CRUISE TO PRINCES’ ISLANDS: WALK IN BÜYÜKADA

Büyükada, literally “Big Island” in Turkish, is the original Princes' Island, and the largest and most populated of the Princes’ Islands. Büyükada was used as an exile destination and as a monastery region during the Byzantine Christian period. During the Byzantium history the island was also used as a prison for those who were opposing the Emperor. It was Büyükada where the Byzantine empresses Irene and Zoe and Anna Dalassena were sent on exile. After his deportation from the Soviet Union in February 1929, Leon Trotsky also stayed for four years on Büyükada. We see mansions, palaces, churches, convents and much more... We meet the guide at the pier and take the regular cruise boat to the island. Splendid Hotel, Hamidiye Mosque, Santa Pasifico Church, Meziki Mansion, Christ Church, Convent of St. George are some of the places to be visited on the tour. Highlight of the trip is a 45-minute phaeton ride.