Princes Island Full Day Tour

Exploring Istanbul is impossible without experiencing its nearby Princes Islands, and this full-day tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into their beauty and history. Priced at just over $16, it promises a mix of scenic ferry rides, guided tours, free time, and delicious local food, all packed into an 8-hour adventure. The tour is popular among both locals and travelers, which hints at its appeal—but is it worth your time and money?

One feature that travelers consistently appreciate is the expert guides who bring the islands’ stories to life, along with the stunning views from the ferry and island vantage points. The value for money is also generally considered good, especially factoring in the included ferry cruise, lunch, and hotel pickup options. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the tour’s structure can feel a bit rushed or inconsistent, especially regarding the timing and guide presence on certain parts of the trip.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of outdoor exploration, scenic boat rides, and light sightseeing—perfect for first-timers or anyone looking for a relaxed day outside the hustle of Istanbul’s city center. If you’re after in-depth guided explorations or beach lounging, you might want to consider other options or customize your experience.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: Offers good value including ferry rides, guided commentary, and meals.
• Scenic Ferry Ride: Relaxing 1.5-hour journey to and from the islands sets a leisurely tone.
• Guided Insights: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging stories, especially around key landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Maiden’s Tower.
• Island Exploration: Free time on Büyükada and Heybeliada allows for sightseeing, shopping, and beach visits.
• Flexible Options: Pickup included if selected, and mobile tickets make organizing easy.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers report limited guided support on the islands and shorter-than-expected stops.

A detailed look at what this tour offers

The Departure and Ferry Ride

Your day begins early, with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle—if you choose that option. The meeting point is at Kabatas pier, a central location with easy access to public transportation, which is a big plus for those staying in Istanbul. From there, you hop aboard a ferry for the approximately 1.5-hour cruise to Büyükada.

This ferry ride is often praised for being relaxing and scenic. Reviewers like Isabella_N noted, “the ferry ride was both good and relaxing,” which is perfect for setting the tone of the day. The ferry cruise also offers ample opportunities for photos—think skyline views, the silhouette of Maiden’s Tower, and the shimmering waters of the Sea of Marmara.

Stop 1: Büyükada and Key Landmarks

Once on Büyükada, you’re greeted with a car-free environment—a rarity in Istanbul. The island’s charm comes from its Ottoman-era mansions, quaint streets, and natural beauty. Your guide will take you around, pointing out historical sights such as the former Ottoman sultans’ residence and other notable sites, while providing context about their significance.

The highlight here is the Maiden’s Tower, with a history stretching back centuries. This iconic structure has served multiple roles over time, from lighthouse to defensive fortress. Reviewers suggest that visiting Maiden’s Tower is worthwhile, given its stories and views. You might also pass the Haydarpaa Train Station, a noteworthy spot featured in local series, adding a modern cultural twist to the historical setting.

Free Time on Büyükada

After the guided part, you get around 3 hours of free time. According to reviewers like Ariel_L, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax at a seaside café. You might want to sample some fresh seafood—many tour operators include a hearty lunch, often praised for its quality, like fresh Sea Bream, as Isabella_N experienced.

Those who went swimming or lounging at the beaches appreciated the chance to unwind. Keep in mind, during the summer months, you’ll need to bring your swimsuit and towel if you plan on making the most of the beaches. Be prepared for some steep or uneven streets—walking around can be charming but physically demanding if you’re not accustomed to hill climbs.

Stop 2: Heybeliada

Next, your guide will escort you for a brief visit to Heybeliada, the second-largest island. It’s the greenest of the bunch, and the kind of place you’ll enjoy for its lush scenery and relaxed vibe. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, with free time to explore or relax. Reviewers note that this island offers a quieter, more natural experience. It’s a good chance to get some photos of the greenery or explore small local shops.

Return to Büyükada and Beach Options

After Heybeliada, you’ll head back to Büyükada for the final stretch of your day. Tour guides typically recommend visiting old churches or taking a short walk along the coast. As one reviewer mentions, the lunch break on the island is a highlight, especially if you’re a seafood lover.

For those willing to spend a little extra, beach access can cost around 200 TL, which some reviewers found overpriced for the limited amenities. So, if swimming is your priority, be prepared for additional costs.

