Princes’ Islands Tour from Istanbul Lunch Included

Planning a day out from Istanbul to visit the Princes’ Islands? This tour promises a leisurely experience with scenic views, a boat cruise, and a relaxed vibe. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to escape the city bustle and soak in some peaceful island scenery. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what you can expect, so you can decide if this trip is right for you.

One of the things we appreciate about this tour is the combination of transportation and free time—you get to see the main sights and then relax at your own pace. Plus, the included lunch with seasonal specialties often gets good mentions. On the other hand, some reviews point out that the tour can feel rushed or crowded, which is worth considering if you’re after a more in-depth or intimate experience. Overall, it’s a solid option if you’re after a straightforward, well-organized day trip that balances sightseeing with relaxation.

This tour will suit those who enjoy a value-packed day with scenic boat rides, are okay with group outings, and are looking for a drop-off and pick-up service. If you’re someone who values detailed guides or exploring every corner independently, you might find it less satisfying. But if the idea of chilling on a car-free island, sampling good food, and having some leisure time appeals, this could be a nice fit.

Key Points

• Relaxed pace with free time for swimming or shopping
• Includes ferry cruise and electric cart ride for scenic exploration
• Value-for-money option with lunch and hotel transfers
• Some reviews highlight issues with crowding and inconsistent guiding
• Ideal for travelers wanting a straightforward, scenic day trip from Istanbul
• Not heavily focused on historical storytelling, more on sightseeing and leisure

An Honest Breakdown of the Tour

What’s the core idea?

This Princes’ Islands tour is about giving you a taste of the calm, car-free environment of Büyükada, the biggest of the islands. It’s designed for those who want a break from the busy streets of Istanbul and prefer a guided day with some structured sightseeing and plenty of free time. With a price tag around $39, this tour offers quite a bit—ferry rides, a guided boat tour, a decent lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off—making it a reasonable pick for travelers looking for convenience and comfort.

How the itinerary unfolds

The day kicks off with a hotel pickup (if you’ve chosen that option), followed by a comfortable bus ride to Unkapani Pier. From there, it’s aboard a ferry for the approximately 2-hour cruise across the Sea of Marmara—this alone is a highlight, especially if you enjoy boat travel and panoramic views of Istanbul. As you sail past iconic sites like the Maiden’s Tower and the Topkapi Palace, you’ll start your day with a sense of anticipation.

Once on Büyükada, the main island, the tour includes a brief visit to Heybeliada, where you’ll enjoy a manageable walk through pine forests and old villas. Many reviews mention that the boat ride can sometimes be rough if the sea’s not calm—some travelers find it a bit uncomfortable, especially in choppy weather. You’ll also spend a couple of hours on Büyükada, with a stop for a good seafood lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, you have free time—some choose to swim, while others wander through shops or relax at seaside cafes.

The electric cart experience

One of the tour’s selling points is the electric car ride around the island, which takes around 30-40 minutes. This is a popular feature, giving you a relaxing way to see the main sights without too much walking. But some reviews note that the guide doesn’t talk much during this ride, saving explanations for the end, which can make this part feel a bit less engaging if you’re hoping for more storytelling.

Additional stops and shopping

Toward the end of your day, the tour includes a visit to a leather shop, where you can browse handcrafted products. While this might sound like a nice local touch, some travelers find the visit a bit forced or disappointing—feeling like a sales pitch rather than genuine shopping. The trip wraps up with the hotel drop-off, often in Taksim or Sultanahmet, making logistics straightforward.

What do travelers say?

The reviews paint a mixed picture—many appreciate the overall value and relaxed atmosphere. Robert_P calls it a “wonderful tour,” emphasizing the peace and beauty of the island. On the flip side, several reviewers mention crowded boats, poor guide explanations, and delays. For example, some travelers felt the boat was not well maintained, and the bus experience could be uncomfortable—especially in summer heat with no air conditioning on the bus, as one reviewer pointed out.

One common critique is that the tour doesn’t go into much depth regarding the islands’ history or culture. Multiple reviews indicate that the guide’s commentary is brief or superficial, with some guests feeling they could have explored the islands on their own more effectively. The leather shop stop is another point of contention—some see it as a bit of a sales trap rather than an authentic experience.

Nevertheless, the scenery and the overall relaxed vibe still shine through for many. If you’re after a laid-back day with scenic views and don’t mind a group setting, this tour can be quite enjoyable.

Transportation and Timing: What to Expect?

The tour begins with hotel pickup (if booked), and the bus ride to Unkapani is usually smooth, though some reviews mention waiting times or older buses without A/C. The ferry ride is the centerpiece—plan for about two hours, with the possibility of choppier seas depending on the weather. Once on the islands, you’ll spend around 1-2 hours exploring Heybeliada, plus a couple of hours on Büyükada after lunch.

The lunch is typically a seafood meal at a local restaurant, offering seasonal specialties. It’s generally well-reviewed for being decent value—nothing fancy, but tasty enough to satisfy. After lunch, you get your free time to swim, shop, or relax, which many travelers find the highlight. The final leather shop visit, lasting about an hour, is optional but often viewed as a minor add-on that might not appeal to everyone.

Duration and group size

The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours—long enough to feel like a full day but not overly exhausting. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which keeps it manageable but still busy. If you prefer smaller, more intimate tours, this might feel a little crowded at times.

The Value of the Experience

At roughly $39, this tour is a fair deal considering the included ferry, boat cruise, guide, and lunch. It’s a convenient package that takes away the hassle of organizing your own transport. However, some reviews suggest that the experience might be somewhat surface-level—more about ticking the boxes than deep exploration. If you’re content with a guided overview, it’s a good choice. If you want a more immersive or personalized visit, you might consider exploring independently or seeking a smaller tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a relaxing, scenic day without too much planning. It suits those who enjoy boat rides, casual sightseeing, and some free time to unwind or browse shops. It’s also suitable if you want a straightforward, reasonably priced option with hotel transfers included.

If you’re after in-depth historical guides, fewer crowds, or a more personalized experience, this might not be the best fit. The reviews suggest that it’s a good, no-fuss way to visit the islands, but not necessarily a deep dive into their stories or culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the appropriate booking option.

How long does the entire tour last?
It lasts about 7 to 8 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, lunch, and free time.

What’s included in the tour?
The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, round-trip boat crossing, a local guide, lunch, and admission to Unkapani Pier.

Are there any additional costs?
The tour price covers everything except optional shopping at the leather shop. Food and drinks during lunch are included, but additional snacks or items might cost extra.

Is the ferry ride comfortable?
Most travelers find the ferry ride enjoyable, but some mention rough seas or boat maintenance issues. Be prepared for potential choppiness depending on weather conditions.

Can I swim on the islands?
Yes, free time on Büyükada often includes the option to swim or relax on the beach, weather permitting.

What about guide commentary during the trip?
Guides provide some commentary, but reviews indicate it’s sometimes brief or not very detailed, especially on the electric cart ride.

Are the islands crowded?
It can get busy, especially in peak season. Some reviews mention waiting times and crowded spots, so early or off-peak visits might be better.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for families, the relaxed pace and scenic boat ride make it suitable for most travelers, including those with children comfortable with boat travel.

Would you recommend this tour?
If you’re after an easy, scenic day trip with good value, yes. Be aware of potential crowds and the limited depth of guided commentary. For a more immersive experience, exploring independently might be better.

In all, this Princes’ Islands tour offers a practical way to see Büyükada without too much hassle. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, organized day with some scenic highlights and the convenience of hotel transfers. While it’s not perfect—some reviews mention delays and superficial guides—it still provides a nice balance of sightseeing, leisure, and good food. Just keep your expectations in check, and you’re likely to enjoy a peaceful escape from the city.