Istanbul Princes Islands Boat Trip with Lunch

Taking a boat trip from Istanbul to the Princes Islands offers a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle. This particular tour, priced at around $46, provides a full day of scenic cruising, island exploration, and local flavor — all wrapped up in roughly 8.5 hours. While reviews show a mix of experiences, most agree that the stunning views and knowledgeable guides make it worth considering, especially if you’re after a relaxed day in the Sea of Marmara.

What we love about this tour is how it combines the iconic Istanbul skyline — with sights like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque — with the tranquility of traffic-free islands. The opportunity to explore Buyukada by horse-drawn carriage and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch are definite highlights. However, a few travelers have pointed out that the boat can get quite crowded and that service isn’t always seamless, so managing expectations is key.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day out that mixes sightseeing with local charm. It’s ideal if you want a taste of island life near Istanbul, without the hassle of organizing your own transport or guides. But if you’re after a more intimate or luxury experience, you might find some aspects less than perfect.

Key Points

• Scenic water views of Istanbul’s landmarks from the boat are impressive and a highlight.
• Lively islands with no traffic, Ottoman architecture, and summer villas add to the charm.
• Guided tours on the islands provide useful insights, especially at Buyukada.
• Lunch at a fish restaurant offers good value and a taste of local cuisine.
• Crowd levels can be high, especially on busy days, affecting comfort.
• Flexible options like bike rentals or horse-drawn carriage rides enhance the experience.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour kicks off early in the morning, with pickup from select hotels on the European side and city center, making the start smooth and convenient. Starting at Kadir Has University in Cibali, the tour departs promptly at 9:30 am. From there, it’s about an hour-long boat ride across the Sea of Marmara, during which you’ll get a fantastic vantage point of Istanbul’s skyline, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque**. Many reviewers appreciate the “beautiful views” of these landmarks from the water, with one noting that seeing Istanbul from the boat is “an experience you shouldn’t miss.”

Cruising Past the Islets

The boat passes by four of the traffic-free Princes’ islets, offering a glimpse of their Ottoman-style houses and summer villas. One reviewer, Mohammed H, remarked that the second island, Heybeliada, had “some beautiful architecture,” which adds to the charm of the day. The cruise allows passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery, with some taking photos or just soaking in the peaceful views.

Stop at Buyukada

The main highlight is Buyukada, the largest of the islands and a popular summer retreat. Here, the group disembarks for about two hours, giving enough time for a horse-drawn carriage tour, leisurely walks, or bike rentals (if you choose to pay extra). The carriage ride provides a nice overview of the island’s grand summer villas and historic sites. As one reviewer noted, “the island was beautiful but very crowded,” indicating that it’s a lively place, especially in peak season.

Visiting Aya Yorgi Church

A brief self-guided visit to Aya Yorgi Church is included, with the guide offering general information. Since it’s a quick stop, don’t expect a deep dive into the church’s history, but the views from this vantage point are often described as “breathtaking.” Entrance fees aren’t included, so if you wish to go inside, you’ll need to pay separately.

Exploring Heybeliada

Another stop is Heybeliada, where you have about an hour to explore. This island is noted for its more spacious feel and some stunning architecture. It’s less crowded than Buyukada, giving visitors room to stroll, relax, or explore local shops.

Lunch and Free Time

The included buffet lunch onboard features fresh fish and offers good value for the price. Several reviews praise the quality of the meal, with one passenger calling it “good” and suitable for a casual, satisfying meal. After lunch, you get free time on Buyukada to shop, relax on the beach, or rent a bike for further island discovery. However, some mention that the boat can be quite crowded, which might make relaxing a bit more challenging.

Return and Drop-off

The tour wraps up with a return to the original pickup point around late afternoon, giving you a full day to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. For those who booked hotel pickup, the service is offered on the European side and city center, making logistics simpler.

What the Reviews Reveal

While many appreciate the scenic cruise and the guides’ insights, some common frustrations emerge. For instance, one reviewer, Michael D, described the experience as “disorganized,” citing delays and a crowded boat. Another, Lea C, expressed disappointment over the lack of intimacy and overcrowded conditions, calling it a “money-wasting” experience. Conversely, travelers like JOSE_S found the trip “excellent,” highlighting the professional guide and good food.

Notably, multiple reviewers commented positively on the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of Istanbul from the water. The lunch at the fish restaurant was also praised as a good value, adding to the overall experience.

Practical Considerations

• Crowd levels are variable; peak days may mean a bustling, less tranquil experience.
• The boat’s comfort could be better; some found the seats uncomfortable, especially with larger groups.
• The horse-drawn carriage ride is a charming but possibly optional activity, depending on time and preference.
• The self-guided visits mean you can explore at your own pace but may need to pay extra for entrance to certain sites like Aya Yorgi Church.
• The timing is structured but flexible enough to allow some personal exploration.

Pricing and Value

At $46, this tour offers a decent price point for a full-day experience that includes ferry rides, guided island visits, lunch, and hotel pickup (if selected). The value is bolstered by the scenic cruise, the opportunity to explore traffic-free islands, and the included meal. However, the crowded nature and some organizational hiccups mean it might not be for everyone, especially those seeking a more intimate or luxurious experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, affordable way to see the Princes Islands without the hassle of organizing transportation or guides themselves. It’s ideal if you’re craving beautiful views, local charm, and a leisurely day out of the city. Those who enjoy guided sightseeing, local food, and scenic boat rides will find this tour offers good value.

However, if you prefer a more private, less crowded, or high-end experience, it might be worth exploring other options or private tours. Also, be prepared for some variability in comfort and organization based on the day’s crowd and weather.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Istanbul Princes Islands Boat Trip with Lunch strikes a balance between affordability and a memorable day out. It offers a blend of scenic water views, island exploration, and authentic local flavor, making it a solid choice for many travelers. The knowledgeable guides and good-value lunch are definite pluses, especially considering the price point.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day that combines sightseeing with island charm, this tour can deliver. Be mindful of potential crowds and organizational hiccups, and plan to arrive with flexible expectations. It’s a great way to see a different side of Istanbul — one that’s peaceful, picturesque, and full of history.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour? Yes, if you choose the pickup option, you’ll be collected from selected hotels on the European side and in the city center, making the day hassle-free.

What time does the tour start? The tour begins at 9:30 am from the specified meeting point, Kadir Has University in Cibali.

How long is the boat ride? The boat ride from Istanbul to the Princes Islands lasts about an hour, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and enjoying the views.

Are there options for renting bikes or electric buggies? Bike rentals are available on the islands, but they are optional and paid separately. Electric buggy tickets can be purchased if you want an easier way to explore.

How much time do we spend on each island? You’ll have roughly 2 hours on Buyukada, an hour on Heybeliada, and some free time for exploring or relaxing.

Is lunch included? Yes, a buffet lunch featuring fish is included on the boat, providing a casual, tasty option.

Can I visit Aya Yorgi Church? Yes, it’s a self-guided visit with general info provided by the guide; entrance fees are not included.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended. Be prepared for a potentially crowded boat and busy islands.

To sum it up, this tour is a solid, budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Princes Islands, especially if you value guided insights and a good meal. It’s perfect for travelers who want a laid-back, full-day adventure blending city views, island charm, and local culture — with some lively crowds, of course.