The Return and Shopping Stop

After a relaxed afternoon, your journey back to Istanbul includes a stop for shopping. This is often at a local market or boutique, allowing you to pick up organic fruits, souvenirs, or other local crafts—an appreciated feature for many travelers. The tour wraps up back at your hotel or the original meeting point, around 6-7 pm.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour is quite comprehensive for its price, including all fees and taxes, a professional tour guide, and the ferry cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, which is convenient for those staying centrally. Lunch is included if you opt for it, and reviewers have enjoyed the quality of the meals, especially the seafood options.

However, some aspects are not included, like Electric Vehicles or Bicycles—which would be fun but aren’t part of this package—and the beach entrance fee during summer months, which can be a surprise if you’re keen on swimming. Personal expenses like souvenirs, extra food, or optional activities are also not covered.

Group Size and Timing

With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour maintains a good balance between social atmosphere and intimacy. Starting at 9:00 am, it’s a full day that balances guided activities with free time, making it suitable for those who prefer a structured yet flexible schedule.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Reviews reveal a mixed but generally positive experience. Many praise the knowledgeable guides, with specific mentions of Suleiman, whose professionalism and responsiveness made the tour more enjoyable. One reviewer described their guide as “very knowledgeable, friendly, and courteous,” and appreciated the sensitivity to guests’ needs.

Food also features prominently, with some describing the lunch as “amazing” with “perfectly prepared Sea Bream,” which makes the overall value quite appealing. On the other hand, some travelers felt the timing was rushed—especially on the smaller islands—and that the guided support was inconsistent. One reviewer expressed disappointment about the shortened stops and the lack of guide presence on the islands, which can leave some feeling a bit lost.

A notable point is the limited activities on the smaller islands, with some guests finding little beyond shopping and sightseeing. Plus, a few mentioned that the beach access, while available, is somewhat overpriced and not the main focus of the tour.

Final thoughts: Who is this tour perfect for?

This full-day Princes Islands trip is ideal for first-time visitors to Istanbul who want an easy, guided way to explore the nearby islands without fuss. It’s perfect if you value scenic ferry rides, guided commentary, and a taste of local life through free time, shopping, or seaside lunch.

Those who appreciate authentic, relaxed environments will enjoy the car-free streets and lush scenery. It’s also a good choice for travelers on a budget who want to see the islands’ highlights without splurging on private tours. However, if you’re seeking in-depth guided explorations, beach lounging, or a slow-paced day, you might find this tour somewhat limited.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option, making the start of the day seamless.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours each way, offering a relaxing break with great views.

Can I swim on the islands?
Yes, during summer months, you can enjoy swimming at the beaches, but note there’s an entrance fee of around 200 TL if you choose to access the beaches.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
The tour mixes sightseeing, guided commentary, free time for shopping or relaxing, and a scenic ferry experience.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is included if you select that option. Many reviewers enjoyed the seafood offerings, especially the Sea Bream.

Are the islands crowded?
During peak months, the islands can be busy, especially on Büyükada, but the car-free environment helps keep things relaxed.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking on steep or uneven streets, especially if you visit beaches or explore on your own.

What is the group size?
Up to 30 travelers, which helps keep the tour manageable and social.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, with moderate physical activity involved. It’s great for families who enjoy outdoor exploration.

Can I customize my experience?
The tour follows a set itinerary, but free time allows for personal exploration and shopping.

Wrap-up

The Princes Island Full Day Tour offers a balanced, affordable way to enjoy Istanbul’s nearby islands. You’ll appreciate the stunning views, guided insights, and free time to explore at your own pace. While some may find the timing a bit rushed or wish for more detailed guiding, many reviews highlight the friendly guides, delicious food, and beautiful scenery as the highlight.

Ideal for those looking for a light, scenic escape from the city, this tour provides enough structure to make it hassle-free while leaving space for personal discovery. Just be prepared for a day of walking, some optional expenses, and a bit of a busy schedule—perfect for travelers craving a memorable, postcard-worthy outing.

Ready to explore the Princes Islands? This tour offers plenty for first-timers and scenery lovers alike, making it a worthwhile addition to your Istanbul itinerary.