There is no absolutely no better way to escape the bustle of Istanbul for a day than to go on a visit to the idyllic Princes’ Islands. Enjoy the cool breezes and the charming sights along the way to Büyükada, which is the largest Island in the chain. These islands being famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation, and ornate Ottoman Houses, are all unspoiled by traffic. Instead of cars there are carriages, called phaetons, which take the passengers and are used to take the tour of the island and and make visitors see its beautiful scenery studded with elegant mansions draped with purple bougainvillea, reminiscent of a more leisured and graceful era. You will enjoy your lunch at the best of one of the many excellent fresh fish restaurants that line in the waterfront, gazing across the Asian shore of Istanbul.