Daily Princes’ Island Tour in Istanbul

Explore Istanbul’s Princes Islands for Just $39.99

This Daily Princes’ Island Tour in Istanbul offers a fantastic way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. For only $39.99 per person, you gain access to a 7-hour journey that includes hotel pickup, scenic ferry rides, visits to two of the islands, and a delicious fish lunch. With an average booking window of 23 days in advance, it’s a popular choice among travelers seeking a flexible, relaxing day out. The tour is led by a professional guide and features fully air-conditioned transportation, making the experience comfortable from start to finish.

One of the tour’s key strengths is its completely customizable itinerary, allowing you to tailor your visit to your interests. While the tour covers the main highlights of Buyukada and Heybeliada, it also offers flexibility to explore at your own pace. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting both a structured experience and the freedom to discover the islands their way. Keep in mind, the optional lunch and electric car fee are not included, so those wanting to enjoy a full meal on the islands should plan accordingly.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $39.99 per person for a comprehensive day trip
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and transfer to the ferry terminal
• Fully customizable itinerary on the Princes Islands
• Scenic ferry cruise to Buyukada, including admission tickets
• Visit two islands: Buyukada and Heybeliada, with free exploration time
• Delicious fish lunch at a local restaurant with a view (lunch not included in the price)

Convenient Pickup and Transportation in Istanbul

This tour begins with hotel pickup around 8 AM in an air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a smooth start. The transportation is included, so there’s no need to worry about navigating public transport or figuring out the ferry. After pickup, travelers are transferred directly to the ferry terminal, where the boat departs at 9:45 AM for a scenic cruise to Buyukada.

This seamless transfer system emphasizes comfort and efficiency, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a hassle-free way to reach the islands. The fully air-conditioned minibus keeps everyone comfortable during the transfer, and the local taxes, fuel surcharge, and landing fees are included in the price, avoiding unexpected costs.

Scenic Ferry Ride to Buyukada

The ferry departs at 9:45 AM from Kabataş iskelesi, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline. The admission ticket for the ferry ride is included, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenic, one-hour cruise as part of the experience. The boat ride itself is often praised for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful vistas.

This cruise marks the beginning of your island adventure, setting the tone with picturesque views that make the journey as memorable as the stops themselves. The ferry’s timetable is well-coordinated to maximize time on the islands, ensuring participants can enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

Discover Buyukada’s Ottoman Charm

The first island stop is Buyukada, the largest of the Princes Islands. Known for its nostalgic ambiance, pine forests, and well-preserved Ottoman wooden mansions, this island exudes charm. You receive approximately 3 hours of free time to explore, which allows for a leisurely stroll through the quiet streets.

Along the way, you can admire the historic mansions, take in the peaceful surroundings, or visit local cafes. While admission to the island is free, you might choose to browse shops, relax at a café, or visit notable sites at your own pace. The tour provides a solid overview, but the freedom to explore means you can focus on what interests you most.

Heybeliada’s Quiet Charms and Naval Heritage

After spending time on Buyukada, the ferry continues to Heybeliada, a smaller and less touristy island known for its tranquil atmosphere. Here, travelers spend about 1 hour exploring. Highlights include a stroll through quiet streets, seeing the Naval High School, and admiring the charming old houses.

This stop offers a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path experience compared to Buyukada. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take in views of the sea, making it a perfect spot for a gentle walk or some quick photos. The admission to Heybeliada is free, and the limited time encourages a brief but pleasant visit.

Return to Istanbul with Optional Lunch

Following the island visits, the tour heads back to the ferry terminal at Kabataş iskelesi. The return trip offers more scenic views of the Bosphorus, marking the end of the island exploration. After disembarkation, the tour provides transfer back to your hotel.

While the fish lunch at a local restaurant is not included in the tour price, many travelers choose to enjoy this meal with a view on their own. The tour’s flexible structure means you can decide whether to indulge in local seafood or explore more of the city afterward.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private tour suits travelers seeking a relaxed, flexible day out in Istanbul’s scenic islands. The customizable itinerary appeals to those wanting to spend more time on one island or explore specific sights. The scenic ferry cruise and local lunch add authentic touches that enrich the experience.

People who enjoy a comfortable transfer, short guided walks, and free exploration time find this tour particularly satisfying. It’s also a good choice for visitors who prefer small group or private tours over large group excursions, given its personalized approach.

The Guide and Customer Experience

Based on reviews, the guides are highly praised for their knowledge and helpful attitude. One reviewer specifically mentions that the guide helped arrange a tuktuk—a small electric vehicle—that allowed them to discover some amazing spots on the islands. Travelers also appreciate the friendly, professional guide who makes the day enjoyable.

The overall rating of 5 out of 5 from two reviews underscores the positive experiences of participants, especially highlighting guide expertise and the scenic views. The reviews suggest that the smooth organization and flexibility of the itinerary are major pluses.

Flexibility and Booking Details

The tour features a free cancellation policy, allowing full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is ideal for travelers who want to keep options open or adjust their plans. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no specific accessibility restrictions noted, and it accommodates up to 300 participants.

Most travelers book this experience about three weeks ahead, reflecting its popularity and the value it offers for the price. The mobile ticket option makes it easy to organize and access the tour details.

Final Thoughts on the Princes Islands Tour

This Daily Princes’ Island Tour delivers a cost-effective, enjoyable escape from Istanbul’s busy city streets. The scenic ferry ride, two distinct islands, and local fish lunch combine to offer an authentic and relaxed experience. The private guide and customizable itinerary help tailor the day to your interests, making it suitable for different types of travelers.

While the lunch and electric car fees are extra, the core experience provides excellent value for the price. The tour’s positive reviews and high rating emphasize reliable organization and friendly guidance. If you enjoy scenic views, cultural sights, and casual exploration, this tour stands out as a well-rounded choice in Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes convenient hotel pickup around 8 AM in an air-conditioned minibus.

How long is the ferry ride to the islands?
The ferry departs at 9:45 AM and the scenic cruise to Buyukada lasts about one hour.

Can I customize my itinerary on this tour?
Absolutely. The tour offers a completely customizable itinerary, allowing you to spend more or less time at each location.

Are meals included in the tour price?
No, the lunch at a local restaurant is optional and not included. You can choose to enjoy a fish meal on your own.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour start for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Is this tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible and suitable for most, with most participants able to enjoy the experience comfortably.