Exploring the enchanting Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul is a captivating way to take in the city’s rich history and culture. This full-day tour offers travelers an opportunity to discover the islands’ charming sights, from the iconic Maiden’s Tower to the opulent Topkapi Palace. With seamless transportation, a delightful lunch, and ample free time to explore, the Princes Island Full Day Tour promises a memorable experience. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the chance to witness the islands’ unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Istanbul.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Istanbul.
Key Points
- This full-day tour takes visitors to the Princes Islands, including a boat trip to Büyükada with stops at Topkapı Palace and Maiden’s Tower.
- The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a delicious lunch served on the boat or at an island restaurant.
- Guests can explore the island’s history, architecture, and have the option to feed the seagulls with traditional simit.
- The tour offers a seamless experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, and a flexible cancellation policy for up to 24 hours in advance.
- Customers have highly rated the tour’s value for money, transportation, and the overall enjoyable experience exploring the Princes Islands.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Princes Island Full Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s idyllic islands, with prices starting from $31.95 per person – a savings of up to 18% compared to the regular rate.
This 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned bus, a boat trip to the islands, a knowledgeable tour guide, and a delicious lunch.
Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they’ve the flexibility to reserve their spot and pay later.
With a focus on the island of Büyükaada, the tour promises a memorable experience, including sightseeing at Topkapı Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, and the island’s distinctive late Ottoman architecture.
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Itinerary and Experience
The tour departs from the hotel in an air-conditioned bus, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way to the Princes Islands.
The focus is on Büyükaada, where sightseeing includes the Topkapı Palace and the Maiden’s Tower. Travelers will learn about the island’s history as an exile location and monastic settlement, and explore its wooden mansions showcasing late Ottoman architecture.
An optional activity is feeding the seagulls with simit, a traditional sesame bread. Lunch is served on the boat during summer or at an island restaurant in winter.
Visitors have free time to explore the islands further or browse the souvenir shops.
Included Offerings
The tour package includes a comprehensive set of offerings to enhance the Princes Island experience.
Guests will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to their day. Transportation is provided via air-conditioned buses, ensuring a comfortable journey.
The boat trip to the islands is included, allowing visitors to explore the stunning scenery. A knowledgeable tour guide accompanies the group, providing insightful commentary throughout the tour.
Entrance fees to the islands are covered, granting access to the various sights. Lastly, a delicious lunch is provided, either on the boat in summer or at an island restaurant in winter, completing the day’s offerings.
Transportation Details
As part of the comprehensive package, the Princes Island Full Day Tour provides seamless transportation throughout the experience. Guests are picked up from their hotels and transferred to the departure point in air-conditioned buses. The tour includes a boat trip to the Princes Islands, with a focus on the enchanting Büyükada. The transportation is fully covered, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey from start to finish.
Transportation Details | |||
---|---|---|---|
Hotel Pickup | Yes | Air-Conditioned | Bus |
Boat Trip to Islands | Included | Scenic Tour | Büyükada Focus |
Tour Guide Onboard | Yes | Knowledgeable | Informative |
Drop-off at Hotel | Yes | Convenient | Hassle-Free |
Customer Feedback
Customers who’ve experienced the Princes Island Full Day Tour have provided insightful feedback, highlighting various aspects of the excursion.
According to reviews, the tour’s transportation receives high praise, with the air-conditioned buses and boat trips earning a 5-star rating.
Likewise, travelers express great value for money, considering the inclusions such as hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.
The boat tour experience and optional seagull feeding are also noted as enjoyable activities.
Although the overall rating is 4 out of 5, the positive feedback suggests this tour offers a well-rounded experience exploring the Princes Islands and their unique history and architecture.
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Booking and Availability
Visitors can check availability and select their desired starting times for the Princes Island Full Day Tour. The tour operates daily, so travelers can plan their excursion based on their schedule.
They’ll need to choose the number of participants and the preferred tour date. Once they’ve secured their spot, customers don’t have to pay upfront – the "reserve now & pay later" option allows them to lock in their booking without any immediate charges.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can adjust their plans with ease. The tour’s accessibility and flexible booking policies make it convenient for a wide range of travelers.
Tour Highlights
The Princes Island Full Day Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and unique charm of this archipelago.
The tour departs from the hotel in an air-conditioned bus, followed by a boat trip to the islands, with a focus on Büyükaada.
Sightseeing highlights include the iconic Topkapi Palace and the Maiden’s Tower, as guests learn about the islands’ past as an exile location and monastic settlement.
Exploring Büyükaada’s wooden mansions showcases the late Ottoman architecture, while an optional activity allows visitors to feed the island’s seagulls with traditional simit.
Lunch is served on the boat during summer or at an island restaurant in winter, providing a delightful dining experience amidst the picturesque surroundings.
Exploring the Islands
The Princes Islands’ serene charm unfolds as the boat gently glides across the sparkling waters.
The tour focuses on Büyüada, the largest of the islands, where visitors can explore the wooden mansions showcasing the late Ottoman architecture. Learn about the islands’ history as an exile location and monastic settlement.
Wander through the charming streets, perhaps stopping to feed the friendly seagulls with simit, a traditional Turkish sesame bread.
In the summer, enjoy a delightful lunch served on the boat, while in the winter, savor a meal at a cozy island restaurant.
With ample free time, guests can further discover the islands’ unique character or browse the quaint souvenir shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to dress comfortably and wear appropriate attire for the weather conditions and activities. Light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal Options Available?
The tour provider offers a range of meal options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Guests are advised to inform the provider of any dietary requirements when booking to ensure their needs are accommodated on the day of the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though the tour includes a provided lunch. Bringing snacks or beverages is often convenient, but meals are included in the tour price.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour’s accessibility for wheelchair users is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. Travelers with mobility needs should contact the tour operator to inquire about accommodations and determine if the tour can meet their requirements.
Can I Extend My Stay on the Islands After the Tour?
After the tour, guests can extend their stay on the islands and explore further at their own pace. The tour includes free time to wander the islands, so visitors can spend additional time as desired.
Recap
The Princes Island Full Day Tour with Lunch provides visitors with an immersive and enriching experience. Highlights include historical landmarks, a scenic boat ride, and ample free time to explore the charming islands. With convenient transportation, a delightful lunch, and positive customer feedback, this tour offers an excellent way to discover the enchanting Princes Islands. It’s a memorable day out that showcases the islands’ rich history and natural beauty.
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