Istanbul Princes Islands Tour by Private Boat Pickup & Lunch

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing escape from the hustle of Istanbul, a day trip to the Princes Islands might just be what you need. This particular tour promises an exclusive private boat experience, combined with a leisurely exploration of Kınalıada and Büyükada, topped off with a traditional Turkish lunch onboard. We’ve looked into the details to give you an honest overview of what you can expect, so you can decide if this outing fits your style.

What draws us in about this tour? First, the stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline from the water are truly special – it’s a different perspective that’s hard to beat. Second, the flexibility to explore each island at your own pace means you’re not stuck following a rigid schedule. However, a potential consideration is that weather conditions can affect itinerary—sometimes only one island is visited, which might be disappointing if you’re keen to see both. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, laid-back exploration, and Turkish cuisine, especially if you’re looking for a more private, personalized experience.

Key Points

• Exclusive private boat offers a unique way to see Istanbul’s coastlines and landmarks from the water.
• Flexible free time allows you to explore Kınalıada and Büyükada at your own pace.
• Onboard lunch features traditional Turkish dishes, providing a culturally enriching experience.
• Guided commentary in English, Russian, or Arabic helps add context and stories to your journey.
• Weather-dependent trips may mean only one island visit and occasional schedule changes.
• Good value for money considering the private boat experience and included lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s the Itinerary Really Like?

This tour kicks off with a hotel pickup from centrally-located Istanbul hotels, such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, or Beyoğlu. The pickup window is between 08:00 and 08:45, so you’ll want to be ready a little earlier. Once you’re on the minibus or midibus, the drive to the marina takes about 30 minutes—not too long, but enough to settle in and get excited for the day ahead.

Embarking on the Private Boat

The highlight of the experience is the private boat reserved exclusively for your group. This means fewer crowds and a more intimate atmosphere. As you set sail across the Marmara Sea, enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, with its striking mosques and modern high-rises blending into the horizon. Your guide will share stories about the city and the islands during the cruise, adding a layer of insight to the visual feast.

First Stop: Kınalıada

Your initial destination is Kınalıada, the smallest of the Princes Islands, with about an hour of free time. This stop is perfect for a quick stroll or simply soaking in the relaxed vibe. Some reviews mention that the visit here is somewhat brief, but it’s enough to get a feel for the island’s quieter, less touristy character. If you’re interested, you might explore the local shops, relax by the water, or just enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Second Stop: Büyükada

The tour’s main highlight is Büyükada, the largest and most famous of the islands. Here, you’ll enjoy a three-hour window of free exploration. You can wander through charming streets lined with historic mansions, rent a bicycle or scooter, or opt for an electric car tour. The guided narration continues onboard, hinting at interesting stories about the island’s past residents and architecture.

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Lunch on Board

After a satisfying exploration, the boat anchors for lunch. The meal is served onboard and features traditional Turkish dishes—a chance to indulge in local flavors while watching the passing scenery. The meal is described as simple but well-prepared, a good value considering it’s included in the price.

Afternoon and Return

Post-lunch, you’re free to further explore Büyükada or relax onboard. Later, your guide will gather the group for the return cruise. The boat ride back offers more scenic views, and some travelers mentioned the possibility of visiting a local leather shop on the way back, or simply disembarking directly at the port if preferred.

The day concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. Depending on weather and schedule, the trip might only visit one island, which was a point raised in some reviews, but overall, most travelers find the experience enjoyable and relaxing.

What do Travelers Say?

The reviews paint a mixed picture, but with many positives. Several highlight the stunning views and the value of the private boat experience. One traveler from the Netherlands said, “Everything was well arranged, from start to finish, with very friendly hosts and guides. The lunch was simple but well done.” Others appreciated the laid-back vibe and the opportunity to explore at their own pace.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some travelers expressed disappointment about schedule issues, such as late pickups or the boat leaving earlier than planned, leaving some behind. One reviewer from Georgia harshly warned against booking, citing poor organization, a lack of guidance, and the experience of being taken to the wrong island. They also pointed out that the tour didn’t match the description, which is a good reminder to stay flexible and prepared for variability.

In general, the value for the price is often praised, especially when considering the privacy of the boat and the included lunch. It’s a more personalized alternative to crowded group tours, but it’s important to be aware that weather conditions can impact the itinerary—sometimes only one island is visited or the schedule shifts unexpectedly.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Transportation & Logistics

The pick-up service is a huge plus, especially since it collects guests from numerous central locations in Istanbul. The transportation is shared, meaning it could be a small minibus or midibus, and pickups might be early or slightly late. The exact time is communicated a day before, so keeping an eye on your messages is wise.

Duration & Timing

Considering the 8-hour total duration, including pickup, travel, and the cruise, the tour offers a full day of activity without feeling rushed. The boat cruise itself lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, giving ample opportunity for sightseeing and photo moments.

Group Size & Guide

The guide provides commentary in English, Russian, and Arabic, making this tour accessible for diverse travelers. The group size isn’t specified but is implied to be manageable and intimate due to the private boat, which enhances the experience.

Cost & Value

While the price isn’t explicitly stated, the inclusions—private boat, guided commentary, and onboard lunch—generally suggest good value, especially if you prefer a more relaxed, private experience instead of crowded group tours.

Weather & Flexibility

Weather can make or break this trip. In bad weather, the tour might be canceled or limited to one island. Travelers should be prepared for potential schedule changes and check the forecast ahead of time. Refunds are available if weather causes cancellation, adding some peace of mind.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value scenic views and a personalized touch. If you enjoy boat rides, exploring at your own pace, and sampling traditional Turkish cuisine, you’ll likely enjoy this trip. It’s particularly suited to those who prefer a more intimate, private experience rather than large group excursions.

It’s not the best choice if you’re looking for an in-depth cultural tour of the islands or if you’re on a tight schedule, given the potential for weather-related changes. Families with older children who can handle a boat ride and walking around the islands might find it a nice day out, but the tour doesn’t specifically cater to children with activities or facilities.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t speak English?
Guides provide commentary in English, Russian, and Arabic. If you don’t speak these languages, you might miss some of the stories, but the scenery and free exploration still make it worthwhile.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features traditional Turkish dishes served onboard. While the description notes it’s simple, it’s generally considered good value for the experience.

Can I visit both islands?
Weather and schedule can affect this; sometimes only one island is visited. If visiting both is crucial, confirm the day’s plan beforehand.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is subject to good weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, you will get a full refund.

How flexible is the free time?
You can explore each island at your own pace during your free periods, choosing to wander, rent bikes, or relax.

Are there any additional costs during the tour?
Renting bicycles or electric cars is unpaid, but you’d handle these on your own. The tour doesn’t include such extras in the price.

Final Thoughts

This Princes Islands tour offers a relaxed, scenic escape from Istanbul’s busy streets, with the bonus of privacy and onboard dining. It’s a good fit for travelers who want a comfortable, well-organized day on the water with the flexibility to explore each island according to their interests.

While it’s not perfect—schedule hiccups and weather risks are real—it remains a solid choice for those seeking a richer, more intimate experience of the islands, especially if stunning sea views and good value matter most.

If you’re after a quiet, scenic day with good company and flexible sightseeing, this tour could be just right. Just remember to check the weather forecast and go with an open mind—you might find it’s one of those days that leaves you with memorable stories and lovely photos.

Happy planning, and enjoy your trip to Istanbul and its beautiful islands!

You can check availability for your dates here: