Istanbul: Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer

A trip to Istanbul isn’t complete without taking some time to escape the city’s hustle and bustle — and what better way than a boat trip to the Princes’ Islands? This tour offers visitors a chance to cruise across the Marmara Sea, visit two of the nine islands, enjoy a tasty lunch onboard, and explore at a relaxed pace. It’s a straightforward package that promises scenic views, peaceful beaches, and a peek into island life just outside Istanbul’s city limits.

One of the biggest perks we see with this tour is the combination of a boat cruise with island exploration — it’s a convenient way to see more without the hassle of planning separate transport and activities. The onboard music and good-value lunch are also notable highlights, making it feel like a relaxing day out rather than a rigid, structured tour. However, travelers should be aware that this experience leans more toward nature and free exploration, with fewer guided cultural insights, which may not suit those seeking in-depth historical commentary.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy laid-back days in nature, scenic boat rides, and a taste of island tranquility. If you’re after a simple, affordable way to see the Princes’ Islands and don’t mind the focus on free time rather than guided sightseeing, this could be a great fit. Just keep in mind that there are some limitations, like the loud onboard music and a relatively short amount of time on each island.

Key Points

• Affordable price point: At around $33 per person, it offers good value for a full day of sightseeing and relaxation.
• Comfortable boat trip: The privately owned boat accommodates up to 150 people, balancing enough space with an intimate atmosphere.
• Flexible exploration: You’ll enjoy free time on each island, with options like electric bike or scooter rentals, perfect for independent wandering.
• Scenic and peaceful moments: Büyükada, the largest island, is ideal for relaxing on beaches or exploring grand mansions, while Knalada offers a more guided, scenic walk.
• Music and onboard amenities: The lively music adds a fun vibe, though some may find it too loud, as noted in reviews.
• Food and drinks: The onboard lunch is generally good, with some travelers wishing for more drink options like soft drinks or vegetarian options.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Departure and Cruise Across the Marmara

The day starts with hotel pickup (if selected), whisking you away to the port where you’ll find the boat named “Deluxe.” Expect a scenic 7-hour journey that kicks off with a refreshing cruise across the Marmara Sea. As you leave Istanbul behind, you’ll enjoy views of the city skyline framed by sea, a peaceful departure from the city’s chaos.

Stop at Knalada: Guided Walk and Scenic Views

Your first island stop is Knalada, a quieter spot perfect for a short guided walk with your guide. This part of the trip is ideal for those interested in learning a bit about the island’s landscape and history, although the focus is more on the natural surroundings than detailed cultural commentary. As one reviewer mentioned, the guide was well-informed, making the walk worthwhile.

Lunch Onboard & Relaxation

After exploring Knalada, you’ll return to the boat for a delicious lunch onboard. Many reviews praise the food as being good, with some mentioning that the onboard ambiance, complete with music, made the meal more enjoyable. However, a few travelers suggested that offering soft drinks or vegetarian options could improve the experience.

Büyükada: The Largest Island’s Charm

Next, you’ll visit Büyükada, the biggest of the Princes’ Islands. Here, you have ample free time to explore at your own pace. The island is famous for its imposing Victorian mansions, quiet beaches, and car-free streets. Many guests rent electric scooters or bikes, given that cars are not allowed, to glide past the grand homes and take in the views.

Free Exploration and Optional Rentals

Multiple reviews highlight the joy of wandering independently — some taking electric bikes or scooters to cover more ground comfortably. One reviewer appreciated the guide’s helpfulness in arranging an electric vehicle for their family, noting the ease of seeing the island’s highlights without walking all the hills.

Return Journey & Final Relaxation

As the day winds down, you’ll hop back onto the boat for the return trip to Istanbul. The ride back often features more lively music and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the day. The boat crew is praised for their organization and efficiency, with guests noting how smoothly disembarkation is handled.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected)
• Boat trip across the Marmara Sea
• Lunch onboard

Not Included

• Optional electric vehicle rentals (payable on location)
• Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic, available for purchase onboard)

Additional Details

• The tour is carried out on a privately owned boat with a maximum capacity of 150 people, offering a balance of space and intimacy.
• Guides speak English, Arabic, and Russian, catering to diverse travelers.
• The tour typically lasts around 7 hours; exact start times depend on your booking.
• Pickup times are sent 1-2 hours before the tour begins, so keep an eye on your messages.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Many reviews highlight the quality of guides and staff, describing them as knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. One reviewer praised the guide, Burak Culak, for his ease of communication and helpfulness, which made the experience smoother.

The scenic views and peaceful atmosphere are consistent themes. A guest remarked that Büyükada was “a nice and quiet island for a serene experience,” which aligns with what most visitors love about the trip — the chance to escape Istanbul’s noise and soak in some tranquility.

A recurring point is the lively onboard music, which adds to the fun but might be too loud for some. One guest noted that despite repeated requests, the volume on the way to the islands was “too loud and gave headaches,” though it was more relaxed on the return journey.

The food onboard receives generally positive feedback, with some saying it was “delicious” and “a good ambience with music,” though a few wished for vegetarian options or drinks beyond water. This suggests that the onboard meal contributes to an overall relaxing vibe but might not satisfy all dietary needs.

Who Will Love This Tour

If you enjoy relaxing boat rides, scenic island views, and informal exploration, this tour is a great fit. It’s especially suited for those on a budget who want a full day of sightseeing without the complexity or high cost. You’ll find the free time on each island perfect for wandering at your own pace, especially if you rent an electric bike or scooter.

However, if you’re looking for a deep cultural or historical experience with guided commentary, this might not be the best choice. The tour leans more toward nature, scenery, and independent discovery. Also, if loud music or a quick, somewhat incidental visit to the islands doesn’t appeal, consider whether this setup matches your travel style.

The Sum Up

This Princes’ Islands cruise offers a cost-effective and relaxing escape from Istanbul’s busy streets. The combination of scenic boat rides, peaceful islands, and good-value onboard lunch makes it a popular choice for those wanting a taste of island life. The flexibility of exploring at your own pace, plus the availability of electric vehicle rentals, helps make the experience feel personalized, even within a larger group setting.

While the onboard music can be lively — and sometimes loud — most guests found it added to the fun, and the overall organization was praised for efficiency and friendliness. The quiet beaches and grand mansions of Büyükada stand out as particular highlights, especially for travelers wanting to enjoy a serene, scenic moment away from the city.

This tour is ideal for budget travelers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a laid-back day with beautiful views and opportunities for independent exploration. If you’re okay with a straightforward experience that prioritizes scenery and free time over guided history, it’s a solid choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, if you select the pickup option, a transfer from your Istanbul hotel is provided, with times communicated after booking.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about 7 hours, including transfer, boat rides, island stops, and lunch.

Do I need to bring my own drinks or snacks?
The trip includes a meal onboard, but drinks are sold separately. Some reviews mention that additional soft drinks or vegetarian meals would be a helpful addition.

Can I rent electric vehicles on the islands?
Yes, electric bikes and scooters are available for rent on Büyükada, but you’ll need to pay for these locally.

What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor exploring, a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim. A camera to capture the views is also recommended.

Is the onboard music loud?
Many reviews confirm that the music is lively and loud during the trip, especially on the way to the islands, which might bother sensitive travelers.

Are there guided tours on the islands?
There is a guided walk in Knalada, but most of the exploration on Büyükada is free time. You can rent bikes or scooters to explore independently.

In essence, this Princes’ Islands cruise is a hassle-free, scenic, and affordable way to experience a different side of Istanbul. It suits travelers who want a relaxing day, beautiful views, and the freedom to explore at their own pace — just be prepared for lively music and a simple setup.