Best of Princes Island Day Tour With Boat Ride & Transfer

Discovering the enchanting Princes Islands is an unforgettable experience, and the "Best of Princes Island Day Tour" offers a comprehensive way to take in its captivating charm. This guided excursion whisks travelers on a scenic boat ride, allowing them to explore the car-free streets of Kınalıada and Büyükada, and visit historic sites like the Aya Yorgi Church and Hristos Church Mansion. While enjoying an open buffet lunch on board, guests can soak in the stunning sea views, all while learning about the islands’ rich cultural heritage from knowledgeable tour leaders. The journey promises to leave a lasting impression, enticing visitors to delve deeper into the islands’ enchanting allure.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Istanbul.

Key Points

• Discounted full-day tour of the Princes Islands, including round-trip transportation, scenic boat ride, guided exploration, and open-buffet lunch for $24 per person.
• Explore car-free Kınalıada and Büyükada islands, visit historical sites like Aya Yorgi Church and Hristos Church Mansion, and experience traditional horse-drawn carriage rides.
• Convenient pickup locations at Fatih and Taksim Square, with a 30-minute bus ride to Golden Horn for ferry boarding and 1.5-hour scenic ferry crossing.
• Open buffet lunch featuring traditional Turkish cuisine and stunning sea views while dining on the ferry.
• Positive reviews on organization and timely pickup, with suggestions for a more comprehensive guided experience and room for improvement in the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Best of Princes Island Day Tour" offers an immersive experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the charming Princes Islands located off the coast of Istanbul.

Priced at a discounted rate of $24 per person, down from $48, this full-day tour promises an enriching journey. Lasting 8 hours, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a scenic boat ride, a guided exploration of the islands, and an open-buffet lunch.

Travelers can conveniently book the tour in advance and receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours prior. With its compelling itinerary and inclusive pricing, this tour presents an enticing way to discover the unique charms of the Princes Islands.

Itinerary and Experience

Visitors embark on their Princes Islands adventure with pickup locations at Fatih and Taksim Square. A 30-minute bus ride takes them to the Golden Horn, where they board a scenic 1.5-hour ferry crossing to the islands.

First, they explore Kınalıada, with free time for sightseeing and photos. An open-buffet lunch is served on board during the journey.

Next, they reach Büyükada, the largest of the islands, for a guided tour. Highlights include the 19th-century Aya Yorgi Church and the Ottoman-era Hristos Church Mansion.

With car-free streets, visitors can enjoy the islands’ unique horse-drawn carriage transportation. The tour concludes with a return ferry ride and transfer back to their accommodations.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring the car-free streets of Kınalıada and Büyükada, the largest Princes Islands, offers visitors a unique transportation experience with traditional horse-drawn carriages.

The tour highlights include visiting the 19th-century Greek Orthodox Aya Yorgi Church, which boasts panoramic views, and the Ottoman-era Hristos Church Mansion, showcasing the local history.

Travelers can discover the scenic sea views across the Sea of Marmara, which add to the charm of the islands.

The guided tours provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of these picturesque destinations, while the free time allows for independent exploration and soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Inclusions and Important Information

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned bus, an open buffet lunch, all taxes and charges, a boat trip, a tour guide, and insurance.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card and sunglasses. It’s important to note that the public ferry is solely for transportation, and the tour operator isn’t responsible for ferry services. The pickup time of 8 am is early, as the boat departs at 10 am.

Some key highlights of the tour include:

1. Exploring the car-free streets of Kınalıada and Büyükada, the largest Princes Islands.
2. Visiting the 19th-century Greek Orthodox Aya Yorgi Church with panoramic views.
3. Discovering the Ottoman-era Hristos Church Mansion and its showcase of local history.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the customer reviews, the Best of Princes Island Day Tour has garnered a 3-out-of-5 rating based on 3 reviews.

One traveler from the UK, Helen, noted that the tour was well-organized and the pickup was on time. However, she wished the guide had shown them around the islands more.

The other two reviews were positive but didn’t provide any specific comments.

The tour seems to have met the expectations of most customers, though some wished for a more comprehensive guided experience on the islands.

The low number of reviews suggests the tour may be relatively new or not widely known yet.

Pickup Locations and Transportation

The Best of Princes Island Day Tour offers convenient pickup locations at Fatih and Taksim Square.

From there, guests will embark on a 30-minute bus/coach ride to the Golden Horn, where they’ll board a scenic ferry for a 1.5-hour cruise to the Princes Islands. This efficient transportation ensures a seamless journey to the tour’s highlights:

1. Explore the car-free streets of Kınalıada and Büyükada, the largest of the Princes Islands.
2. Discover the 19th-century Greek Orthodox Aya Yorgi Church and the Ottoman-era Hristos Church Mansion.
3. Enjoy a delightful open-buffet lunch on board the ferry while taking in the stunning sea views across the Sea of Marmara.

Explore Princes Islands

Guests explore the car-free enclaves of Kınalıada and Büyükada, the largest of the Princes Islands. They explore the traditional horse-drawn carriages and discover the 19th-century Greek Orthodox Aya Yorgi Church, offering panoramic views.

The tour also visits the Ottoman-era Hristos Church Mansion, showcasing local history and culture. Travelers enjoy scenic sea views across the Sea of Marmara as they soak up the tranquil atmosphere of these car-free islands.

The guided tour provides opportunities for photo stops, free time, and sightseeing, allowing guests to enjoy the unique character of the Princes Islands.

Onboard Dining and Activities

An included open buffet lunch provides travelers with a taste of traditional Turkish cuisine during the ferry ride to the islands. The menu features a selection of hot and cold meze dishes, freshly grilled fish, vegetarian options, and delectable Turkish desserts.

Passengers can enjoy the scenic sea views as they savor the flavors of the region.

The tour also offers opportunities to experience the local culture:

1. Stroll through the car-free streets of the islands, where horse-drawn carriages are a unique mode of transportation.
2. Visit the 19th-century Aya Yorgi Church, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Explore the Hristos Church Mansion, an Ottoman-era mansion showcasing the area’s rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Specific Date and Time?

Yes, customers can book the tour for a specific date and time. The tour offers a flexible booking process, allowing travelers to reserve their spot in advance and select their preferred departure time.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is suitable for families, as it includes transportation, lunch, and guided sightseeing on car-free islands. However, the early pickup time at 8 AM and 1.5-hour ferry ride may not be ideal for young children.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees During the Tour?

There are no additional costs or fees during the tour. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, lunch, boat trip, tour guide, and insurance, so travelers only need to pay the upfront tour price.

Can I Customize or Personalize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour operator generally doesn’t allow participants to customize the tour itinerary. However, customers can request minor adjustments, such as adding or skipping certain stops, based on their preferences and the availability of the tour guide.

What Language(S) Are the Tour Guides Available In?

The tour guides are available in multiple languages, typically including English, Turkish, and other common European languages like German or French. Specific language availability may vary, so it’s best to inquire when booking the tour.

Recap

The "Best of Princes Island Day Tour" offers a delightful way to experience the charm of the Princes Islands. With a scenic boat ride, guided exploration of car-free streets, visits to historical sites, and an onboard open buffet lunch, this full-day adventure provides a well-rounded cultural experience. Knowledgeable tour leaders and convenient transfers make this tour an excellent choice for those seeking to discover the beauty and history of this unique destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: