From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

Explore the Serene Princes Islands with a Full-Day Tour from Istanbul

This full-day Princes Island tour from Istanbul offers an accessible escape to Büyükada and Kinali or Heybeli Island, with a price of just $25 per person. The tour lasts around 7 hours, combining a scenic boat cruise, leisure time on the islands, and a lunch served on board during the summer months. It’s a practical choice for those wanting to experience Turkey’s tranquil island life without extensive planning or high costs.

Starting from central Istanbul, this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), a comfortable air-conditioned coach, and a guided boat cruise across the Sea of Marmara. The tour is well-suited for travelers seeking a relaxed day surrounded by Ottoman architecture, scenic views, and peaceful beaches, although it’s more focused on scenery and free exploration than in-depth guided commentary.

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Key Points

• Affordable price of $25 offers access to two Princes Islands with boat, guide, and lunch included.
• 7-hour itinerary balances sightseeing, leisure, and optional activities like bike riding or electric buggy rentals.
• Büyükada is the main highlight, featuring Ottoman mansions and seaside views.
• Lunch on the boat during summer makes for a convenient and scenic dining experience.
• Tour includes entrance fees to islands and gift shop visits but excludes drinks and optional rentals.
• Guide-led commentary (in English and Russian) enriches the trip, with praise for knowledgeable staff and friendly service.

Departing from Istanbul to the Princes Islands

This tour begins with an air-conditioned coach pickup from your hotel, depending on your selected option. The journey to the port takes approximately 30 minutes, where travelers board a boat named “Deluxe” for the cruise across the Sea of Marmara. The boat ride lasts about 1.5 hours in each direction, offering stunning views of Istanbul’s landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the Maiden’s Tower.

The boat cruise is one of the tour’s highlights, providing a comfortable vantage point to appreciate the skyline and the historic sights as they drift away. The cruise is generally appreciated for its spacious and clean vessel, as reviews frequently mention the friendly crew and helpful staff.

Discover Büyükada’s Ottoman Mansions and Scenic Streets

Upon docking at Büyükada, the largest of Turkey’s Princes Islands, visitors are free to explore at their own pace. The laid-back streets are ideal for strolling, and the Ottoman-era mansions provide a glimpse into the island’s affluent past. The guide shares stories about the island’s history, including its time as a place of exile for statesmen and royalty, and its role as a Byzantine-Christian monastic settlement.

The island’s wooden mansions and imposing architecture are particularly striking, and the seagulls add a lively touch to the scenic backdrop. The tour offers optional activities, such as renting electric vehicles to tour around the mansions or riding quad bikes. The free time on Büyükada typically lasts around two hours, and it’s an ideal window for photo stops, relaxing at a beach, or feeding seagulls with simits provided by the guide.

Kinali or Heybeli Island: A Change of Scenery

After Büyükada, the tour proceeds to Kinali or Heybeli Island, with a photo stop and free time to soak in the tranquil environment. The islands’ peaceful streets and simple charm contrast sharply with the busy city life of Istanbul. Here, travelers can take a self-guided walk or explore small shops, adding a local touch to the experience.

A 45-minute onboard lunch during the summer season lets travelers dine while enjoying sea views. If the weather is less favorable, the lunch may be served at a local restaurant instead. The delicious meal is part of the value, though reviews note that drinks are not included and overpriced on the boat.

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Leisure Time and Optional Activities on the Islands

The leisure time on the islands is praised as well-paced, giving ample opportunity for walking, taking photographs, or relaxing. Visitors often comment on the quiet atmosphere and beautiful scenery—a perfect escape from Istanbul’s hustle. Some opt for bike rides or electric buggy rentals to cover more ground, though these are not included in the standard package and are available for purchase.

The self-guided tours allow plenty of flexibility; most travelers spend their time strolling along the streets, exploring the mansions, or relaxing on beaches. The seaside views and historic buildings make for excellent photo opportunities.

Returning to Istanbul and Final Shopping Stops

After the second cruise back to Istanbul, the tour includes a visit to a leather and gift shop, offering a chance for shopping souvenirs. The return journey by coach takes about 30 minutes, with the tour concluding at various drop-off points in Istanbul, including Taksim Square and the Eminönü district.

Some reviews mention that the transfer times can be longer due to multiple hotel pickups, but overall, the logistics are described as punctual and well-organized.

The Overall Experience and Who Benefits Most

This Princes Island tour offers a scenic and relaxing day out with the ease of organized transportation and guidance. The boat cruise and self-guided exploration suit travelers looking for a peaceful escape and Ottoman architecture without the complexities of independent planning.

While the guide’s commentary is appreciated, some reviews suggest that more languages could improve the experience for non-English/Russian speakers. The lunch on board is considered decent but not gourmet, and the free time on the islands is ideal for casual exploration rather than structured tours.

The price point makes this tour especially attractive for those on a budget, and the scenic views and historic buildings offer valuable photo and sightseeing opportunities. However, travelers seeking more active or cultural activities might find the limited guided explanation somewhat lacking.

The Sum Up: A Relaxing Day with Scenic Highlights

The From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch is a practical option for those wanting a peaceful retreat from the city. It delivers beautiful scenery, Ottoman mansions, and leisurely exploration at a reasonable price. The boat cruise is comfortable and scenic, and the free time on the islands allows for genuine relaxation and wandering.

While the guided commentary is helpful, it could benefit from additional language options for a more diverse audience. The lunch service is convenient, especially during summer, but drinks are not included and can be overpriced.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides and leisurely island walks. It offers a value-packed day that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and light exploration, making it a worthy choice for a relaxed getaway within easy reach of Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if this option is selected during booking.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The scenic cruise across the Sea of Marmara, along with exploration of Büyükada’s Ottoman mansions, are the tour’s key attractions.

Can I rent bikes or electric vehicles?
Yes, electric vehicle rentals are available to explore Büyükada, but they are not included in the package and must be purchased separately.

What should I bring for the trip?
Travelers should bring a passport or ID card, sun hat, and camera. Drinks and food in the vehicle are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for all ages or mobility levels?
The tour involves walking and some self-guided exploration, so it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility limitations.

How long is the free time on the islands?
Most travelers have about two hours of free time on Büyükada, which is generally enough for a walk, photos, or relaxing by the sea.

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