Full Day Istanbul Princes Islands Tour with Lunch

Exploring the Princes Islands from Istanbul: A Practical Look at the Full-Day Tour

If you’re considering adding a trip to the Princes Islands during your time in Istanbul, this full-day tour offers a convenient way to experience this peaceful escape. It’s a popular choice among travelers, especially those who want a break from the city’s hustle without venturing too far. Our review looks at what this tour includes, what you can expect, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

One thing we like about this experience is the combination of a scenic ferry cruise with a relaxed island visit—it’s a good way to enjoy the sea views and get a feel for local life. Plus, the seasonal lunch is often highlighted as a real highlight, with fresh, local ingredients making each meal memorable. Another plus is the car-free environment on the island, which means you can stroll around without the noise of engines, making for a peaceful and authentic experience.

A potential drawback to keep in mind is the lengthy transport times. Some reviews mention that the journey to and from the islands can be boring and long, with over two hours spent in transit before even reaching the ferry. If you’re someone who values a quick getaway or isn’t a fan of long bus rides, this might feel less appealing. Also, be aware that the tour has had some issues with expectations, particularly around attractions and food options, so it’s wise to go in with a flexible mindset.

All in all, this tour could suit travelers who want a straightforward, affordable day out that combines sightseeing, leisure, and good food. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy boat rides, like exploring smaller, traffic-free places, and don’t mind a bit of travel time. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a highly curated or exclusive experience, but if a relaxed, scenic day sounds appealing, it might be a good fit.

Key Points

• Affordable price point for a full-day experience with transportation and lunch included.
• Ferry cruise offers scenic views of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul landmarks.
• Travel times can be lengthy, so patience is helpful.
• The island environment is peaceful and car-free, making for a relaxed visit.
• Lunch often features fresh, seasonal ingredients, praised for its quality.
• Some reviews mention issues with the advertised experience, so manage expectations accordingly.

What to Expect from the Full-Day Princes Islands Tour

This tour packs quite a bit into roughly eight hours, giving you a good overview of the Princes Islands and some local highlights. You’ll start with hotel pickup on the European side of Istanbul, which is handy for avoiding the hassle of organizing your own transport. From there, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle will escort you to the ferry port, setting the stage for the cruise.

Ferry Ride and Scenic Views

Once aboard the ferry, you’ll enjoy a round-trip cruise across the Sea of Marmara. This part of the tour is often appreciated for its relaxed vibe and the chance to see Istanbul from the water, with views of the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower as you sail. If you’re a fan of boats or simply enjoy being on the sea, this leg is a definite highlight.

Arrival at Princes’ Islands: Buyukada

The largest of the Princes Islands, Buyukada, is a tranquil spot where cars are replaced by bicycles and electric wagons. Here, you’ll have free time to explore, which is usually a couple of hours. You can choose to swim, shop for souvenirs, or admire the Ottoman-style mansions that line the streets. The island’s peaceful ambiance makes it a nice change of pace from Istanbul’s busy streets.

Transport on the Island

The tour typically involves electric car wagons, which are a charming way to get around without the noise and pollution of motor vehicles. This eco-friendly approach adds to the relaxed, old-world feel of the island and is generally appreciated by visitors.

Lunch and Food Highlights

A highlight for many is the seasonal lunch included in the tour. Travelers often note that the food is fresh and delicious, showcasing local ingredients. However, some reviews mention that the vegan options advertised are not always available, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s worth confirming ahead or being flexible.

Additional Activities and Shopping

After lunch, you’ll have more free time to swim, shop, or just wander, which allows for a personalized experience. Some travelers enjoy browsing the local boutiques for souvenirs, while others prefer relaxing on the beaches.

Returning to Istanbul

On the way back, you’ll enjoy views of iconic Istanbul landmarks like Topkapi Palace and the Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) from the boat, offering a scenic end to the day. The return journey typically takes about two hours, which some find a bit dull or long, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.

The Realities of This Tour: Insights from Travelers

While many appreciate the overall value and the scenic boat rides, some reviews point out the long transit times. One traveler shared, “Depending on where you stay, the time you spend on transport can be very long. Being the first, we spent over 2.5 hours on the transport before we reached the ferry before departure.” This can add to fatigue, especially if you’re not a fan of lengthy bus rides.

Others were disappointed with certain aspects, like the advertised activities and food options. A reviewer said, “Pressured to take pics in cheesy costumes, as well as with a parrot so they can sell you the pics. I said no thank you. The islands are not worth seeing… there is not much to do or see.” This suggests that some parts of the experience might feel commercialized or superficial.

Despite these critiques, many travelers find the price reasonable for what’s included—ferry rides, transportation, guided sightseeing, and lunch—making it a workable choice for those on a budget. The cost of $60 per person provides decent value if you’re looking for an easy, organized day trip rather than a deeply immersive experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors to Istanbul who want a quick escape to a peaceful island environment without the hassle of organizing their own transport and ferry tickets. It’s also good for travelers who enjoy sea views, leisurely exploration, and simple pleasures like shopping and swimming.

If you’re traveling with friends or a family that appreciates relaxed outdoor activities and doesn’t mind a bit of travel time, this could be a fun, affordable day out. However, if you’re someone who prefers shorter transit times, or expects more curated, exclusive access to attractions, you might want to explore other options or plan a more independent day.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Istanbul Princes Islands Tour offers a straightforward way to experience the tranquil beauty of Buyukada, combined with scenic ferry rides and a hearty seasonal lunch. It’s a good pick for travelers seeking a relaxing day away from the city’s chaos, especially those who enjoy boat trips and open-air exploration.

While the experience isn’t perfect—long travel times and some unmet expectations—many find it to be a fair value, especially given the included transportation and meals. Just keep in mind that it’s more of an easygoing outing than a meticulously curated tour, so approach it with flexible expectations.

If you want a laid-back day on an island with charming scenery, friendly vibes, and good food, this tour could be worth considering. For those with specific dietary needs, or looking for a quick, action-packed adventure, you might want to explore other options or customize your own trip.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels on the European side of Istanbul, which is convenient and saves you planning extra transportation.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry round-trip itself is part of the approximately 8-hour tour, with about 2 hours spent on the boat both ways. Some travelers mention that this can feel a bit lengthy, especially if the weather is dull or if you’re not a big fan of boat rides.

What’s included in the lunch?
A seasonal, fresh lunch is included, often highlighted as a highlight, though some reviews point out that advertised vegan options may not always be available. It’s mostly local specialties and is generally well-received.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour doesn’t specifically target families, the relaxed pace and outdoor nature could appeal to children comfortable with boat rides and open-air exploration. Keep in mind that some activities, like photos with cheesy costumes, might not be ideal for very young kids.

What are the main downsides?
Long transit times and some discrepancies between expectations and experience. Also, some travelers found the island’s attractions less impressive than hoped, and the commercialized feel of some activities.

Can I cancel this tour easily?
Yes, there’s a full refund policy if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is helpful if weather or other factors make you reconsider.

All in all, this tour offers a decent snapshot of the Princes Islands for those on a budget and with flexible expectations. If you’re after a peaceful day with scenic views and a good meal, it’s worth a look. Just remember to pack patience and an open mind.