Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

A Practical Look at Istanbul’s Princes Islands Tour

This full-day Princes Islands tour offers a straightforward way to escape the hustle of Istanbul and enjoy a day on Turkey’s scenic Sea of Marmara. Priced at around $33.25 per person, it takes you from your hotel in central Istanbul to the port at Unkapani, then onto Büyükada and Heybeliada, the two most popular of the Princes Islands. With a duration of around 6.5 hours, it’s designed for travelers wanting a hassle-free escape with all major sights included, plus a satisfying onboard lunch.

What we love about this experience is the convenience of pre-arranged transportation and the beautiful ferry rides, which provide fantastic views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Sea of Marmara. The included lunch on the boat is a real bonus, especially since it’s not just a snack but a proper meal. Plus, the free time on Büyükada allows you to soak in the island atmosphere, visit local shops, or just relax by the water.

However, one potential drawback is the limited guided touring on the islands themselves, as some reviews mention feeling somewhat left to their own devices once ashore. Also, the use of electric cars for island transport is optional, and not included, which might be a consideration if you’re hoping for a fully guided experience.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate value for money, simple logistics, and a chance to see Istanbul’s seaside scenery without too many complications. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed day on the water combined with a taste of island life, especially if you’re new to Istanbul or short on time.

Key Points

• Affordable and convenient: A well-priced way to see the islands with transport and meals included.
• Beautiful ferry crossings: Expect scenic views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Sea of Marmara.
• Flexible free time: Plenty of opportunity for shopping, relaxing, or exploring on your own.
• Limited guided experience on islands: Some travelers feel a lack of guided commentary once ashore.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned bus from your hotel and boat rides ensure a comfortable journey.
• Optional electric car transport: Not included, but available for those wanting an easier ride around the islands.

The Full Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Transfer in Istanbul

Your day begins with a hotel pickup (depending on your booking option). This means no stress about finding a meeting point—your guide, possibly a friendly local named Ali or Emre, will be waiting to whisk you away in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The drive to Unkapani pier is short, typically around 30-45 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and get into the island escape mood.

Ferry Ride to Büyükada and Heybeliada

Once at the pier, you’ll board a round-trip boat crossing across the Sea of Marmara. The ferry itself is a highlight, offering scenic vistas of Istanbul’s skyline and the chance to spot the Maiden’s Tower, known locally as Kız Kulesi, which is one of the iconic images of the city. The boat ride is approximately two hours in total, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the breeze and snap photos.

Exploring Heybeliada

Your first stop is Heybeliada, Turkey’s second-largest island. With just about an hour ashore, you’ll go on a walking tour through pine forests and around bays filled with old villas. The pace is relaxed, so you can enjoy the natural scenery or duck into quaint cafes. Some reviews mention that the guided commentary is limited, but the views and peaceful atmosphere more than compensate for that.

Lunch on Büyükada

Next comes lunch at a seaside restaurant, where seafood fans will be pleased with the tasty, seasonal dishes. The lunch onboard is a step above typical packed meals, offering a chance to enjoy fresh fish or other local specialties in a relaxed setting. Afterward, you’re free to swim, relax on the beach, or browse shops for souvenirs. Many travelers value this part of the day for its flexibility—you can decide whether to unwind or explore more.

Free Time and Shopping

Around 30 minutes are allocated for shopping and exploring at Büyükada, giving you the chance to browse handmade crafts or admire the Ottoman architecture that dots the island. It’s a good opportunity to pick up a souvenir or simply soak in the island vibe.

Return to Istanbul

Finally, you’ll meet your guide again and board the boat for the return trip. Back in Istanbul, the tour concludes with a drop-off at the hotel or a nearby location. The return journey offers more scenic views and a moment to reflect on your day.

Practical Details and What They Mean for You

Transport: The tour’s use of air-conditioned buses and ferry crossings maximizes comfort and minimizes hassle. For those concerned about navigating the islands on foot, keep in mind that electric car rides are not included; if you want to avoid walking, you’ll need to pay extra for that.

Timing: Starting at 8:30 am and wrapping up around 3 pm, the schedule is tight but balanced. You get enough time to see the main sights without feeling rushed, though some travelers mention that the guided commentary is minimal once ashore, so don’t expect detailed historical insights beyond what you see.

Cost and Value: At just over $33, this tour offers a lot of value—ferry rides, a meal, guided transportation, and free time. However, reviews indicate that some people felt the guided experience was lacking, and the boat could be crowded or less clean, so manage expectations accordingly.

Tour Size: With a maximum of 50 travelers, it’s a manageable group, but some reviews mention hordes of people on the boat, making it less intimate than a private trip.

What Real Travelers Say

One enthusiastic reviewer called it “Fabulous,” citing timeliness, good service, and a full day of fun. Conversely, a traveler named Elena felt the trip was poorly organized, describing the boat as “big, dirty, and crowded,” and feeling that the lack of guided commentary on the islands left her feeling somewhat alone. Vanessa’s comments reflect similar frustrations, mentioning that guides did not appear on the island, and extra costs for transport or bikes would have been necessary if she wanted to explore further.

These mixed reviews highlight that while the core experience is attractive—scenic ferry rides, tasty lunch, and free time—the quality of organization and guide engagement can vary. It’s worth considering whether you prefer a guided tour with detailed commentary or are comfortable exploring independently.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a simple, organized way to visit the islands without much fuss. It’s ideal if you’re looking for scenic views, a decent meal, and leisure time rather than a deeply guided historical tour. Good for families, first-time visitors to Istanbul, or those wanting a relaxing day on the water without complicated logistics.

If you’re a solo traveler or part of a group that enjoys exploring at your own pace, this could be a good choice. However, if you crave a more guided or immersive experience, you might find this tour somewhat lacking in detailed commentary or personalized attention.

The Sum Up

For around $33, this Princes Islands tour delivers a solid value for those wanting a taste of Istanbul’s seaside charm with minimal hassle. The ferry rides offer memorable views, and the free time on Büyükada allows for genuine relaxation or exploration. The lunch onboard is a nice bonus, especially for a tour at this price point, and the hotel pickup simplifies logistics.

While some reviews point out issues with organization and guided commentary, many travelers appreciate the scenic journey and laid-back atmosphere. It’s well-suited for families, first-timers, or anyone craving a relaxed day away from the city’s busy streets.

If you prefer a guided, in-depth historical tour or want to rent bikes and explore the islands in detail, you might want to consider other options. But if your goal is a scenic, easy-going day with good value, this tour could be just what you need.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, depending on your booking option, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in central Istanbul.

How long is the ferry ride?
The round-trip ferry crossing takes approximately two hours, providing scenic views of Istanbul and the Maiden’s Tower.

Are guided tours available on the islands?
There is a local guide included for the transportation and initial sightseeing, but once ashore, the guidance is limited, and some travelers have felt left to explore on their own.

Can I rent bikes or electric cars on the islands?
The use of electric cars is not included, and bikes or other transport options may require extra payment.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, round-trip boat crossings, a lunch onboard, and a local guide.

How much free time do I have?
You get about 1 hour on Heybeliada and 2 hours on Büyükada, with time for shopping, relaxing, or swimming.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the relaxed pace and scenic ferry rides make it suitable for families, but note the limited guided commentary on the islands.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear if you plan to swim, and some cash for extras.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 29 days ahead, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot.