Platform, a body of IMM (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality). The Monumental Trees content was provided by the IMM Directorate of Parks, Gardens, and Green Areas, and the cultural heritage content by the IMM Cultural Heritage Department.

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.

To make tourism on the Islands sustainable and ensure the continuity of natural areas, please:

• Avoid behaviors that could harm trees, flowers, other plants, and animals.
• Refrain from playing loud music, shouting, and other similar actions to maintain silence in the surroundings.
• Reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging and making sure to dispose of your packaging waste in recycling stations.
• Remember the presence of the people living here during your visits and interact harmoniously with other visitors and the local community.

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.

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.

We will take the water taxi provided by IMM(Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality), which takes 45 minutes and allows us to enjoy the island for the whole day as early as 09:00 am.

• 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.

We meet at 08:15 in front of the Karaköy Ferry Terminal. Please find your guide carrying the Hike’n Sail sign.