Princess Islands Tour With Lunch and Guide

The Princess Islands Tour with Lunch and Guide offers a relaxing day from central Istanbul to two of the city’s car-free islands, Büyükada and Kinaliada. Priced at $38.40 per person, this 6-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a round-trip boat crossing, and a local guide to enrich your experience. While the tour offers scenic views of the Bosphorus and a pleasant boat ride, it has some limitations in time allocation and guide interaction, making it best suited for those wanting a straightforward island visit with some guidance and local flavor.

This tour is ideal for visitors seeking a convenient day trip that combines scenic sailing, local dining, and free time to explore at your own pace. It’s especially appealing for travelers who appreciate comfort and ease of organization, but those looking for in-depth guided tours or longer island stays may find it somewhat limited.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and return, simplifying logistics.
• Private boat ride offers scenic views of the Bosphorus and Princes’ Islands.
• Visit two islands: Büyükada, the largest, and Kinaliada, with free time on each.
• Lunch served on board with seasonal ingredients.
• Limited time on each island, roughly 1 hour at Kinaliada and 2 hours at Büyükada.
• Tour departs from Ahrkap skelesi at 8:30 am and lasts about 6 hours.

From Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands in Style

This tour begins in central Istanbul, with hotel pickup (depending on the booking option), making it easy to start your day without worrying about transport. You then travel comfortably by air-conditioned coach to the Ahirkapi pier, where the private boat awaits. The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering scenic views of Istanbul’s waterside mansions and the Maiden’s Tower as you cruise toward the islands.

The boat crossing is part of the charm, providing relaxing vistas of the Bosphorus and the chance to view Istanbul’s historic skyline from the water. The guide offers commentary during the cruise, sharing insights about the city’s history and the islands ahead.

Exploring Kinaliada: A Quick Island Escape

Upon arriving at Kinaliada, the tour allows about 1 hour for exploration. This free time on the smallest of the two islands provides a chance to walk along the quiet streets, see local shops, or sit at a waterfront cafe. The island’s tranquil atmosphere contrasts with the busy city, offering a brief but peaceful break.

Since the time here is limited, visitors should plan to focus on a quick stroll or photo opportunities. The island’s scenic charm makes it a pleasant stop, especially if you enjoy local island life away from crowds.

Lunch Aboard the Boat with Seasonal Ingredients

The tour includes a four-course lunch served on the boat, with dishes prepared from seasonal ingredients. This is a convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal without leaving the comfort of your vessel. The lunch is straightforward, offering local flavors that complement the scenic boat ride well.

After lunch, guests have the opportunity to relax on deck or view the islands from the water. The onboard dining adds a nice touch of convenience, especially if you prefer to maximize your sightseeing time.

Free Time at Büyükada: Beaches and Local Shops

Büyükada is the largest and most popular of the Princes’ Islands. The tour provides about 2 hours here, giving ample time to visit the beaches, soak up the sun, or stroll along the waterfront. Visitors can also explore local shops and cafes, enjoying the quaint island atmosphere.

This stop offers a good balance of relaxation and light exploration. Many choose to grab a swim if they have a swimsuit, or simply sit at a cafe to watch island life unfold. The longer time at Büyükada makes it the highlight of the trip, though the overall time remains limited for in-depth exploration.

Return Journey and Shopping Stop in Istanbul

At the end of the day, the tour includes a 30-minute stop in Ahrkap skelesi for shopping. This brief break can be useful for buying souvenirs or local crafts before heading back to central Istanbul.

Finally, you reboard the return boat, heading back across the Bosphorus to Istanbul, where the tour concludes at your starting point. The return trip offers one last chance to enjoy the views of the city and its waterways.

Practical Details and Group Size

The tour is operated by Sultanahmet Old City Travel Turizm Organizasyon and typically hosts up to 70 travelers, making it a group experience. Most travelers can participate, and the tour is scheduled to start at 8:30 am. Pickup and drop-off options depend on the booking choice, adding to the ease of planning.

The experience provider emphasizes professional guidance during the trip, though reviews note that the guide’s role is mostly during the boat cruise rather than extensive onshore commentary. The tour requires walking on the islands, but no specific physical requirements are noted.

Value and Overall Experience

The $38.40 price offers a cost-effective way to visit the Princes’ Islands with transport, guide, and lunch included. However, the short durations at each island mean that visitors seeking a longer, more immersive experience may feel somewhat rushed. Some reviews mention the limited time on islands and the minimal guidance, indicating this tour suits those looking for a convenient overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

The scenic boat ride, simple lunch, and easy logistics make this tour a practical choice for a relaxed day out of the city, especially for those who enjoy water views and island strolls without the hassle of organizing transport.

Princess Islands Tour With Lunch and Guide: Who Will Enjoy It?

This tour is well-suited for visitors seeking an uncomplicated, scenic escape from Istanbul’s bustle, with comfortable logistics and short exploration times. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a taste of island life with minimal planning.

If you prefer deep-guided tours or extended stays on the islands, this tour may feel limited. However, for a pleasant, scenic day with easy access to the largest islands and a delicious onboard lunch, it provides good value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included depending on the booking option.

How long is the boat ride?
The round-trip boat crossing is part of the approximately 6-hour tour and offers scenic views of Istanbul’s waterways.

What are the main stops?
You visit Kinaliada for about 1 hour and Büyükada for about 2 hours, with a lunch break onboard and a shopping stop in Istanbul at the end.

Is there a guide onboard?
Yes, a local guide accompanies the tour, providing commentary during the boat cruise.

Can I swim at the islands?
Yes, at Büyükada, guests can go swimming if they bring a swimsuit and wish to enjoy the beaches.

How much free time is there on each island?
Approximately 1 hour at Kinaliada and 2 hours at Büyükada.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel transfer (if booked), round-trip boat crossing, local guide, and lunch.

Are drinks or tips included?
No, drinks and tips are not included and should be paid separately.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit if you plan to swim, and sun protection.

Is this tour accessible for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves walking on the islands, which may be uneven.

This Princess Islands Tour with Lunch and Guide offers a practical and scenic way to enjoy Istanbul’s nearby islands without the hassle of planning individual transport. It’s best for those who appreciate visible water views, easy logistics, and a taste of island life, though the limited time on each island means it’s more of a snapshot than an in-depth exploration.