Daily Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

Exploring the Princes Islands from Istanbul: A Practical Guide to the Daily Tour

If you’re visiting Istanbul and craving a change of scenery, a day trip to the Princes Islands can be a real highlight. This tour, offered by Aljazeera Tour, promises a full-day adventure, combining scenic boat rides, a visit to Büyükada—the largest of the islands—and a tasty onboard buffet lunch. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to escape the city’s hustle without spending a fortune or dedicating too much time.

What we like about this experience is how smoothly it runs—thanks to the organized pickup from city center hotels and the thoughtful schedule that balances sightseeing with relaxing free time. Plus, the chance to enjoy stunning views of Istanbul from the water and taste some delicious Turkish cuisine onboard makes it quite appealing.

However, one point to consider is the boat’s capacity. Several reviews mention that the upper deck can get pretty crowded, especially on busy days, which might make it less comfortable if you’re seeking a more relaxed experience. Also, since it’s a group tour, flexibility is limited, but overall, it’s quite a good value for the price.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, scenic boat rides, and good food, all within a manageable timeframe. It’s ideal if you want to tick off the Princes Islands from your Istanbul itinerary without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Key Points

• Comfortable organization: Pickup from city center hotels simplifies logistics.
• Scenic views: The boat ride offers excellent perspectives of Istanbul from the sea.
• Good value: For around $42.50, you get transport, a guide, a boat trip, and a buffet lunch.
• Flexible free time: Around 2.5 hours in Büyükada lets you explore at your own pace.
• Guided experience: English and Arabic guides help you understand what you’re seeing.
• Crowded upper deck: Be prepared for a busy, possibly uncomfortable, outdoor seating area.

An Honest Look at the Princes Islands Tour

We’ll start with the basics—this is a day-long trip that is quite popular among visitors to Istanbul. It offers a combination of boat rides, island exploration, and a tasty lunch, all for a reasonable price. The entire experience lasts around 9 hours, which means you’ll be out of the city but not exhausted by the end—perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing yet engaging escape.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transfer: The tour begins early, around 9:00 am, with a pickup from select hotels in the European side of Istanbul. This makes things easy, especially if you’re staying centrally. The air-conditioned vehicle whisks you away to the port in about 90 minutes, giving you a chance to prep yourself for the day ahead.

Boat to Büyükada: Once at the port, you’ll board a boat for about 105 minutes, cruising across the Marmara Sea. During this time, you’ll get sweeping views of Istanbul’s skyline and the waters around it—an experience that’s surprisingly calming amid a busy city.

Time on Büyükada: Arrival at Büyükada, the largest of the Princes Islands, marks the highlight. You’ll have roughly 2.5 hours of free time here. From charming streets lined with old wooden mansions to peaceful seaside cafes, the island offers plenty to see and do. You could rent a bike or just wander, soaking up the atmosphere.

Return Journey: After exploring, you board the boat again for a 105-minute cruise back to Istanbul. The return trip might be just as scenic, with the city’s silhouette growing larger as you approach.

Back to Your Hotel: The transfer concludes with a 90-minute ride back to your hotel, wrapping up a full, satisfying day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers transportation, a professional English and Arabic-speaking guide, lunch with a soft drink, boat tickets, and all taxes. That’s a lot for the price—$42.50 per person—making it a good deal, especially considering the hassle-free logistics.

Optional gratuities aren’t included, but that’s typical, and you can tip guides or crew if you feel they added value.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The guide’s knowledge really stood out in reviews, with Safa_Z praising the “kind and helpful” guide who provided clear instructions and responded well. This kind of support makes the trip more enjoyable, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
• The views from the boat are genuinely impressive. Seeing Istanbul’s skyline from the water is a great way to get new perspectives.
• The lunch on board is a real bonus—an included buffet with soft drinks that hits the spot after a morning of sightseeing.
• The free time in Büyükada gives you flexibility. You can explore at your own pace, whether you want to relax in a café or stroll around the streets.

Cons:

• The main drawback is the crowd, especially on the upper deck. Kathi_S’s review notes that the upper seating area can feel very cramped, with limited airflow. If you’re sensitive to crowds or heat, this might be a downside.
• The boat ride can be a bit long for some, especially if you prefer shorter excursions or are prone to seasickness.
• As with all group tours, flexibility is limited—if you want to linger later or explore more deeply, you’ll need to organize other arrangements yourself.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic boat rides, appreciates a well-organized day trip, and doesn’t mind sharing space with others, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Büyükada without the hassle of planning transportation and meals. The inclusion of guides speaking both English and Arabic makes it accessible for diverse travelers.

It’s also a good pick if you’re on a bit of a budget but still want a comprehensive experience. However, if you’re looking for a peaceful, private adventure or are sensitive to crowds, you might want to consider alternatives or go early in the day.

Final Thoughts

This Daily Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to see one of Istanbul’s most beloved escapes. It balances convenience with authenticity—thanks to the knowledgeable guides and scenic vistas—at a reasonable price point. The organized pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, leaving you to focus on enjoying the views, the food, and the island vibe.

While the crowds on the boat can be a bit much for some, the overall experience is well-reviewed and offers a genuine taste of the Princes Islands’ charm. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, guided day out that combines scenic cruising with island exploration.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and value-packed day that introduces you to the beauty of Büyükada, this tour is worth considering. Just pack some patience for the crowded decks and be ready to soak up some lovely views and good company.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available from select hotels in the European side of Istanbul, making your day more convenient.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat journey to and from Büyükada lasts about 105 minutes each way, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sea and views.

What’s included in the price?
Your tour price covers hotel transfers, a professional guide in English and Arabic, boat tickets, a buffet lunch with a soft drink, and all applicable taxes.

Can I customize the free time in Büyükada?
The schedule offers around 2.5 hours of free time, which is typically enough to explore at your own pace, but not enough for a deep dive into every corner.

Is the boat deck crowded?
Yes, especially on busy days. The upper deck tends to be full, which might be uncomfortable if you prefer space and fresh air.

Is vegetarian lunch available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 9 days ahead, indicating good availability but also the popularity of this tour.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates year-round except during certain holidays or bad weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, scenic, and well-organized day trip from Istanbul, this Princes Islands tour offers a lot for its price. It’s a great way to see a different side of Istanbul, enjoy some fresh sea air, and indulge in a tasty Turkish meal—all in one smooth package.