Full Day Istanbul Princes Islands Tour with Lunch

The Full Day Istanbul Princes Islands Tour with Lunch offers a balanced blend of scenic travel, leisure, and cultural sights within an approximate 8-hour experience. Priced at $60 per person, this tour is suitable for those seeking a relaxed day trip from Istanbul’s bustling city center. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a round-trip boat crossing, and a local guide to help navigate the highlights. While the tour promises a peaceful escape to the largest of the Princes’ Islands, the transport times may be lengthy depending on your location, as noted in some reviews.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic ferry rides, car-free environments, and leisurely exploration. The inclusion of a seasonal lunch featuring fresh local specialties adds a tasty touch, and the free time on the island allows for swimming, shopping for souvenirs, or simply admiring Ottoman-style mansions. However, some reviews mention that the journey can be quite lengthy and somewhat boring, especially for those who prefer more active or shorter excursions.

Key Points

• Price and duration: $60 per person for an 8-hour tour including ferry rides, lunch, and free time.
• Transportation: Ferry cruise to the Princes’ Islands with electric car wagon tours on land.
• Highlights: Sea views, Ottoman mansions, swimming, and shopping opportunities.
• Included features: Hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide, lunch, and boat crossings.
• Potential drawbacks: Long transport times and some disappointments with the island experience, as noted in reviews.

Starting from Istanbul’s European Side

The tour departs at 9:00 am with pick-up from hotels on the European side of Istanbul. The air-conditioned vehicle takes travelers to the ferry terminal, where a round-trip boat crossing begins. The boat ride itself provides scenic views of the Sea of Marmara and the city skyline.

Once on Buyukada, the biggest of the Princes’ Islands, the journey continues with an electric car wagon ride. This eco-friendly mode of transport is a highlight, offering a quiet and environmentally friendly way to explore the island’s sights. The island is car-free, making it perfect for peaceful walks and leisurely exploration.

Exploring Buyukada’s Ottoman Mansions and Streets

A key attraction on Buyukada is the collection of Ottoman mansions, which line the streets and offer a glimpse into Istanbul’s aristocratic past. Visitors have ample free time to admire these grand houses, browse local shops for souvenirs, or relax at cafes. The island’s tranquil atmosphere is a stark contrast to Istanbul’s busy streets, making it a popular escape.

Swimming and Leisure Time on the Island

For those wanting to take a dip, swimming opportunities are available during the free time. The tour’s schedule allows for relaxing at the beach areas or exploring the island at your own pace. Some reviews mention that the island’s worthiness is subjective, with some feeling it’s not as impressive as expected, especially after long transit times.

Seasonal Lunch Featuring Fresh Specialties

A notable part of this tour is the lunch, which features seasonal, fresh ingredients. The menu includes a variety of local dishes, offering an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine. However, it’s worth noting that vegans or those with special dietary needs may find that vegan options are not always available, as some reviews have pointed out.

Marveling at Istanbul from the Water

On the return journey, the guide leads visitors to marvel at iconic Istanbul landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) from the water. These panoramic views provide a fitting end to the day, framing the city’s skyline against the Sea of Marmara.

Practical Details and Group Size

This tour is operated by Eclipse Tourizm, with up to 100 participants per trip, which helps maintain a lively group atmosphere. The meeting point is conveniently arranged, and most travelers can participate, barring certain weather conditions or minimum booking requirements.

Considerations Based on Reviews

While the tour offers a relaxing and scenic experience, some reviewed concerns include lengthy transit times—with over 2.5 hours spent on transport prior to reaching the ferry—and uninspiring island experiences for certain visitors. Others highlight the pressured photo opportunities with costumes and parrots, which some might find intrusive or unnecessary.

Full Day Exploration or Relaxed Escape?

This tour provides a peaceful alternative to Istanbul’s often hectic city life, with an emphasis on scenic views, leisure activities, and a tasty lunch. It suits travelers who value gentle exploration, seaside scenery, and cultural sights like Ottoman mansions. However, those expecting more active sightseeing or shorter transit times may find the experience less satisfying.

In essence, this Princes Islands tour offers a calm, scenic day trip with a good balance of transport, free time, and sightseeing. It’s best suited for visitors who enjoy leisurely exploration and scenic boat rides, while being aware of the long travel durations and potential disappointments with the island’s attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the lunch included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a seasonal, fresh lunch featuring local specialties. However, vegans or those with dietary restrictions should verify if suitable options are available.

How long does the ferry ride take?
The round-trip boat crossing is part of the 8-hour experience, but some reviews mention that traveling to and from the ferry can take over 2.5 hours, depending on your pickup location.

What attractions can I expect on Buyukada?
On the island, you’ll find Ottoman mansions, beach areas for swimming, and local shops. The electric car wagon helps you explore the island comfortably.

Are there any criticisms of this tour?
Yes, some visitors find the transit times too long and feel the island experience is underwhelming. Others mention pressured photo stops and lack of vegan options at lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The electric car wagon on the island makes exploring easier, but the overall long transport times may be tiring for young children or travelers with mobility concerns.

This Full Day Istanbul Princes Islands Tour with Lunch offers a gentle, scenic escape from the city’s bustle, ideal for those seeking relaxation, scenic views, and a taste of island life. While it has some drawbacks, especially related to timing, it remains a solid choice for leisure-focused visitors wanting a peaceful day out.