Princes’ Islands Tour from Istanbul Lunch Included

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul for a day, this Princes’ Islands tour might just be what you need. We’ve come across this experience and, from what we hear, it offers a refreshingly different way to enjoy the city’s surroundings. Instead of rushing through attractions, you’ll spend a good part of your day cruising through the Marmara Sea, with plenty of time to explore charming islands, all while enjoying a delicious onboard lunch.

We particularly like that this tour combines comfortable boat transportation with ample free time on the islands. The idea of eating seafood while floating on the water sounds idyllic, and the relaxed pace makes it suitable for many travelers, whether you’re into sightseeing, chilling on the beach, or just soaking in the views. A possible consideration is that it’s a full-day experience, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a longer outing. This tour is a good pick for anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic escape that balances organized activities with personal exploration.

If you prefer serene landscapes, tasty food, and a break from crowded city streets, this might be just right for you. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxing day on the water with flexible island time, but it could also appeal to families and couples looking for a tranquil outing away from the city noise.

Key Points

• Includes lunch onboard: Enjoy fresh seafood in the middle of the sea, served while you cruise.
• Visit two islands: Kinaliada and Büyükada, with free time to explore each at your own pace.
• Comfortable transportation: Spacious, clean boat and air-conditioned bus for transfers.
• Flexible schedule: Ample free time on the islands and a peaceful cruise, away from crowds.
• Ideal for relaxation: Perfect for those wanting a laid-back day combining nature, scenery, and good food.
• Accessible and organized: Pickup from central Istanbul, with clear logistics and a small group size (max 80 travelers).

A Closer Look at the Princes’ Islands Tour

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour kicks off early at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup offered to make life easier. This is a real plus, especially if you’re staying in central Istanbul—no need to worry about navigating to the port yourself. Once you’re picked up, you head to Ahırkapı pier in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, setting the tone for a smooth day ahead.

The Boat Ride: Scenic and Comfortable

The highlight of this experience is undoubtedly the boat cruise. The vessel is described as spacious and well-organized—which means you’ll have plenty of room to relax and take in the sights. The ride offers a chance to see Istanbul from a different angle, passing notable landmarks like the Topkapi Palace, Maiden’s Tower, and views of the Bosphorus. A former reviewer praised the “smooth ferry ride” and the feeling of stepping into a different time once on the islands, highlighting the peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere these islands offer.

Exploring Kinaliada

The first island stop is Kinaliada, where you’ll have about an hour to explore. There are no admission fees here, but it’s enough time to walk around, enjoy the scenery, and get a feel for the island. Some travelers enjoy wandering its quiet streets or relaxing by the water, while others may choose to grab a snack or just soak in the view. Keep in mind, this is a quick visit—so if you’re after in-depth exploration, you may want to plan accordingly.

Lunch on the Sea

One of the best features of this tour is the onboard lunch served while anchored at sea. Sitting in the middle of the Marmara, surrounded by open water and fresh air, with a delicious seafood meal on your plate, sounds pretty appealing, doesn’t it? While the menu specifics aren’t listed, the experience of eating on a boat while cruising along offers a unique dining atmosphere far removed from land-based restaurants.

Büyükada: The Largest Island

After lunch, the boat heads to Büyükada, the biggest of the Princes’ Islands. Here, you’ll have about two hours of free time—plenty of opportunity to wander its charming streets, relax on the beach, or enjoy a waterfront café. Many reviews mention that the island feels like a step back in time: no cars, just bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages. A traveler described it as “stepping into a different time,” which is a lovely way to picture it. Whether you want to sunbathe, take photos, or just relax by the water, Büyükada offers a peaceful environment.

Optional Activities and Free Time

Since the schedule is flexible, you can choose to swim, sunbathe, or explore the small shops and cafes. Some visitors enjoy browsing for handcrafted leather products at the leather shop stop at the end of the day—a nice souvenir opportunity, and the shop is noted to be high-quality. The end-of-tour shopping experience is a quiet, relaxed way to wind down.

End of the Day and Return

After spending your free time on Büyükada, the tour concludes with a visit to a leather shop offering handcrafted items, which is included in the package. Following that, you’re dropped back at your hotel, usually around late afternoon or early evening. This organized end means you don’t have to worry about logistics after a full day of sightseeing.

Valuing the Experience: What’s in It for You?

At $40.83 per person, this tour seems quite reasonable considering the inclusion of hotel pickup, lunch, boat trips, and guided commentary. When you compare the price to the overall experience—scenic views, relaxed pace, and flexible exploration—the value feels fair, especially if you’re after a peaceful day instead of a hectic sightseeing rush.

Many travelers, including one reviewer, appreciated that it felt “beautifully organized” and offered a “peaceful escape from the busy city.” The fact that you get to enjoy delicious seafood lunch surrounded by the sea, rather than a rushed meal in a crowded restaurant, makes this stand out.

However, keep in mind that it’s a full-day commitment, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy longer outings and are prepared to spend around 7-8 hours from start to finish. If you’re someone who wants a quick visit or prefers to explore on your own, this might not be the best fit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Princes’ Islands tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, scenic views, and a combination of sightseeing with leisure. It’s perfect if you want to see multiple islands without the hassle of planning your own boat trips, and if you value having a delicious seafood lunch served in a unique setting. It also suits those who like the idea of free time to explore, relax, or enjoy beach activities on the islands.

While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the peaceful nature of the islands and the boat ride could appeal to families with older children, especially those who enjoy open water and outdoor exploration. The organized nature and clear timetable make it accessible for most travelers, including couples and solo travelers seeking a gentle, scenic day.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic day with minimal crowds, this tour offers a compelling choice. The combination of a comfortable boat cruise, delicious onboard lunch, and free time on the islands makes it a well-rounded experience. The small group size and organized logistics help keep things smooth, and the stunning views along the way add to the appeal.

On the downside, the experience is quite structured, and if you’re someone who prefers independent travel, you might find the scheduled free time a bit limited. Also, since the tour focuses on natural beauty and relaxation, it might not suit those looking for deep cultural or historical exploration.

Ultimately, this tour suits travelers who want to escape the city’s hustle for a day, enjoy the sea breeze, and unwind in a charming setting. It’s especially great for those who love good food, scenic views, and a laid-back itinerary that respects your pace.

FAQ

• What time does the tour start?
  It begins at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup provided for convenience.

• Is transportation provided?
  Yes, you’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned coach and enjoy a round-trip boat crossing.

• How long is the entire experience?
  Expect approximately 7 to 8 hours, including transfers, boat rides, free island time, and shopping.

• Are meals included?
  Yes, a seafood lunch is served onboard while cruising, offering a unique dining experience.

• Can I explore the islands on my own?
  Absolutely. You get ample free time on each island—especially Büyükada—to walk around, relax, or swim.

• Is there any shopping included?
  Yes, the tour concludes with a visit to a high-quality leather shop, where you can browse handcrafted items.

This Princes’ Islands tour offers a practical, scenic way to enjoy some of Istanbul’s most charming islands without the stress. It’s a good choice if you value comfort, good food, and time to relax, making it a memorable part of your Istanbul trip.