Cruise to the Princes Islands

Exploring the Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul is a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The largest island, Büyükada, offers a serene haven where visitors can wander car-free streets lined with historic wooden houses, indulge in fresh seafood by the waterfront, and enjoy leisurely activities like biking or relaxing on the beach. What’s more, the scenic ferry ride across the Marmara Sea is an integral part of the experience, setting the stage for a delightful day trip. It’s no wonder this archipelago has become a beloved destination for both locals and travelers alike.

Good To Know

• The tour offers a full-day excursion to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes Islands, accessible via ferry across the Marmara Sea.

• The guided walking tour showcases the island’s charming pedestrian-only streets lined with historical wooden houses.

• Guests enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant with stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait.

• The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the island at leisure, with optional activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, beach relaxation, shopping, or biking.

• The tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour takes visitors to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes Islands located off the coast of Istanbul.

The tour departs from Istanbul via ferry across the Marmara Sea and includes a guided walking tour through the island’s pedestrian-only streets lined with picturesque wooden houses.

After the tour, guests will enjoy a lunch featuring fresh seafood at a local fish restaurant with stunning views of Istanbul.

The afternoon offers plenty of free time for exploring, with options like a horse-drawn carriage ride, beach time, shopping, or biking.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers.

Itinerary Highlights

Though the guided walking tour is brief, it takes visitors through the charming pedestrian-only streets lined with picturesque wooden houses, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich history and architecture.

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant, boasting stunning views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul’s iconic skyline.

After the meal, travelers have the afternoon to explore the island at their own pace:

• Hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a leisurely ride
• Spend time relaxing on the beach
• Browse the local shops for unique souvenirs
• Rent a bike and cycle around the island

Meeting and Departure

The tour begins at the Hereke Carpets store in the Fatih district of Istanbul.

This is the meeting point, located at Alemdar, Nuru Osmaniye Cd. No:35 and coordinates 41.010233027453424, 28.972806646594854.

Travelers should arrive by 8:15 AM to check-in and board the ferry that’ll take them across the Marmara Sea to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes Islands.

After the full-day tour, the group will return to the same meeting point, wrapping up the experience.

Throughout the day, the maximum number of travelers is 20 to ensure a personalized and comfortable journey.

Included and Excluded

What’s included in the price of this cruise to the Princes Islands? The roundtrip ferry tickets, a guided tour, and a delicious lunch at a local fish restaurant are all covered. That’s a great value!

Beyond the essentials, you’ll need to cover your personal expenses and gratuities. Here’s what else is included and excluded:

• Included: Round-trip ferry tickets, guided walking tour, lunch
• Excluded: Personal expenses, gratuities, any food or drinks not specified

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Not included: Transportation to the meeting point.

Reviews and Ratings

Reviewers seem to have been quite impressed with this tour to the Princes Islands. Based on the 5 reviews available, the tour has a stellar 4.6 out of 5-star rating.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the history and culture of Buyukada to life during the walking tour. The lunch at a local fish restaurant also receives high marks, with diners raving about the fresh seafood and stunning views of Istanbul.

While the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, the moderate fitness level required seems reasonable for most. The reviews suggest this is a well-organized and enjoyable day trip from Istanbul.

Accessibility and Fitness

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Passengers should keep in mind the moderate fitness level required. The tour involves a fair bit of walking on the pedestrian-only streets of Büyüakada.

Some key considerations:

• Not recommended for those with back problems or other mobility issues
• A good amount of standing and strolling is involved, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is needed
• The terrain may be uneven in places, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must
• The afternoon offers optional activities like a horse-drawn carriage ride, which requires the ability to get in and out of the carriage.

Confirmation and Weather

Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking for this Princes Islands cruise.

This full-day tour operates rain or shine, so visitors should dress appropriately for the weather. The tour guides recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a guided walking component through the picturesque streets of Buyukada.

Umbrellas or rain jackets may be necessary on inclement days, while sunscreen and hats are advised for sunny conditions. Regardless of the weather, the tour provides an immersive experience exploring the charms of the largest Princes Island.

Guests simply need to arrive at the designated meeting point on time and prepared for a memorable day.

Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This flexible policy gives travelers peace of mind when booking their trip.

Should plans change, they can cancel without penalty and receive a full refund. Some key things to know about the cancellation policy:

• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time.
• To cancel, travelers simply need to contact the tour operator.
• Refunds will be processed within 3-5 business days of the cancellation request.
• There are no fees or charges for cancelling within the 24-hour window.

This hassle-free cancellation policy is just one of the many reasons this Princes Islands tour is a convenient and worry-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Islands Make up the Princes Islands?

The Princes Islands are an archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul. The largest of these islands is Büyükada, which is the focus of the tour described in the passage.

Is It Possible to Stay Overnight on Buyukada?

Yes, it’s possible to stay overnight on Buyukada. The largest of the Princes’ Islands offers numerous hotels and guesthouses, allowing visitors to extend their exploration beyond a day trip from Istanbul.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Islands?

The best time to visit the Princes Islands is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Summers can be quite hot and crowded, while winters may be too cold for some outdoor activities.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Ferry?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the ferry to Buyukada. However, there are also options to purchase snacks and beverages on board, so it’s not strictly necessary to bring your own.

Are There Any ATMS or Banks on the Islands?

Yes, there are ATMs and banks on the Princes Islands. Travelers can withdraw local currency and make purchases during their free time to explore the island’s shops and cafes.

The Sum Up

The Princes Islands cruise offers a delightful escape from Istanbul’s hustle and bustle. Travelers can enjoy the serene beauty of Buyukada, explore charming car-free streets, savor fresh seafood, and engage in leisurely activities. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day trip or a cultural experience, this cruise provides an idyllic haven just a short ferry ride away from the city.