From Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour With Lunch

Exploring the picturesque Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul is a captivating day trip that offers a unique glimpse into the city’s fascinating history and cultural heritage. Departing from the bustling city, visitors embark on a ferry ride across the Marmara Sea, with the opportunity to feed the playful seagulls along the way. Upon arrival at the largest island, Büyükada, travelers can leisurely stroll through the charming streets, discover local shops, and relax on the beach before indulging in a delectable seasonal lunch. With the guidance of a knowledgeable professional, this tour promises to be an unforgettable experience that delves deeper into the enchanting island life.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Istanbul.

Key Points

• Explore the largest Princes Island, Buyukada, with a scenic ferry cruise from Istanbul and an electric car tour of its pedestrianized streets and historic mansions.
• Relax on the island’s pristine beaches, browse local shops, and enjoy a fresh seasonal lunch during the 8-hour tour.
• Gain insights into the island’s rich heritage and culture from a knowledgeable guide, including opportunities to interact with local wildlife by feeding seagulls.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, along with flexible booking and cancellation policies, ensure a hassle-free experience.
• The tour offers good value for money, with overall positive reviews highlighting the beautiful island, relaxing activities, and enjoyable culinary experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Princes Islands Tour with Lunch offers an immersive excursion to Buyukada, the largest of Turkey’s picturesque Princes Islands.

Lasting 8 hours, the tour whisks guests away on a ferry to explore the island’s pedestrianized streets and charming mansions via electric car.

Travelers can relax on pristine beaches, browse local shops, and savor a fresh seasonal lunch served either on the boat in summer or at a cozy restaurant in winter.

Priced from $38.90 to $33.06 per person, the tour provides convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as insightful commentary from a knowledgeable guide about the island’s history as an exile location and monastic settlement.

Highlights of the Experience

One of the key highlights of the Princes Islands Tour with Lunch is the opportunity to cruise aboard a ferry to Buyukada, the largest of Turkey’s picturesque Princes Islands.

Once on the island, guests can explore its pedestrianized streets and majestic mansions via electric car, affording a unique and eco-friendly way to take in the sights.

Visitors can also relax on the island’s pristine beaches or browse the local shops for unique souvenirs.

During the tour, guests will savor a fresh seasonal lunch, served on the boat in summer or at a cozy restaurant in winter, providing a delightful culinary experience.

Transportation and Logistics

Convenient pickup from designated hotel areas is included for the Princes Islands Tour with Lunch. Guests staying outside the pickup zones must reach the meeting point on their own.

After exploring the largest Princes Island, Buyukada, via electric car, a comfortable coach ride will transport visitors back to their hotels. The tour package includes all necessary transportation, such as the boat trip to and from the island.

During the summer months, the beach entrance fee is also covered. With a professional guide on hand, guests can sit back and enjoy the scenic journey without the hassle of navigation.

Professional Tour Guide

Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide shares the captivating history of Buyukada, the largest of the Princes Islands. Guests learn about the island’s role as an exile location and former monastic settlement.

The guide points out the island’s majestic mansions and provides insights into the local culture. During the boat ride, the guide encourages guests to feed the seagulls with traditional simits.

Plus, the guide offers recommendations for visiting local gift and leather shops, allowing guests to explore the island’s unique shopping opportunities.

With the guide’s expertise, travelers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Princes Islands and their rich heritage.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Seagull Feeding on the Boat

During the boat ride to Buyukada, the guide encourages guests to feed the seagulls with traditional Turkish simits.

As the ferry glides across the waters of the Marmara Sea, flocks of these majestic birds begin to gather around the vessel. Guests are delighted to tear off pieces of the soft, circular bread and toss them to the seagulls swooping in to catch the tasty morsels.

The guide explains that this is a longstanding tradition, as the islands’ seagulls have become accustomed to receiving treats from visitors.

Feeding the seagulls adds an interactive and playful element to the journey, allowing guests to connect with the local wildlife and participate in a quintessential Princes Islands experience.

Local Shopping Opportunities

As visitors stroll through Buyukada’s charming streets, they’ll come across a variety of local shops offering unique souvenirs and artisanal crafts.

These shops showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional Turkish leatherwork, handmade ceramics, and intricate textiles.

Guests can browse for one-of-a-kind home decor items, clothing, and jewelry pieces that make for perfect mementos of their Princes Islands adventure.

Many of the shops feature skilled local artisans, providing insight into the island’s thriving creative community.

Visitors are encouraged to explore these hidden gems, supporting local businesses while discovering genuine Turkish treasures to bring home.

Ratings and Customer Reviews

The Princes Islands Tour has received an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 26 customer reviews.

While the tour is highly regarded for the beautiful island and relaxing experience, some customers reported issues with transportation and communication. The tour’s transportation was rated 3.8 out of 5, with mixed feedback on the hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, the tour was praised for its value for money, earning a 4.1 out of 5 rating.

Customers enjoyed:

• Exploring the pedestrianized streets and historic mansions of Buyukada
• Feeding seagulls with traditional Turkish simits during the boat ride
• Visiting local shops to find unique souvenirs
• Savoring a fresh, seasonal lunch served on the boat or in a cozy restaurant

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Guests can reserve their spot on the Princes Islands Tour and pay later, a convenient option that allows for greater flexibility.

The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, perfect for those with uncertain schedules. This booking policy provides peace of mind, ensuring customers can plan their trip with confidence.

Whether guests need to adjust their plans or simply want the option to cancel, the tour’s flexible terms cater to their needs.

With the ability to reserve now and pay later, along with the generous cancellation policy, booking the Princes Islands Tour is a hassle-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food on the tour. The tour includes a freshly prepared seasonal lunch served on the boat in summer or at a cozy restaurant in winter, which is part of the overall experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, and children of all ages are welcome to participate. Families can enjoy the island’s tranquil atmosphere and activities together, making it a suitable option for travelers of all ages.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour generally follows a set itinerary, but guests can customize their experience to an extent. They can choose to spend more time exploring certain areas, visit local shops, or request modifications within the tour’s overall structure.

Is the Electric Car Easy to Operate?

The electric cars on the Princes Islands Tour are easy to operate. They’re designed for simple controls, making it straightforward for guests to navigate the island’s pedestrianized streets and explore at their own pace during the tour.

Are There Any Additional Fees I Should Be Aware Of?

The tour typically includes all necessary fees, such as the beach entrance fee during summer months. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the tour provider for any additional or optional costs that may apply.

Recap

The Princes Islands tour offers a delightful escape from the bustling city of Istanbul. Visitors can explore the charming streets of Buyukada, relax on the beach, savor a seasonal lunch, and interact with friendly seagulls during the boat ride. With a knowledgeable guide providing historical and cultural insights, this tour promises an immersive and memorable experience for those seeking to discover the unique island charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: