Princes Island Full Day Tour

Discover the Charm of Princes Islands with an Affordable Full-Day Tour

The Princes Island Full Day Tour offers an engaging way to experience some of Istanbul’s most scenic and historic spots. Priced at only $16.01 per person, this tour provides roughly 8 hours of activity that includes ferry rides, guided island visits, and local cuisine. It’s a popular choice with over 5 bookings in the last month and a rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 36 reviews.

The tour begins with hotel pickup and transportation to Kabatas pier, where a ferry whisks travelers to Büyükada, the largest and most visited island. With a focus on car-free exploration by electric carriage, visitors enjoy the peaceful environment, panoramic views, and opportunities to relax and shop. While the tour offers a great overview of the islands’ main attractions, practical considerations such as group size and the pace of sightseeing are worth noting.

This experience is well-suited for those who appreciate scenic boat rides, historical sites, and leisurely afternoons by the sea. However, it requires moderate physical fitness—especially for walking on steep streets—and may not satisfy visitors seeking extensive guided commentary or in-depth cultural encounters. Overall, it’s a good value option for a relaxed day out, especially for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Istanbul’s seaside charm.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $16.01 per person for an 8-hour full-day experience.
• Includes ferry rides, hotel pick-up, and drop-off (if selected), making logistics simple.
• Visits multiple islands, including Büyükada and Heybeliada, with free time to swim, shop, and explore.
• Guided tours of key sites like the Ottoman palace remnants and Maiden’s Tower; some reviews note the guides are knowledgeable.
• Lunch with seasonal specialties on Büyükada, with options for seafood and local food.
• Transport on the islands is via electric car wagons, reducing impact on historic streets and adding fun.

Start with Istanbul: Pickup and Ferry to Büyükada

The tour departs from Cibali, Istanbul, with the meeting point being Kabatas pier. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if booked in advance, easing your transfer to the pier. Once everyone is assembled, the group boards a ferry for the scenic boat cruise to the Princes Islands.

The ferry ride, lasting about 1.5 hours each way, is a highlight itself—offering relaxing views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Marmara Sea. The ferry cruise is included in the price, and reviews frequently mention how enjoyable and calming the ride is, adding to the overall value of the trip.

Exploring Büyükada: The Largest of the Princes Islands

Büyükada takes center stage on this tour as the biggest and most popular island. Once ashore, the group is led by a guide through the island’s old churches, beaches, and small town streets. Visitors appreciate the guided overview of the key sights and the opportunity to buy souvenirs or organic fruits.

After some sightseeing, guests can enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where seasonal seafood such as Sea Bream is served. This meal represents one of the tour’s highlights, with some reviews praising it as “fabulous” and “well-prepared.” Post-lunch, visitors have free time to swim at the beaches or walk around at their own pace, savoring the tranquil atmosphere.

The electric car wagons make exploring easier, especially given the island’s steep streets. However, some reviews mention that walking can be challenging in certain areas, and the free time at Büyükada is approximately 3 hours, allowing for a relaxed but not overly detailed visit.

Heybeliada: The Greenest Island of the Group

Heybeliada is the second stop, known for its lush greenery and quieter vibe. The tour allocates about 1 hour and 30 minutes here, with free time to enjoy the scenery, shop for local crafts, or stroll through the peaceful streets.

This island’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and calmer pace, perfect for visitors seeking a break from more crowded spots. The guide provides context, enhancing understanding of the island’s significance, though some reviews indicate that nearby attractions might be limited, and the overall experience is more about relaxation than sightseeing.

The Beach and Shopping Options on Büyükada

Following the island visits, there’s a designated free time on Büyükada for swimming, shopping, or simply unwinding. Visitors can bring swimsuits if they wish to enjoy the beaches, especially during the summer months when beach access fees are applicable.

Shopping opportunities include organic fruits and souvenirs, making it a good place to pick up small gifts or local products. Some reviews note that access to beaches costs around 200 TL per person, which might be considered high for a short visit.

Returning to Istanbul and Final Shopping Stop

After a full day on the islands, the tour concludes with a return journey to Istanbul, where a shopping stop is included before being dropped off at your hotel or designated meeting point. The shopping break typically lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving time for last-minute purchases or sightseeing in the local markets.

This segment offers a chance to pick up local crafts or organic produce, with the understanding that it’s part of the organized experience. The overall timing ensures a relaxed pace to cap off the day.

Practical Details and Tour Inclusions

The Princes Island Full Day Tour covers all fees and taxes, with a knowledgeable guide leading the group. Besides the ferry cruise and hotel transfers, lunch is included if selected during booking, featuring seasonal specialties.

Notably, electric vehicles or bikes are not included—guests explore on foot or via the electric car wagons. Beach entrance fees apply only in summer, and personal expenses such as shopping or additional food are not covered.

The tour operates with a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring a manageable group size, and begins sharply at 9:00 am. The confirmation is immediate, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

The Guide Experience and Guest Feedback

Reviews praise the knowledgeable, friendly guides who provide valuable insights during the boat rides and island explorations. Many mention the well-organized itinerary and the quality of the included lunch.

However, some guests find the duration of island stops limited—roughly 1 to 1.5 hours per island—and note that walking around steep streets can be tiring. A few reviews express dissatisfaction with the group size or lack of detailed guided commentary, but overall, the tour delivers a pleasant, scenic day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This full-day Princes Islands tour is ideal for visitors who enjoy relaxed sightseeing, scenic boat rides, and trying local food. It’s particularly good for those wanting a cost-effective way to see multiple islands without extensive planning or heavy walking. The guided elements and included ferry make it suitable for first-time visitors, though more active explorers may wish for additional free time or deeper exploration.

Princes Islands Full Day Tour: An Honest Summary

The Princes Island Full Day Tour offers a relaxed, scenic escape from Istanbul, combining ferry rides, island exploration, and a tasty seafood lunch at an attractive price. Its guided approach and electric car transportation make it accessible and enjoyable, especially for those who prefer a moderate-paced day with plenty of opportunities to shop and swim.

While some reviews highlight limited free time and walking challenges on steep streets, the overall value for money and views of Istanbul’s seaside are praised. It fits well for first-time visitors or those seeking a leisurely day trip, though travelers craving more in-depth guided tours or active exploration might find it somewhat simplistic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available if selected during booking.

What is the duration of the ferry rides?
The ferry cruise to and from the islands lasts about 1.5 hours each way.

Are all the island stops guided?
The tour includes a guide leading you through Büyükada and Heybeliada, providing insight into the sites and history.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, swimming is possible at Büyükada’s beaches, especially in summer, with some beach access fees applicable.

What food is served at lunch?
The included lunch features seasonal specialties, with seafood like Sea Bream praised by some guests.

How much free time do I get on the islands?
You receive about 3 hours on Büyükada and 1.5 hours on Heybeliada for exploration, shopping, or relaxing.

Are electric vehicles included?
No, electric vehicles or bikes are not included in the standard package.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness and involves walking on steep streets, so it is suitable for children who can manage these conditions.

What’s the best time to go?
The tour runs year-round, but summer months are ideal for swimming and beach access.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed accordingly, and poor weather may lead to rescheduling or refunds.