Princes’ Islands Tour from Istanbul Lunch Included

Exploring the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul is a tempting way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. This guided tour promises a relaxing day, complete with ferry rides, electric car exploration, and a tasty lunch — all for a reasonable price. It’s a package designed for those wanting a taste of island life without the hassle of independent planning.

What we like most about this tour is the combination of comfort and authenticity. You’re transported smoothly between Istanbul and the islands, enjoying scenic views and guided commentary along the way. The inclusion of a traditional Turkish lunch adds a nice touch of local flavor. On the flip side, some travelers find the overall experience a bit rushed or lacking in detailed storytelling about the islands’ history, which might be worth considering depending on your interests.

This tour is best suited for visitors who prefer a structured day out, value convenience, and want to experience multiple islands in one day without too much fuss. If you’re craving a deep dive into the history and culture or prefer exploring at your own pace, you might consider alternative options. But for a straightforward, scenic escape with some guided insights and good value, this trip can be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to start and end your day.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned coach and ferry rides keep things pleasant.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides provide commentary, although some reviews mention limited historical insights.
• Leisure Time: Plenty of free time on Büyükada for swimming, shopping, or just relaxing.
• Food & Shopping: Lunch is included, with an extra visit to a leather shop for shopping enthusiasts.
• Mixed Reviews: While many praise the scenery and relaxing vibe, some note issues with organization, guide information, or tour inclusions.

A Detailed Look at the Princes’ Islands Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off early in central Istanbul, with hotel pickup (if you choose that option) in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. This is a real plus for anyone who doesn’t want to navigate public transport or worry about logistics. From there, it’s roughly a 30-minute drive to Unkapani pier, the departure point for the ferry.

The ferry ride itself lasts around two hours, offering a chance to enjoy views of the Sea of Marmara and catch glimpses of Istanbul’s skyline, including the iconic Maiden’s Tower. Many reviews highlight the ferry experience as a highlight — “the journey was amazing,” one traveler said — especially when the weather is clear, and the sea calm.

The Islands: Büyükada and Heybeliada

Once on Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, the tour provides a mix of guided sightseeing and free exploration. A significant aspect travelers appreciate is the electric carriage ride around the island — a peaceful, eco-friendly way to take in the scenery without exerting yourself. However, some reviews note that the guides don’t always provide in-depth commentary during this ride, often saving the information for the end of the day.

During the stop at Heybeliada, guests enjoy a short walking tour, passing pine forests, old villas, and seaside bays. This stop is relatively brief, around an hour, but offers beautiful views and photo opportunities. Expect to see the simple charm of these smaller islands, with some reviews mentioning the pine forests and quaint coastal vibe as particularly relaxing.

Lunch and Free Time

After exploring Heybeliada, you’ll head to a restaurant for a seafood lunch. The included meal often features fresh, seasonal specialties, which many find satisfying and authentic. One reviewer noted, “lunch was good, with tasty seafood,” emphasizing the value of the included meal.

Post-lunch, you get around two hours of free time on Büyükada. This is the perfect window to grab a swim at the beach, browse local shops, or relax at a seaside café. Reviewers generally commend the leisure aspect, especially those who enjoy strolling around the white wooden houses and lush greenery.

Shopping & Final Stops

The tour concludes with a visit to a leather shop, where you can browse quality handcrafted leather goods. Many visitors find this part unnecessary or feel it’s a commercial add-on, but others enjoy the opportunity to pick up souvenirs. Afterward, a comfortable transfer back to Istanbul is arranged, ending the day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off (if booked), ferry rides, an air-conditioned bus, guided commentary, and a delicious lunch. However, the electric car carriage on the islands is not included, which some travelers note as a missed opportunity — it’s a fun, eco-friendly way to see the sights and would add to the experience.

The leather shop visit is also included but can be viewed as a commercial stop that some travelers find less authentic. There are no additional costs for the ferry or the island stops, making it straightforward to understand the value.

The Realities of the Experience

While many reviews highlight the charming scenery and relaxing pace, some mention logistical hiccups such as late departures, crowded ferries, or unorganized pickups. One traveler described the bus as “old with broken chairs and no AC,” making the start a bit uncomfortable. Others point out that the guidance can be superficial, with some saying, “the history shared is just what you find on Wikipedia,” which might disappoint those craving deeper insights.

Notably, a few reviews touch on the commercial stops, like the leather shop, feeling it’s more about shopping than cultural exploration. Some travelers were also unhappy with the food quality or the overall value, citing the trip as “not worth it” or too rushed.

The Verdict: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with a bit of guided commentary, this tour fits the bill. It’s particularly good for travelers who want a hassle-free experience that combines boat, bus, and island exploration without much planning. Families, first-timers, or those with limited time in Istanbul will find this a convenient way to see the Princes’ Islands.

However, if you crave deep historical insights, independent exploration, or a more active, less commercialized experience, you might find this tour a bit superficial. The reviews suggest that some guides could provide more enriching stories, especially at key sites.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

In terms of value, this tour offers quite a bit for the price — ferry rides, transportation, a guided component, and a nice lunch. The comfort of hotel pickup and the relaxed pace are definite advantages. The scenery and the peaceful vibe of the islands are genuine highlights that many travelers cherish.

That said, the experience can be inconsistent depending on your expectations. If you’re content with a straightforward overview and some free time to enjoy the islands, this is a solid choice. But if you’re passionate about detailed history, personalized guidance, or unhurried exploration, you might prefer a more customized or self-guided approach.

This Princes’ Islands day trip works best for those seeking a taste of island life in comfort and value for money, especially if you’re visiting Istanbul for a limited time and want a relaxed, scenic escape. Just keep in mind that some parts of the experience could be a bit rushed or commercially inclined, so come with flexible expectations.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, if you select the appropriate booking option, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making it very convenient to start and end your day.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry crossing from Istanbul to the islands takes about two hours each way, offering scenic views of the Sea of Marmara.

Can I swim on the islands?
Yes, there’s free time after lunch on Büyükada to visit the beach and swim if you wish, which many travelers enjoy.

Is the electric carriage ride included?
No, the electric car ride around the island is not included in the standard package, though it’s a popular way to see the sights comfortably.

What’s the quality of the lunch?
Lunch typically features fresh, seasonal seafood and local specialties, which many find satisfying. However, some reviews mention the food as average.

Are there shopping opportunities at the end of the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a leather shop, where you can browse quality handcrafted goods, though some see it as a commercial stop rather than a cultural highlight.

This tour offers a convenient, scenic, and reasonably priced way to enjoy the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul. Perfect for travelers wanting a guided, relaxed day with minimal fuss — just be prepared for some limitations in depth and flexibility.