Istanbul: Princes Island Tour With Lunch and 2 Islands

Exploring the serene Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul offers a welcome respite from the bustling city. This full-day tour whisks visitors away on a scenic boat cruise, where they’ll discover the charming neighborhoods of Heybeliada and Büyükada. Theres some good a fresh, seasonal lunch and enjoy the leisurely pace of an electric car ride, all while surrounded by the islands’ natural beauty. With knowledgeable guides and seamless transportation, this excursion provides the perfect escape. But what makes this tour truly remarkable is the opportunity to truly take in the unique island culture and traditions, offering a glimpse into a side of Istanbul that few visitors experience.

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

Key Points

• The full-day Princes Island tour in Istanbul offers a scenic cruise, visits to Heybeliada and Büyükada islands, a provided lunch, and hotel pickup/drop-off for a price range of $40.08 to $44.53 per person.
• The tour includes an approximately 45-minute bus ride to the islands, 1.5-hour sightseeing cruises, free time for exploration, and a 30-minute shopping stop in Sultanahmet.
• Highlights of the tour are an electric car ride around Büyükada, opportunities for swimming, and a tranquil atmosphere away from the bustling city of Istanbul.
• The tour is rated 4.2 out of 5 from 539 reviews, with positive feedback on the guide quality, organization, and value for money.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Istanbul: Princes Island Tour offers a full-day excursion to the largest islands in the Sea of Marmara, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore these picturesque destinations.

Priced from $40.08 to $44.53 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat tickets, lunch, water, and a guide. Guests can save up to 10% on the tour, which lasts approximately 8 hours.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

With its comprehensive itinerary and value-added features, this tour presents an appealing option for those seeking to discover the Princes Islands during their visit to Istanbul.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour starts with pickup from four convenient locations: Fatih, Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and Beyoğlu.

After a 45-minute bus or coach ride, visitors embark on a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise to the largest of the Princes Islands, the Heybeliada, where they’ve 45 minutes of free time.

The tour then passes by the Burgaz Island before reaching the Büyükada, the largest and most populous of the islands.

Here, guests enjoy a 3-hour break, including a guided tour, free time, and an opportunity to swim.

The return cruise lasts another 1.5 hours, followed by a 30-minute shopping stop in the Sultanahmet District before drop-off at the original pickup locations.

• Cruise to the Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara
• Explore Heybeliada and Büyükada islands
• Enjoy a guided tour and free time on Büyükada
• Take advantage of the swimming opportunity

Highlights and Activities

Soaking up the sights of the largest island in the Sea of Marmara, the Princes Island, is a highlight of this tour.

Guests will cruise to the island and enjoy a fresh, seasonal lunch before having free time to swim and explore.

The tour also includes an electric car ride around the mansions of Büyükaada, the largest of the Princes Islands.

Throughout the day, visitors can relax and take in the sights, experiencing a break from the bustle of Istanbul.

The excursion offers a chance to take in the tranquil atmosphere of these picturesque islands, making for an enjoyable sightseeing adventure.

Inclusions

This tour includes a hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.

Plus, the package provides:

• Boat tickets for the sightseeing cruise around the Princes Islands
• A fresh, seasonal lunch to enjoy while taking in the stunning views
• Bottled water to keep hydrated throughout the day
• An experienced guide to provide commentary and insights about the islands and their history

The inclusions cover the essential elements of the tour, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Princes Island experience without worrying about additional expenses.

This comprehensive package offers great value and convenience for visitors exploring this idyllic region of Istanbul.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Guests’ overall rating for the Istanbul: Princes Island Tour stands at a commendable 4.2 out of 5 based on 539 reviews. Feedback highlights the organization, guide quality, and relaxed atmosphere of the experience. Ratings for specific aspects are as follows:

Metric	Score
Transportation	4.4
Value for Money	4.3

Reviewers praise the friendliness and knowledge of the guides, as well as the enjoyable day spent away from the crowded areas of the city. With positive testimonials and high average ratings, this tour offers a memorable excursion to the serene Princes Islands.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The Istanbul: Princes Island Tour offers pickup from four convenient locations across the city – Fatih, Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and Beyoğlu. This ensures easy access for travelers, no matter where they’re staying.

After the 45-minute bus/coach ride, the tour takes participants on a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise to the Princes Islands. The return cruise back to the mainland also takes 1.5 hours.

Finally, the tour includes a 30-minute shopping stop in the Sultanahmet District before dropping off visitors at the same four locations where they were picked up.

• Pickup from Fatih, Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and Beyoğlu
• 45-minute bus/coach ride to the Princes Islands
• 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise to the islands and back
• 30-minute shopping stop in Sultanahmet District
• Drop-off at the same four locations

Transportation Details

Upon arrival, guests are transported to the Princes Islands via a 45-minute bus or coach ride. This comfortable journey allows visitors to admire the scenic views along the way.

Once on the islands, sightseeing and exploration are done via a sightseeing cruise that lasts 1.5 hours. This relaxing boat ride provides guests with the opportunity to soak up the sights of the largest island in the Sea of Marmara.

After the cruise, there’s free time to explore the charming Heybeliada island, followed by a visit to Büyükaada, where guests can enjoy a guided tour, free time, and a chance to swim.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility and peace of mind when planning the tour.

As for payment, the tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, where customers can secure their spot without paying anything upfront. When it’s time to go, they can simply pay on the day of the tour.

This convenient payment method ensures a stress-free booking experience.

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
• Full refund available with timely cancellation
• "Reserve now & pay later" option to book without immediate payment
• Flexible and convenient payment policies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

Passengers can’t bring their own food on the tour. The tour includes a provided lunch, and outside food and beverages aren’t allowed on the boat or islands. The tour price covers the lunch and other inclusions.

Is There Any Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Swimwear is recommended if participants plan to swim during the free time on the islands.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Travelers of all ages can participate, from children to seniors. The tour is suitable for families, groups, and solo travelers looking to explore the Princes Islands near Istanbul.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs on the Islands?

Visitors can purchase souvenirs on the islands during the tour. The islands offer a variety of local shops and vendors selling traditional Turkish crafts, clothing, and other unique items as part of the sightseeing experience.

What Should I Bring With Me for the Tour?

When going on an island tour, one should bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and a small backpack or bag to carry any purchases or personal items. Bringing a camera is also recommended to capture the scenic views.

Recap

The Istanbul: Princes Island Tour with Lunch and 2 Islands provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat cruise, explore charming neighborhoods, and indulge in a fresh, seasonal lunch. With knowledgeable guides, seamless transportation, and the opportunity to swim or shop, this tour offers a well-rounded experience to appreciate the tranquil beauty of the Princes Islands.

You can check if your dates are available here: