The Istanbul: Full Day Princes Islands Guided Tour With Lunch offers a unique opportunity to explore the serene beauty of the Princes Islands. Departing from Istanbul, this 7-hour adventure takes visitors on a ferry ride to the picturesque Heybeliada and Büyükada, where they can enjoy the islands’ rich history and natural wonders. With a traditional Turkish lunch included, the tour promises a well-rounded cultural experience. While the overall rating is positive, there’s more to uncover about the specific highlights and potential drawbacks of this guided excursion. Delving into the tour’s itinerary and customer feedback could provide valuable insights for those considering this enchanting escape from the bustling city.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Princes Islands.
Key Points
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The tour covers a full-day exploration of the Princes Islands near Istanbul, including hotel pickups, a guided historical tour, and a traditional Turkish lunch.
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The tour offers language options in English and Arabic, and includes round-trip ferry tickets, as well as beach entrance fees during the summer season.
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The tour is rated 3.7 out of 5 from 66 reviews, with positive feedback on the tour guides, transportation, and value for money.
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The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves walking and boarding boats, and non-folding wheelchairs are not permitted.
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The tour offers flexible booking and cancellation policies, allowing customers to secure their spot without immediate payment and receive a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The Istanbul: Full Day Princes Islands Guided Tour offers a comprehensive day-long experience, exploring the picturesque Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul.
This tour is priced at $43.34 per person and lasts 7 hours, with pickup from several locations in the city. Conducted in both English and Arabic, the tour includes round-trip ferry tickets, a traditional Turkish lunch, and a guided exploration of the islands.
Guests can expect a flexible booking policy, allowing them to reserve now and pay later, as well as a generous cancellation policy with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 from 66 reviews, this tour provides a well-organized opportunity to discover the natural beauty and history of the Princes Islands.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins with hotel pickups between 08:00 and 09:15, after which guests will meet the guide at the port and board the boat for their journey to the Princes Islands. The first stop is Heybeliada, known as the greenest of the islands, where travelers will have free time to explore. Next, the group heads to Büyükada for a guided tour, learning about the island’s rich history. After the tour, a traditional Turkish lunch is served, followed by free time for further exploration or swimming during the summer months. Before returning to their hotels, guests will make a stop for shopping at a gift and leather shop.
| Destination | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Heybeliada | Free time | Exploration |
| Büyükada | Guided tour | Historical insights |
| Lunch | – | Traditional Turkish dishes |
| Free time | – | Exploration, swimming (summer) |
Inclusion Highlights
This tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience. Guests receive hotel transfers, ensuring convenient transportation to and from the departure point.
A professional tour guide accompanies the group, providing historical insights and facilitating a smooth itinerary. Lunch with one complimentary water is included, featuring traditional Turkish dishes.
Round-trip ferry tickets are provided, granting access to the Princes Islands. Plus, visitors enjoy a stop at a gift and leather shop, as well as beach entrance fees during the summer season.
Gratuities and personal expenses are also covered, allowing travelers to focus on seeing the sights and sounds of the Princes Islands without worrying about additional costs.
Exclusions to Note
While the tour includes a range of amenities, there are some exclusions travelers should be aware of.
Drinks at lunch and on the ferry aren’t covered, so guests will need to purchase those separately.
Plus, the tour doesn’t include the rental of electric vehicles or bicycles, so anyone wanting to explore the islands on their own will need to make those arrangements independently.
Pets are also not allowed on the tour.
Non-folding wheelchairs aren’t suitable, so those with mobility impairments should check if the tour can accommodate their needs.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback Summary
Customers have provided a mixed set of reviews for the Istanbul: Full Day Princes Islands Guided Tour, with an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 66 reviews.
The tour guides and transportation received high praise, scoring 4.3 out of 5 each. Reviewers were generally satisfied with the value for money, rating it 4.2 out of 5.
However, some customers expressed mixed feelings about the shopping stop at an outlet, finding it unnecessary. Several suggestions were made to replace the electric vehicles with bicycle rentals for a more eco-friendly and enjoyable experience.
Important Information
The tour operators provide clear information about what travelers should bring and who the tour may not be suitable for.
Passengers need to bring a valid passport or ID card, as a copy is accepted.
Unfortunately, the tour isn’t well-suited for people with mobility impairments. The tour involves walking, boarding boats, and exploring the islands, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility.
The tour company advises guests to consider their physical capabilities before booking.
Booking Flexibility
Booking flexibility allows travelers to reserve their spot now and pay later for the Istanbul: Full Day Princes Islands Guided Tour, providing convenience and peace of mind when planning their trip. This option gives customers the flexibility to secure their tour without making immediate payment, allowing them to finalize travel arrangements at their own pace. The table below outlines the booking flexibility details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reservation | Reserve your spot now |
| Payment | Pay later before the tour |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance |
| Refund | Full refund for cancellations within 24 hours |
| Availability | Dependent on tour capacity |
This booking flexibility makes the tour more accessible and accommodating for travelers, ensuring a seamless planning experience.
Cancellation Policy
Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the cancellation policy for the Istanbul: Full Day Princes Islands Guided Tour provides customers with the flexibility to receive a full refund should their plans change.
This allows travelers to book the tour with confidence, knowing they can adjust their itinerary if needed without penalty.
The tour operator understands that unexpected circumstances may arise, and they’ve implemented this generous cancellation policy to ensure customers have peace of mind when reserving their spot.
Whether due to flight changes, unexpected commitments, or simply a shift in plans, the ability to cancel up to a day in advance makes this guided tour a hassle-free option for exploring the Princes Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?
According to the tour information, outside food and beverages are generally not allowed on the excursion. The tour includes a traditional Turkish lunch, so bringing your own meal may not be permitted. However, you can check with the tour operator about any specific policies.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is typically no formal dress code for most guided tours. However, it’s generally recommended to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather and activities involved. Avoid overly casual or revealing attire to respect cultural norms.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages can participate, though those with mobility issues may find certain aspects challenging. Families are welcome, and the itinerary is designed to cater to a range of ages.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?
Typically, tour itineraries can be customized to individual preferences, though this may incur additional fees or require advance notice. Travelers should consult with the tour operator to discuss any desired modifications to the standard itinerary.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price generally covers the main activities and services, but there may be additional fees or taxes for optional extras, like rental of electric vehicles or bicycles, that are not included in the base price. Travelers should check for any supplementary costs.
Recap
The Istanbul: Full Day Guided Tour With Lunch to the Princes Islands offers a delightful escape from the city.
Visitors can explore the serene Heybeliada, followed by a guided tour of the historical Büyükaada.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip ferry tickets, and a traditional Turkish lunch, providing a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price.
With an overall positive rating, this tour promises cultural insights and picturesque landscapes, making it an attractive option for those seeking to experience the enchanting beauty of the Princes Islands.
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