Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour With Lunch and Transfers

Escape the bustling streets of Istanbul and embark on an enchanting journey to the tranquil Princes Islands. This comprehensive tour offers a chance to experience the serene, car-free atmospheres of Heybeliada and Buyukada, where visitors can stroll through lush pine forests and uncover the islands’ rich Byzantine history. With hotel pickup, ferry tickets, and a delightful traditional Turkish lunch included, this excursion promises to be a highlight of any Istanbul itinerary. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to witness the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective – one that may just leave you craving to explore further.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Departure and Route

7 Historical Insights

8 Inclusions and Exclusions

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

8-hour tour of Princes Islands with hotel pickup, ferry tickets, and delectable Turkish lunch included in the $13.89 to $27.78 per person price range.
Scenic ferry cruise showcasing iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Maiden’s Tower, followed by exploration of car-free streets on Heybeliada and Buyukada islands.
Opportunities for swimming, relaxation in pine forests, and learning about the islands’ history as Byzantine princely retreats.
On-board dining during the cruise enhances the cultural and culinary experience, with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait.
Comprehensive tour package with inclusions like air-conditioned transport, electric car roundtrip ticket, and hotel drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.

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Tour Overview

This 8-hour Princes Islands Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the tranquil islands off the coast of Istanbul, providing a scenic escape from the bustling city.

Priced between $13.89 to $27.78 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, ferry tickets, and lunch.

Conducted in English and Arabic, the tour allows participants to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors will cruise past iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Maiden’s Tower before visiting the car-free islands of Heybeliada and Büyükaada, where they can explore historical sites, swim, and relax in the pine forests.

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Departure and Route

The tour begins with hotel pickup, transporting participants to the port for the ferry departure to the Princes Islands. The scenic cruise offers stunning views of Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, and the Maiden’s Tower along the way.

Once at the islands, the tour explores the car-free streets of Heybeliada and Buyukada. Visitors can learn about the islands’ history as a retreat for Byzantine Empire princes and discover a 19th-century pharmacy.

Island	Highlights
Heybeliada	Explore old buildings and pine forests
Buyukada	Swim, relax, and experience the car-free ambiance

After a delicious lunch aboard the ferry, the tour returns to Istanbul, providing a 30-minute window for some last-minute shopping before hotel drop-off.

Island Exploration

Visitors can explore the car-free streets and discover the unique charm of the Princes Islands during the tour. They’ll meander through the pine forests, strolling past historical buildings and century-old pharmacies.

The islands offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city, allowing travelers to relax and soak in the serene atmosphere. Guests can also take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply bask in the sun.

The tour provides insight into the islands’ Byzantine history, when they served as exile destinations for princes. Whether it’s wandering the quaint neighborhoods or appreciating the stunning natural scenery, the Princes Islands offer a truly memorable experience for all who visit.

Lunch on the Boat

While cruising between the Princes Islands, guests can savor a delectable lunch served aboard the boat, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

The lunch, included in the tour package, features a selection of traditional Turkish dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Theres some good a variety of mezze, main courses, and desserts, all while taking in the serene scenery of the Bosphorus Strait and the idyllic Princes Islands.

The on-board dining experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the cultural and culinary aspects of the tour, making it a truly memorable part of the day’s activities.

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Return to Istanbul

After spending time exploring the tranquil Princes Islands, guests on the tour sail back towards the bustling city of Istanbul. The return journey offers an opportunity to soak in the last views of the iconic landmarks along the Bosporus Strait, such as the majestic Topkapi Palace and the striking Maiden’s Tower.

Upon reaching the port, tour participants are granted 30 minutes to browse local shops for any last-minute souvenirs, before being transported back to their hotels, bringing an end to their immersive Princes Islands experience.

The tour provides a well-rounded introduction to these unique, car-free islands, allowing visitors to step back in time and enjoy the peaceful ambiance away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

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Scenic Highlights

During the Princes Islands Tour, passengers aboard the ferry are treated to breathtaking views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Topkapi Palace and the striking Maiden’s Tower, as the boat cruises past them. As the ferry navigates the serene waters, guests can marvel at the picturesque landscapes of the Princes Islands, with their lush pine forests and car-free streets. The tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the islands’ rich history, as they were once home to Byzantine princes in exile.

Scenic Highlights	Description
Topkapi Palace	Admire the grandeur of this former imperial residence, a testament to Ottoman power.
Maiden’s Tower	Witness the iconic silhouette of this historic tower, standing tall in the Bosphorus Strait.
Princes Islands	Explore the car-free streets and pine-scented landscapes of these tranquil islands.

Historical Insights

The Princes Islands tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the islands’ rich history, as they were once home to Byzantine princes in exile.

Centuries ago, these picturesque islands in the Sea of Marmara served as a refuge for members of the Byzantine imperial family who’d fallen out of favor, offering them a secluded and tranquil setting away from the political intrigues of Constantinople.

The tour offers insights into this fascinating past, including:

The exiled princes who sought sanctuary on the islands to escape power struggles and political upheaval.
The construction of monasteries and churches that still stand today, reflecting the religious devotion of the imperial exiles.
The strategic importance of the islands, which served as a defensive outpost for the Byzantine Empire.
The enduring legacy of the islands’ history, which continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Inclusions and Exclusions

In an article titled ‘Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour With Lunch and Transfers’, the Princes Islands tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, ferry tickets, local taxes, a lunch served on the boat, and a roundtrip ticket for an electric car costing €2. However, the tour excludes personal expenses and drinks.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Personal expenses
Air-conditioned transportation	Drinks
Ferry tickets
Lunch served on the boat
Roundtrip ticket for electric car (€2)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. While some islands have limited walking, the overall itinerary involves extensive walking and ferry rides that could be challenging for those with mobility constraints.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a full lunch is provided on the boat, so bringing additional food may not be necessary. Travelers should check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Each Island?

The tour typically allows 1-2 hours for exploring each island, providing ample time to walk through the old streets, visit local landmarks, and enjoy the natural surroundings before continuing on to the next destination.

Are There Any Medical Facilities Available on the Islands?

The islands have basic medical facilities like first-aid clinics, but serious medical emergencies would require transportation back to mainland Istanbul. Visitors should exercise caution and ensure they have adequate travel insurance coverage.

Can We Book the Tour for a Private Group?

The tour can be booked for private groups. Travelers have the option to customize the experience and arrange a private tour with dedicated transportation and services to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Recap

The Princes Islands tour from Istanbul provides a serene escape from the bustling city.

Visitors can explore the car-free streets, lush pine forests, and historical sites of Heybeliada and Buyukada, while enjoying stunning views of iconic landmarks.

The tour includes hotel pickup, ferry tickets, and a traditional Turkish lunch, making it a convenient and enriching way to experience the enchanting Princes Islands.