Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer

Exploring the Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer

Thinking about escaping Istanbul’s busy streets for a day? This tour offers a convenient way to visit the beautiful Princes Islands, with a mix of scenic boat rides, cultural sights, and free time to explore. While it’s not a perfect, all-encompassing experience, it hits some solid notes for those wanting a relaxed day away from city hustle.

What we especially like about this tour is the comfortable private boat that takes you between the islands—no cramped ferry lines, and plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the views. Also, the delicious buffet lunch onboard is definitely a highlight, offering a decent variety of food with drinks included. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the islands themselves might be a bit underwhelming or crowded, and the overall experience can feel rushed or basic if you’re expecting a deep dive into history or local culture.

This tour suits travelers who want a stress-free way to see two of Istanbul’s most scenic islands without the hassle of organizing transport or worrying about logistics. It’s also good for those who appreciate a guided experience but don’t want to be tied down to a strict schedule. If you’re after a quick escape with some sightseeing, a bit of relaxing on the water, and a tasty meal, this might fit the bill — just keep expectations reasonable.

Key Points

• Comfortable private boat avoids crowded public ferries and offers a more relaxed ride.
• Guided visits to key sites on Heybeliada and Buyukada add context and understanding.
• Free time on each island allows for personal exploration and photos.
• Includes a buffet lunch with drinks, providing good value for the price.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, especially from the European side.
• Some reviews note that the islands have limited attractions and can be crowded or dirty.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

If you’re considering this tour, here’s what you can expect based on the itinerary and feedback from past travelers. It’s a balanced mix of structured visits and leisure, but it’s important to understand what’s included—and what’s not.

The Pickup and Journey to the Islands

The day begins early, with most travelers being picked up from their hotels on the European side of Istanbul. The minibus takes you to the meeting point at Ahrkap, where your private boat awaits. This door-to-door pickup is a real plus, saving you from navigating busy streets or fighting for tickets. The journey to the Golden Horn takes about 30 minutes, during which you can start soaking in the views of Istanbul’s skyline.

Traveling by a privately owned boat is a significant advantage. Unlike crowded public ferries, your boat offers more space and comfort, and you avoid the long lines that often form at the docks. It’s a more peaceful way to glide across the water, and the boat’s open deck is perfect for snapping photos of the Bosporus and surrounding scenery.

First Stop: Heybeliada

Arriving at Heybeliada, the second-largest of the Princes Islands, most travelers agree it’s one of the more interesting stops. It’s less touristy and more natural, with lush greenery and charming streets. Visitors often find it a peaceful escape from Istanbul’s hustle.

Highlights include the Theological School, Beth Yaakov Synagogue, a monastery, and a church. Walks around the island reveal picturesque houses and inviting cafés, perfect for some casual sightseeing or just relaxing. One reviewer mentioned that the island is “full of intense greenery” and “beautiful houses,” which many find charming.

However, some note that the island can be a bit dirty, with pet waste on the streets, and the sightseeing options are relatively limited. If you’re hoping for a deep dive into history or culture, be prepared—most of the visit is about enjoying the scenery and snapping photos.

Exploring Buyukada

After some time exploring Heybeliada, the tour moves to Buyukada, the biggest and most famous of the islands. It’s known for its imposing houses, Greek Orthodox sites, and a prominent clock tower. The guide typically shows you around the main sights, such as Aya Yorgi Church and the Greek Orphanage.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, which should be enough to walk the streets, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Past travelers have appreciated the picturesque streets and houses, but others felt the island is overrated and not as lively or scenic as expected. Some mention that there’s not much to do beyond sightseeing, with plenty of overpriced eateries and souvenir shops.

Lunch and Relaxation on the Boat

Midway through the day, you’ll return to the boat for a buffet lunch. The onboard meal includes a variety of typical Turkish dishes, and drinks are included, which many find to be a fair offer for the price. The lunch break provides a good opportunity to relax and chat with fellow travelers.

Some reviews mention that the lunch is “good,” while others wish it had more Western options or better quality. It’s generally considered decent, especially given the price point.

Return Trip and Drop-off

After exploring the islands, the boat heads back to Istanbul, where a private vehicle takes you back to your hotel. The total tour lasts around 6 to 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day out.

What Travelers Say: The Honest Feedback

The reviews paint a nuanced picture. Many travelers appreciate the friendly guides and the stunning views on the boat and islands. One reviewer said, “This is good value for money,” noting the beautiful scenery and the friendly staff. The delicious lunch and the hotel transfer are consistently mentioned as positive aspects.

However, the experience isn’t perfect. Some travelers found the islands somewhat underwhelming, with limited attractions and overcrowding. Comments like “there is really not much to do” or “nothing you cannot do yourself” suggest that if you’re expecting a full cultural tour, this might not satisfy.

A few critical voices mention the overcrowded ferry, poor organization (like late pickups), or rude staff onboard. Others express disappointment in the state of the islands, describing them as “dirty” or “sticky,” which could detract from the overall enjoyment.

Despite these mixed reviews, many still agree that the trip is a nice escape from the city, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing boat ride and some scenic wandering.

The Value Factor

At around $50 per person, considering the hotel pickup, boat rides, entrance fees, and lunch, this tour offers reasonable value—particularly if you prefer a guided experience with less hassle. You avoid the crowds and long lines of public ferries, which can make the day more comfortable.

That said, some feel it’s overpriced given what you get—especially if you’ve done independent trips or are looking for a deep culture. The main draw is the scenic boat ride and the islands’ beauty, not necessarily in-depth sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want an easy, guided way to see two popular islands without worrying about logistics. It’s ideal if you value comfort and convenience over extensive sightseeing. Also, if you enjoy boat trips, scenic views, and a relaxed pace, you’ll find plenty to like here.

If you’re traveling with limited time or prefer a hassle-free day out with some sightseeing and good food, this tour can be a solid choice. However, if you’re after a more immersive cultural experience or wish to explore the islands independently and at your own pace, you might want to consider other options.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the European side and Istanbul city center, making it a very convenient option.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 6 to 7 hours, from pickup in the morning to drop-off in the afternoon.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers hotel transfers, transportation by air-conditioned bus, the boat trip, entrance fees to the islands, and a buffet lunch with drinks.

Are there any additional costs?
Drinks other than those included with lunch are not included, so if you want extra beverages, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

Can I rent bikes or electric buggies on the islands?
Yes, bike rentals and electric buggy tickets are available to purchase on the islands, if you want to explore further on your own.

What should I expect on the boat?
The boat trip is generally comfortable and scenic, with some reviews mentioning a relaxed atmosphere. Keep in mind that there might be sales on board (perfume, photos, etc.), and some travelers have noted that staff can be a bit pushy.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the sightseeing, boat ride, and scenic exploring can suit families, especially with children who enjoy outdoor activities and gentle walks. Just be mindful of the timing and arrangements if traveling with very young kids.

In summary, this Princes Islands tour offers a hassle-free way to enjoy some stunning scenery, quiet islands, and a tasty lunch—without the complexity of planning it all yourself. It’s a good pick for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience and aren’t expecting a deeply cultural or historical deep dive. For those wanting a quick escape from Istanbul’s chaos, it’s an experience worth considering, but keep your expectations realistic about what you’ll actually see and do on the islands.