Istanbul: Princes’ Islands Cruise with Lunch and Guide

Explore the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul on a Full-Day Cruise

This full-day tour offers a scenic escape from Istanbul’s busy streets, taking you across the Marmara Sea to the charming Princes’ Islands. For around 7.5 to 10 hours, you’ll experience the tranquil beauty of Büyükada and Heybeliada with guided insights, a delicious onboard lunch, and free time to relax or explore at your own pace. The tour is priced to include hotel pickup, a comfortable boat, and professional guides speaking multiple languages including English, Turkish, Russian, and Arabic.

A key highlight is the guided exploration of Büyükada’s historic wooden mansions and flower-lined streets, where motor vehicles are not allowed, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The tour also visits Heybeliada, known for its lush pine forests and the historic Halki Seminary. An optional leather shopping stop in Sultanahmet adds a cultural touch, offering high-quality Turkish leather goods. Since reviews praise the punctuality, scenic views, and delicious food, this tour suits travelers seeking a mix of sightseeing, cultural discovery, and relaxation. However, it’s advisable for those with mobility issues or seasickness to consider the physical and sea conditions beforehand.

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Key Points

• Full-day experience crossing the Marmara Sea to the Princes’ Islands.
• Guided tours of Büyükada and Heybeliada, with insights into their history and culture.
• No motor vehicles on Büyükada creates a peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere.
• Onboard lunch included, with options to relax on the beaches.
• Leather shopping stop in Sultanahmet offers a chance to buy high-quality Turkish leather.
• Tour departs from Cibal Port with optional pickup, and multiple languages supported.

Meeting Point at Cibal Port in Istanbul

The tour starts at Cibal Port, with detailed instructions sent via WhatsApp or email the day before. Travelers who do not opt for the transfer service need to arrive on time, as the boat departs promptly. The coordinates for the meeting point are 41.0246, 28.9603, making it easy to locate nearby transportation or walk if staying nearby. The transfer service is only available from designated points, and delays of up to 1 hour can happen due to Istanbul traffic.

Savoring the Scenic Sailing Across the Marmara Sea

The cruise across the Marmara Sea is a major part of the experience, providing stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and the water. We like how the comfortable boat allows for a relaxed journey, giving plenty of space to enjoy the scenery or take photos. The breeze during the sail adds to the sense of escaping the city’s hustle, setting a peaceful tone for the day. The boat’s audio guidance, available in multiple languages, helps travelers learn about the sights and history during the cruise.

Discovering Büyükada’s Historic Charm

Büyükada is the largest of the Princes’ Islands and the tour’s first major stop. This island is renowned for its historic wooden mansions and flower-lined streets, which evoke a nostalgic atmosphere. The Aya Yorgi Church offers panoramic views after a short climb, making it a popular photo spot. Since no motor vehicles are allowed, walking or cycling is the best way to explore. The seaside cafés serve fresh seafood, perfect for a quick snack or relaxing break. This stop showcases the island’s peaceful side and the simple pleasures of island life.

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Exploring Heybeliada’s Nature and Historic Sites

The next destination, Heybeliada, impresses with lush pine forests and calm bays. The Halki Seminary is a notable landmark, offering a glimpse into the islands’ religious and educational history. Visitors can walk leisurely around the island, rent bikes to explore hidden corners, or unwind by the water. The quieter, green environment contrasts nicely with Büyükada’s architecture and adds variety to the day. The guide shares interesting stories about the island’s natural beauty and heritage.

Relaxing and Swimming on the Beach

A highlight of the tour is the chance to relax on the beach or swim in the sea. After exploring the islands, travelers can unwind at seaside spots, taking in the natural beauty and fresh air. The free time allocated allows for a leisurely pace, whether for sunbathing, taking photos, or just enjoying the peaceful surroundings. This flexibility makes the experience more personalized, especially for those looking to combine sightseeing with some downtime.

Lunch Onboard: Enjoying Turkish Cuisine

The onboard lunch is included in the tour, providing a tasty break during the day. The meal offers a chance to enjoy traditional Turkish dishes in a relaxed setting. Since the cruise emphasizes comfort and convenience, the meal complements the scenic journey and island exploration. The quality of the food, along with the friendly service, is frequently praised in reviews, adding to the overall satisfaction.

Leather Shopping in Sultanahmet: A Cultural Bonus

After returning from the islands, the tour includes a leather shop stop at Sultanahmet. This experience offers an opportunity to browse through a wide range of high-quality leather jackets, bags, and accessories. Visitors can learn about Turkish leather craftsmanship and purchase authentic items directly from a local shop. This cultural shopping stop adds a distinct local flavor to the tour, perfect for those interested in Turkish artisanship or seeking a unique souvenir.

Practical Considerations for Participants

Participants should remember to bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, camera, and some cash for personal purchases or tips. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals prone to seasickness, due to the boat ride and walking involved. It’s advisable to arrive on time if not using the transfer service, as the boat departs promptly from Cibal Port. The tour provides audio guidance in multiple languages, improving the learning experience onboard.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this Princes’ Islands cruise appealing is the combination of guided island visits, scenic sailing, and cultural shopping. The no motor vehicle policy on Büyükada creates a peaceful environment, perfect for strolling and taking photos. The delicious onboard lunch and flexible free time make it a well-rounded, relaxing day. The positive reviews highlight the punctuality, friendly guides, and beautiful villages, confirming its value for those seeking a mix of sightseeing and leisure.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour suits travelers who appreciate scenic boat rides, historic villages, and relaxed exploration. It’s well-suited for those who want to experience the unique atmosphere of the Princes’ Islands without the hassle of organizing their own trip. It’s also ideal for visitors interested in Turkish leather goods or those seeking a peaceful escape from Istanbul’s urban environment. However, travelers with mobility limitations or seasickness concerns should consider their comfort before booking.

Final Thoughts on the Princes’ Islands Cruise

This full-day cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic sailing, cultural exploration, and leisure time. The professional guides and delicious onboard lunch enhance the experience, making it a convenient way to explore the Princes’ Islands. The scenery, historic character, and peaceful ambiance of Büyükada and Heybeliada** stand out as real highlights. The leather shopping stop adds a touch of local craftsmanship, rounding out a well-structured day.

The tour’s high rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7 reviews underscores its overall quality. It’s a good choice for those wanting a comprehensive, enjoyable day trip that showcases some of Istanbul’s most charming islands. With flexible options for pickup and payment, along with straightforward logistics, this cruise delivers value and memorable moments for curious travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most age groups, but caution should be taken if children are prone to seasickness or have mobility issues.

What should I bring for the trip?
Participants should bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a camera, and cash for optional purchases or tips.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, you can relax on the beach or swim in the sea during free time on the islands.

Is the transfer service available from all parts of Istanbul?
Transfer is only available from designated meeting points; travelers outside these may need to reach the meeting point on their own.

What languages are available for guidance?
Guidance is offered in English, Turkish, Russian, and Arabic.

How long is the boat ride?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but the overall tour lasts between 7.5 to 10 hours.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
The tour is not recommended for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness.

What is included in the tour?
Guided island exploration, lunch onboard, leather shopping stop, and audio guidance in multiple languages.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
Cancellation is free if made up to 24 hours before the tour, providing full refund.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The combination of scenic sailing, guided visits to Büyükada and Heybeliada, and the leather shopping stop make it a well-rounded experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby