Istanbul Prince Island Cruise with Lunch & Free Time

Exploring Istanbul’s Princes Islands: A Practical Review of the Prince Island Cruise with Lunch & Free Time

If you’re visiting Istanbul and looking for a way to escape the city buzz, a day trip to the Princes Islands might be just what you need. This full-day boat tour promises a leisurely journey across the Sea of Marmara, with stops at Büyükada, Heybeliada, and Burgazada. We’ve gathered all the essential details to help you decide if this experience fits your travel style — from the highlights and practicalities to potential downsides.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines beautiful sea views with a relaxed island-hopping vibe. Plus, the included lunch on board adds a nice touch of convenience. On the flip side, a key consideration is that there’s no guided tour on the islands, meaning you’re exploring mostly independently. This makes it ideally suited for those who enjoy wandering at their own pace rather than sticking to a strict itinerary.

Whether you’re after a gentle escape from the city, an opportunity to enjoy nature and local life, or simply a scenic boat ride, this tour could be a great pick. But if you prefer guided tours with detailed historical insights on each island, you might find this a bit limited. Overall, it’s a flexible, light-hearted way to see the Princes Islands while enjoying some fantastic views.

Key Points

• Round-trip boat transportation is included, making logistics easy.
• Free time on each island allows for independent exploration.
• Lunch served on board with sea views is a highlight for many.
• No guided tour on islands, so explore at your own pace.
• Departure from Cibaliport Pier at 10:00, with return at around 17:00.
• Suitable for travelers who enjoy scenic, relaxed days with some flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Breakdown of the Experience

This tour offers a full-day adventure that starts at 10:00 am from Cibaliport Pier, a straightforward meeting point that you’ll need to arrive at on time. Once aboard, you’ll hop on a boat operated by Lft Travel Agency, which is equipped for a comfortably scenic ride across the Marmara Sea. The boat’s atmosphere tends to be friendly and relaxed, with audio announcements in multiple languages including English, Turkish, and Arabic, helping everyone stay informed without needing a guide on the islands.

The Journey & Onboard Experience

The boat ride itself is often described as beautiful and peaceful. Travelers love the way the vessel offers stunning sea views and a chance to unwind away from Istanbul’s hustle. The actual boat may change depending on weather and operational conditions, but generally, you can expect a comfortable vessel that suits a day out on the water.

The lunch served on board is a major plus — it’s described as tasty and satisfying, with the added benefit of panoramic views during your meal. Keep in mind, drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring some water or purchase beverages on the boat if you wish.

The Islands’ Free Time

Once docked at each island, the real freedom begins. You can explore Büyükada, known for its historic wooden mansions and options to rent bikes to cruise around. Heybeliada offers lush pine forests and quiet streets, perfect for strolling. Burgazada tends to be more relaxed, with peaceful beaches ideal for a break.

A common theme in reviews is that travelers appreciate the independence to explore at their own pace. Many enjoy simply wandering, taking photos, or relaxing on the beaches. However, it’s worth noting that there’s no guided commentary on the islands, so if you’re interested in in-depth historical or cultural insights, this might feel a bit light.

The Return & Overall Timing

The tour is designed to give you a relaxed 8-hour window, with the boat leaving around 10:00 and returning by 17:00. This timing allows for a good amount of free exploration without feeling rushed. Some reviews mention that time on each island can vary, especially if weather or operational issues cause delays, but generally, it’s enough for a leisurely visit.

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What the Tour Gets Right

Scenery and Relaxation: As someone who loves sea views, I’d say the highlight here is the serene boat ride and the chance to enjoy Istanbul from a different perspective. The islands themselves are charming escapes, especially if you like quiet beaches, pine forests, or quaint streets.

Food & Comfort: The lunch on board tends to be well-received, offering a convenient way to refuel. Many reviews praise the delicious food and attentive service, which makes the trip feel a bit more special.

Flexibility & Independence: Without a guide on the islands, you’re free to create your own itinerary — whether that means renting bikes, strolling, or lounging. For many, this is exactly what makes the experience enjoyable.

The Downsides & Considerations

Limited Guided Information: The lack of an on-site guide means less context about the history or stories of each island. If you’re seeking a deep dive into local stories, this might not be your ideal tour.

No Guided Tour on Islands: You’re exploring independently, which can be freeing but also a bit confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the islands or don’t have your own guidebook.

Potential for Busy Times or Weather Changes: As with all boat-based tours, weather can influence timing and the length of your stay on each island. It’s worth being flexible.

No Transfers Included: The price doesn’t cover transportation to the pier, so if you’re not staying nearby, you’ll need to arrange that separately.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This cruise suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides and independent exploration. It’s ideal if you want to escape the city for a day, relax on quiet beaches, or stroll through pine forests—without the pressure of guided commentary or structured tours. It’s also well-suited for those who value delicious onboard meals and flexible schedules.

It may not be the best choice if you’re seeking detailed historical guides or plan to learn about the islands through a guided experience. Since it’s a group ferry transfer with some free time, those who prefer more structured, guided tours might look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Istanbul Prince Island Cruise with Lunch & Free Time offers a practical, relaxing way to see some of the most charming parts of the Princes Islands. You get a lovely boat ride, the freedom to explore at your own pace, and a tasty meal with sea views. It’s perfect for travelers who are comfortable with a bit of independence and want to enjoy the scenery without fuss.

The tour’s value lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It’s an easy way to enjoy a different side of Istanbul—calm, scenic, and laid-back. If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable boat trip with plenty of free time on lovely islands, this tour fits the bill nicely.

FAQ

Does the tour include transportation to the pier?
No, the tour price does not include transfers. You need to arrive at the pier yourself, but the meeting point is straightforward, and the GPS coordinates are provided.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothes. You might also want to carry some water or buy drinks on the boat since they are at an extra cost.

Is there a guided tour on the islands?
No, there is no guided tour on the islands. You explore independently during your free time.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs around 10:00 am and returns by 17:00, giving you about 7 hours of total experience.

Can I rent bikes or explore easily on the islands?
Yes, especially on Büyükada where bike rentals are popular. The islands are pedestrian-friendly with scenic streets and paths.

Are there options for meals other than the included lunch?
You can buy food on the boat or dine on the islands at your own expense.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for children, the relaxing pace and open space might appeal to families, but note that no extra amenities or guided activities are provided for kids.

What language is the onboard commentary in?
Announcements are made in English, Turkish, and Arabic, making it accessible for a diverse group.

Will the boat ride be comfortable in bad weather?
The boat’s operation depends on weather conditions, which might affect timing or the duration of island stops.

Is there a shopping stop included?
Yes, after returning to Istanbul, there is a visit to a leather shop with a fashion show, but it’s not part of the main island experience.

If you’re craving a day of gentle exploration, beautiful vistas, and the chance to unwind on some quieter islands, this tour offers a solid option. It’s straightforward, flexible, and provides a lovely break from Istanbul’s bustling streets—just remember to go with the flow if weather or scheduling shifts happen.

You can check availability for your dates here: