Istanbul Princes Islands Tour by Private Boat Pickup & Lunch

Discover the Istanbul Princes Islands Tour by Private Boat and Lunch

This full-day tour offers a unique way to explore the Princes Islands, departing from Istanbul with a private boat reservation and delicious onboard lunch. With a duration of 8 hours, it’s designed for travelers who want a relaxed yet comprehensive experience of Kınalada and Büyükada. The tour includes hotel pickup, a guidance in English, Russian, or Arabic, and plenty of free time to explore each island at your own pace.

What makes this tour stand out is the exclusive private boat, which provides continuous stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and the sea. The lunch served aboard features traditional Turkish dishes, adding a culinary highlight to the day. While some reviews note occasional scheduling issues, the overall package delivers a pleasant, well-organized experience suited for those seeking flexible island visits with a focus on comfort.

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Key Points

• Private boat reservation ensures a comfortable cruise with excellent views of Istanbul.
• 8-hour full-day experience with hotel pickup included.
• Guidance available in English, Russian, and Arabic.
• Time to explore each island at your own pace, including free time on Kınalada and Büyükada.
• Onboard lunch features traditional Turkish cuisine.
• Visit to two islands, with an option to visit a leather shop or skip it during the return.

Starting with Istanbul’s Landmarks from the Water

The tour begins with a hotel pickup from centrally located hotels in Istanbul between 08:00 and 08:45. This convenient transfer takes you to the port, where you board an exclusively reserved private boat. The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes, offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, including notable landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

This scenic cruise sets a relaxed tone, allowing ample opportunity to appreciate the city’s architecture and sea vistas. The guide onboard provides engaging stories about the city and the islands, making the crossing both entertaining and informative. The private boat ensures that your group is not mixed with strangers, providing a more intimate experience.

Exploring Kınalada: The First Stop

The first island visited is Kınalada, which allows about one hour of free time. This stop is perfect for a quick exploration, a walk along the coast, or simply soaking in the peaceful vibe away from the city’s hustle. The island’s small size makes it easy to explore independently, and the brief visit provides a taste of island life.

While the data doesn’t specify particular attractions on Kınalada, travelers enjoy this stop as a moment to stretch, take photos of the scenic surroundings, or browse local shops if available. The guide leaves you at your leisure, so you can set your own pace before rejoining the boat for the next leg.

Breathtaking Views During the Transit

After departing from Kınalada, the cruise continues with a 15-minute scenic sail toward Büyükada. This segment is an opportunity to appreciate the sea breeze and observe Istanbul from a different perspective. The boat’s large windows and open deck provide excellent spots for photos and relaxing while enjoying the sea.

While on the water, the guide continues sharing stories about the islands, the history of the region, and the landmarks visible from the boat. This part of the journey offers a peaceful break from walking and a chance to take in the panoramic views of Istanbul’s coast.

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Discovering Büyükada: The Largest of the Princes Islands

The highlight of the tour is the 3-hour free time on Büyükada, the largest and most popular Princes Island. Guests can stroll through picturesque streets lined with historic mansions, rent a bicycle or electric scooter, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront. The island’s car-free streets add to the sense of tranquility and old-world charm.

The guide will outline options for the afternoon program, but most visitors appreciate the freedom to explore at their own pace. The lively town center offers cafes, shops, and local eateries, making it easy to find a spot for coffee or a snack. This stop provides ample opportunity to enjoy island scenery and architecture without a rigid schedule.

Traditional Turkish Lunch on the Water

During the cruise from Büyükada back toward Istanbul, lunch is served onboard. The traditional Turkish cuisine includes delicious dishes that showcase regional flavors. The meal is included in the tour price, offering convenience and a chance to indulge in authentic tastes without leaving the boat.

The lunch presentation is described as tasteful, making the experience more memorable amid the sea views. The guide outlines the post-lunch activity options, including a possible visit to a leather shop during the return cruise, or you can choose to disembark directly at the port.

Afternoon on Büyükada: Optional Activities and Free Time

After lunch, the free time on Büyükada continues for about three hours. Visitors can explore historic mansions, rent a bicycle or scooter, or take a guided electric car tour around the island. The pedestrian-friendly streets and scenic scenery make this a relaxing and flexible part of the day.

Some reviews mention that rental costs and safety are not included, so travelers should be cautious and responsible if choosing to rent. The overall experience emphasizes self-guided exploration, making it ideal for those who prefer independence.

Returning to Istanbul and Optional Shopping

The return cruise lasts around 1.5 hours, with the guide pointing out local sights along the way. Upon arrival at the port, passengers have the option to visit a local leather shop, or they may choose to disembark directly and be transferred back to their hotel.

The drop-off locations include the same hotels as the pickup, in Istanbul’s central districts. The tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to the original pickup point, wrapping up an 8-hour experience that combines sightseeing, island exploration, and culinary delight.

Practicalities: Logistics and Tips

The tour operates with fixed pickup times for each hotel, and early or late arrivals are possible due to shared transfers. Guests are advised to wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup. The tour is weather-dependent; bad weather may lead to cancellation with a full refund.

Participants cannot consume alcohol or drugs during the tour, and unpaid bicycle or electric car rentals are available, with safety being the responsibility of guests. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility to plan confidently.

Overall Evaluation of the Istanbul Princes Islands Tour

This tour provides an ideal option for those wanting a relaxed, scenic day exploring Istanbul’s nearby islands from the water. The private boat and onboard lunch add value, along with guidance in multiple languages. The ample free time on both islands allows for personalized experiences, whether wandering historic streets, renting bikes, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

Some reviews highlight occasional logistical issues, such as schedule deviations or disappointing shops, but overall, the stunning views and flexible exploration make this a popular choice. The price point includes most major aspects of the day, making it a convenient way to discover the Princes Islands without heavy planning.

The tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic cruises, independent island exploration, and authentic Turkish cuisine. It is especially suitable for those who prefer organized transport and guided commentary but want the freedom to set their own pace during free time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the full tour?
The tour lasts 8 hours, including hotel pickup, boat cruises, island exploration, and return transfer.

What is included in the lunch?
A delicious traditional Turkish lunch served onboard during the cruise from Büyükada back to Istanbul is included.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Russian, and Arabic.

Can I rent a bicycle or scooter?
Yes, unpaid bicycle or electric car rentals are available, but safety and responsibility are on the guest.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is subject to good weather conditions; if canceled, a full refund is issued.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from centrally-located hotels in Istanbul is included, with fixed times for each hotel.

Can I skip visiting the leather shop on the way back?
Yes, you can disembark directly at the port without visiting the shop.

What are the main attractions on Büyükada?
Guests can enjoy historic mansions, scenic streets, and bicycle or scooter riding during free time.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly stated, the flexible free time and scenic cruise make it suitable for families seeking a relaxed day.

How do I cancel the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund through the booking platform.

This Istanbul Princes Islands Tour by Private Boat and Lunch offers a balanced mix of guided insight and independent exploration, wrapped in the comfort of a private cruise. It provides a convenient and scenic way to enjoy Istanbul’s nearby islands, with options to customize your experience during free time on each island.

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