Princes Island Tour From Istanbul With Lunch

The Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul offer a tranquil respite from the bustling city. Visitors can explore the lush landscapes and historic Ottoman architecture of Büyükada and Heybeliada on a full-day tour, complete with a complimentary lunch. Accessible by scenic ferry rides, the car-free environment of the islands allows for a truly relaxing experience. With round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and all fees included, this tour promises a hassle-free escape. But what makes the Princes Islands truly unique, and why should one consider this experience over others in the area?

Quick Points

• The Princes Islands tour offers a full-day experience exploring car-free islands of Büyükada and Heybeliada, known for their lush vegetation and Ottoman architecture.
• The tour includes scenic ferry rides, a complimentary lunch, and the option to explore the islands by electric vehicle or bicycle.
• Roundtrip transportation, a professional guide, and all necessary fees are included in the tour package, providing a hassle-free experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted, and a moderate fitness level is required for the activities.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 30 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, and offers a flexible cancellation policy.

Overview of the Tour

The Princes Island Tour from Istanbul offers visitors a full-day experience exploring the car-free islands off the coast of the city.

The tour includes visits to the two largest islands, Büyüakda and Heybeliada, known for their lush vegetation and Ottoman architecture.

Highlights include scenic ferry rides, a complimentary lunch, and the option to explore the islands by electric vehicle or bicycle.

Guests will appreciate the car-free environment and the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil island atmosphere.

With round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and all necessary fees included, this tour provides a convenient and enjoyable way to discover the Princes Islands.

Highlights of the Islands

Two of the largest car-free Princes Islands, Büyüakda and Heybeliada, offer visitors a delightful respite from the bustling city of Istanbul.

Lush greenery, historic Ottoman mansions, and scenic coastlines characterize these islands. Visitors can explore the islands on foot, by electric vehicle, or bicycle, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and picturesque scenery.

The islands’ historic architecture, including grand mansions and churches, provides a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

With no cars allowed, the islands offer a tranquil escape, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and leisurely pace of island life.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour’s inclusions cover round-trip transportation, with hotel pickup and ferry cruises, along with an air-conditioned vehicle for exploring the islands. A complimentary lunch with one water is provided, along with a knowledgeable tour guide. Electric vehicles or bicycles can be rented, and beach entrance fees (during summer) are covered. All fees and taxes are included in the price.

Included	Not Included
Round-trip transportation	Personal expenses
Air-conditioned vehicle	Additional food/drinks
Lunch with one water	Travel insurance
Tour guide	Tips
Electric vehicle/bicycle rental
Beach entrance fee (summer)
Fees and taxes

Pickup and Meeting Details

Hotel pickup for the Princes Island Tour from Istanbul is provided from select districts in the city.

Guests will be picked up from their hotels in the Fatih, Karaköy, Şişhane, Eminönü, and Beyoğlu districts, with pickup times confirmed one day in advance between 07:45 and 09:00.

The tour meets at the 2M Hotellerie in Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu/Istanbul, and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

Some key details to note:

1. Pickup locations are limited to select districts in central Istanbul.
2. Pickup times are confirmed a day prior, allowing guests to plan accordingly.
3. The meeting and end point is the 2M Hotellerie in Beyoğlu.

Start Time and Accessibility

The Princes Island Tour from Istanbul commences at 9:00 AM. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted, and infants must sit on laps. A moderate level of physical fitness is required to enjoy the day’s activities fully.

Accessibility	Fitness Level	Group Size	Cancellation Policy
Not wheelchair accessible	Moderate	Maximum of 30 travelers	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Stroller accessible
Infants must sit on laps

The tour allows visitors to explore the scenic Princes Islands, enjoy the lush vegetation and Ottoman architecture, and experience scenic ferry rides with a complimentary lunch.

Group Size and Cancellation

The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers. This helps ensure a more intimate and personalized experience for participants.

The cancellation policy is also flexible, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. This provides travelers with the peace of mind to book the tour without worrying about unexpected changes in their plans.

Some key points to consider:

1. Smaller group size allows for more attentive guidance from the tour leader.
2. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour date offers flexibility.
3. Booking early is recommended, as spots may fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Customer Feedback Insights

Travelers have provided a mix of positive and negative feedback regarding the Princes Island Tour from Istanbul. Positive notes highlight the comfortable ferry, professional guide, and enjoyable island tour. However, some common complaints include overcrowded boats, uncomfortable seating, and issues with hotel pickup.

Positive	Negative
Comfortable ferry	Overcrowded boat
Professional guide	Uncomfortable seating
Enjoyable island tour	Issues with hotel pickup

Plus, some travelers mentioned insufficient time on the islands, unexpected sales stops, and crowded conditions during peak seasons. The tour seems to offer a pleasant experience, though the logistics could use some improvement.

Preparing for the Tour

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable Princes Island Tour from Istanbul, there are a few key things to consider when preparing for the experience.

First, be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting point on time, as the tour departs promptly.

Second, wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves exploring the islands on foot.

Finally, bring a small backpack or purse to carry any personal items, as the islands have limited shopping and dining options.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed on tours, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. They may have specific policies regarding outside provisions to maintain tour logistics and catering arrangements.

Are the Ferries Equipped With Restrooms?

The ferries are equipped with restrooms for passengers’ convenience. Travelers can use the on-board facilities during the scenic ferry rides between the islands and Istanbul. Restroom accessibility is an important aspect of the tour experience.

Is There an Option to Visit Just One of the Islands?

Yes, visitors can opt to visit just one of the Princes Islands, rather than both. This can be arranged with the tour operator based on the traveler’s preferences and schedule.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Exploring the Islands?

The tour typically allows 1-2 hours of free time on each island for visitors to explore the scenic landscapes and historic sites at their own pace. The duration of free time may vary depending on the tour’s overall schedule.

Can I Purchase Additional Activities or Souvenirs on the Islands?

You can purchase additional activities and souvenirs on the islands during the tour. There are opportunities to rent electric vehicles or bicycles, as well as explore local shops and eateries on your own time.

The Final Verdict

The Princes Islands tour from Istanbul offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle. Explore the lush landscapes and historic architecture of Büyükada and Heybeliada, accessible by scenic ferry rides. With round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and a complimentary lunch, this hassle-free tour allows you to fully learn about the car-free environment and relax amidst the islands’ natural beauty.