Embarking on a full-day Princes Island tour from Istanbul is a delightful way to escape the bustling city. Travelers can look forward to a scenic ferry ride, exploration of charming Ottoman architecture, and a flavorful lunch aboard. With ample free time for shopping and relaxation, this comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience in the largest island of the Sea of Marmara. Convenient pickup and a small group size ensure a memorable day trip, leaving visitors intrigued to uncover more about the island’s captivating history and natural beauty.
Key Points
- Discover the largest island in the Sea of Marmara on a full-day Princes Island tour from Istanbul, including a scenic ferry ride and lunch onboard.
- Explore the islands via electric car transportation and enjoy free time to shop and admire the Ottoman-era architecture.
- Convenient air-conditioned vehicle pickup from hotels in the Old City and Taksim areas, with a meeting point at Cibali.
- Tour includes a boat trip to Büyükada and Heybeliada Islands, offering panoramic views of the Topkapı Palace.
- Flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, ensuring peace of mind for travelers.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Istanbul
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Highlights
- Transfer and Pickup Information
- Itinerary and Activities
- Tour Details and Accessibility
- Reviews and Ratings
- Included in the Tour
- Booking and Cancellation Policy
- Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Type of Lunch Is Provided on the Tour?
- Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- How Much Free Time Is Allocated for Island Exploration?
- Are There Any Discounts or Offers Available for This Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Istanbul
- More Lunch Experiences in Istanbul
- More Tours in Istanbul
- More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Istanbul we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Highlights
The full-day Princes Island Tour from Istanbul allows visitors to explore the largest island in the Sea of Marmara.
Travelers will cruise in comfort while enjoying a lunch onboard. The tour includes transportation via electric car and a scenic ferry ride to the islands.
Visitors can look forward to free time to shop or admire the Ottoman architecture. The highlights of this tour are exploring the islands, taking in the picturesque views, and experiencing the unique transportation methods.
With guaranteed transfer options and an air-conditioned vehicle, this tour provides a seamless and comfortable way to discover the Princes Islands from Istanbul.
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Transfer and Pickup Information
Guaranteed transfer options are available for this full-day Princes Island Tour from Istanbul.
Travelers can enjoy comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transportation from their hotels in the Old City and Taksim areas. The meeting point for the tour is at Cibali, opposite Kadirhas University, where you will gather at 9:15 AM.
The tour ends at the same meeting location, ensuring a seamless start and finish to the day’s activities.
Whether you’re seeking a hassle-free way to reach the islands or prefer the convenience of door-to-door service, the tour’s transfer options cater to your needs and preferences.
Itinerary and Activities
At 8:30 AM, the tour commences with a journey by air-conditioned bus to the Unkapani port.
From there, guests embark on a boat trip to the largest island in the Sea of Marmara, Büyükada, as well as Heybeli Island.
Along the way, they’ll catch glimpses of the majestic Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
The leisurely cruise allows travelers to soak in the scenic views of the islands and the surrounding Marmara Sea.
With ample free time to explore, visitors can stroll through the charming Ottoman-era architecture, browse local shops, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil island atmosphere.
Tour Details and Accessibility
Confirmation of the tour booking is received upon completion. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. A maximum of 50 travelers can join the experience.
| Accessibility | Travelers |
|---|---|
| Not wheelchair accessible | Maximum of 50 |
| Stroller accessible | Infants must sit on laps |
| – | – |
| – | – |
| – | – |
The tour offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore the Princes’ Islands, providing a scenic ferry ride and the opportunity to travel by electric car on the largest island, Büyükada.
Reviews and Ratings
The tour’s customer reviews paint a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 24 evaluations.
Fourteen reviewers awarded 5 stars, praising the service and timing, while one gave 4 stars.
However, one reviewer provided a 3-star rating, and another a 2-star, criticizing the organization and lack of a tour guide.
The most negative feedback came from seven 1-star reviews, which further highlighted issues with the tour’s execution.
Despite the mixed opinions, the tour does offer a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for potential customers.
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Included in the Tour
The tour’s inclusions provide a comfortable and immersive experience for visitors.
With a full-day itinerary, travelers will explore the largest island in the Sea of Marmara, Büyüakada, and the neighboring Heybeliada Island.
Transportation is seamless, featuring an air-conditioned bus ride to the port and a scenic ferry crossing.
Onboard the boat, guests can enjoy an included lunch while admiring the passing Ottoman-era architecture and Topkapi Palace.
The tour also allows for free time to wander the islands, indulge in shopping, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere.
The package’s comprehensive nature ensures a well-rounded and enriching day trip from Istanbul.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation of their reservation. The tour is accessible to strollers but not wheelchair users, and infants must sit on laps. The maximum group size is 50 travelers. Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour starts, with full refunds available. This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind for travelers.
| Confirmation | Received at booking | |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible | Stroller accessible |
| Infants | Must sit on laps | |
| Group Size | Maximum of 50 travelers |
The tour’s booking and cancellation policy caters to the needs of various travelers, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free experience.
Additional Information
A ferry ride transports guests from the Unkapani port to the largest of the Princes’ Islands, Büyüada, and the adjacent Heybeliada Island.
Guests can explore these picturesque islands on electric cars, which are the primary mode of transportation, as no private vehicles are allowed.
The tour includes a scenic cruise along the Sea of Marmara, offering stunning views of the Ottoman architecture and the surrounding landscape.
Visitors will have free time to wander the charming streets, browse local shops, and admire the island’s historic buildings.
Lunch is provided onboard, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the day’s activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Lunch Is Provided on the Tour?
The tour includes a lunch provided on the cruise boat. It’s a comprehensive meal served onboard, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic views of the Princes Islands while savoring the local cuisine during their island exploration.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?
No special equipment or gear is needed for the tour. Participants can bring comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The tour provides transportation and a cruise with lunch, so travelers don’t need to bring any additional items.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour includes a lunch served onboard the boat. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is allowed, though the provided lunch is part of the tour experience.
How Much Free Time Is Allocated for Island Exploration?
The tour provides an ample amount of free time for island exploration, approximately 2-3 hours, allowing visitors to wander at their own pace, shop, and admire the Ottoman architecture throughout the largest island in the Sea of Marmara.
Are There Any Discounts or Offers Available for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t seem to offer any discounts or special offers. However, guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts, which provides flexibility in their travel plans.
Full-Day Princes Island Tour With Lunch From Istanbul
“Fabulous service, on time…nice activity full day from 9 am to 4pm, you can surely go for this once u r in Istanbul”
Recap
The Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul provides a delightful day trip experience. Travelers can enjoy a scenic ferry ride, explore the charming Ottoman architecture, and savor a flavorful lunch while taking in the picturesque views. With convenient pickup, transportation, and ample free time, this tour ensures a memorable exploration of the largest island in the Sea of Marmara.
