Hi, I am one of a party of eight meeting in Istanbul in March (2026). Prior to beginning an organized tour of the country, we will be spending a few days in Istanbul, and would like to visit Büyükada. We have set aside a full day for this. Any information about visiting the island will be appreciated, especially as I am having a more difficult time than usual finding exactly the information I am seeking. For instance, ...
Is it possible to rent an electric golf cart or two (or similar) without scheduling a full tour beginning and ending in Istanbul? If so, is there a company or person someone might recommend? Alternately, can one schedule a guided tour by electric vehicle after arriving on the island? I am guessing yes, but I am having no luck finding a site to reserve this. I see public electric mini buses mentioned on a few sites, but comprehensive information is eluding me.
----I have reviewed tours on Viator, Get Your Guide, Trip Advisor, etc. and all seem to feature activities or arrangements I don't know that we necessarily need or may want, such as transportation from our hotel to a ferry terminal and back, tickets for the ferries to the island(s) and back, a scheduled lunch, etc., and all that I have found, thus far, seem to have very little time allotted for just traveling around the island unless it is by bike, which I think a couple members of our group may opt not to do. Or would they?
Does anyone have any experience biking on Büyükada? All of our party can walk well enough (and I assume bike), but I thought golf carts or similar might provide a super easy way to get around and see quite a bit more of the island while allowing us to stop and start at will.
Should we try to visit two islands, rather than one? I see Heybeliada frequently bundled with a tour to Büyükada. Does "less is more" apply to visiting the Princes Islands?
Any thoughts or suggestions? Thank you in advance for any help you might be willing to provide.