Exploring the picturesque Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul is a quintessential experience for visitors to the city. This full-day guided tour whisks travelers away from the bustling streets and immerses them in the tranquil charm of these car-free islands. From a scenic ferry ride to a delightful four-course lunch showcasing fresh, seasonal flavors, the day promises a well-rounded adventure. With ample free time to wander, swim, and shop, the tour offers a perfect balance of relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a unique culture, this captivating excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Good To Know
- Full-day guided tour to Prince’s Island, the largest islet on the Sea of Marmara, with a cruise on a private ship and a four-course lunch.
- Opportunities to explore the island, shop for souvenirs, and admire Ottoman-era mansions, with a tour duration of 6 hours.
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, and a round-trip boat crossing to the Princes Islands included in the tour price.
- Tour accommodates up to 40 travelers, with stroller accessibility but not wheelchair accessibility, and infant seats available.
- Tour rated 4.5 stars from 19 reviews, indicating positive visitor experiences and a memorable day trip.
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Tour Overview
The full-day guided tour to Prince’s Island, the largest islet on the Sea of Marmara, includes a ferry cruise on a private ship and a four-course lunch featuring fresh, seasonal specialties.
Guests can enjoy free time for swimming, shopping for souvenirs, and admiring the Ottoman mansions.
The tour has received 19 reviews with an overall rating of 4.5 stars, indicating a positive experience for visitors.
Whether it’s exploring the island, indulging in local cuisine, or simply taking in the scenic views, this tour offers a well-rounded and enjoyable day trip from Istanbul.
Itinerary and Activities
Typically, the tour begins at 8:30 am with travel by air-conditioned coach from central Istanbul to the port.
Once there, guests embark on a cruise to Büyükaada, the largest and most popular of the Princes’ Islands.
The total duration of the tour is 6 hours, allowing ample time to explore the island’s highlights. Visitors can admire the Ottoman-era mansions, browse the shops for souvenirs, and even enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea.
The tour also includes a four-course lunch featuring fresh, seasonal specialties, providing a delightful culinary experience amidst the island’s serene atmosphere.
Transportation and Pickup Details
The tour provides complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from central Istanbul hotels in the Old City or Taksim area.
Pickup points include Fındıkzade, Topkapi, Aksaray, Laleli, Beyazıt, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Tepebaşı, Şişli, Taksim, and Talimhane. This makes it easy for travelers to join the tour without worrying about transportation.
The round-trip boat crossing to the Princes Islands is also included in the tour price.
The tour can accommodate up to 40 travelers, and most travelers can participate, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible, and infant seats are available.
Accessibility and Participation
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible. Infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers, making it an intimate experience. Most travelers can participate in this excursion, though those with mobility issues may find certain aspects challenging.
The cruise to the Princes Islands and exploration of the Ottoman mansions involve walking on uneven terrain. Participants should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity throughout the day.
Customer Feedback
Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the Istanbul Cruise to the Princes Islands, with 17 out of 19 reviews awarding the tour a perfect 5-star rating.
Customers highlight the relaxed nature of the day and the helpful guide, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to the area.
Though one reviewer rated the tour only 1 star, the vast majority of feedback is positive, encouraging others to explore further tours in Turkey for additional enriching experiences.
What to Expect
A typical day on the Istanbul Cruise to the Princes Islands starts bright and early with complimentary hotel pickup around 8:30 AM.
Guests will board an air-conditioned coach and head to the port, where they’ll embark on a private ferry for the scenic cruise to the largest island, Büyüada.
Once there, they’ll have ample free time to explore the Ottoman mansions, go swimming, and browse the shops for souvenirs.
A delectable four-course lunch featuring fresh, seasonal specialties is included.
With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 19 reviews, this tour promises a relaxing, memorable experience for first-time visitors to Istanbul.
- Cruise to the largest Princes Island, Büyüada
- Enjoy a four-course lunch with seasonal specialties
- Free time for swimming, shopping, and sightseeing
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included
Pricing and Inclusions
The tour costs $60 per adult and $50 per child.
This full-day guided excursion includes a ferry cruise on a private ship, a four-course lunch featuring fresh, seasonal specialties, and free time for swimming, shopping, and exploring the Ottoman mansions.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Istanbul, as well as the round-trip boat crossing, are provided.
The tour can accommodate up to 40 travelers and is stroller-accessible, though not wheelchair-friendly.
With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 19 reviews, this experience offers a relaxed day and helpful guidance for first-time visitors to the Princes Islands.
Booking Information
To book the Istanbul Cruise to the Princes Islands tour, customers can easily do so through the tour provider’s website or by contacting them directly.
The booking process is straightforward and convenient. Customers can select their desired tour date, choose from available pickup locations, and provide their contact information.
The tour provider offers several payment options, including credit card and bank transfer. Upon booking, customers will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details.
The tour provider is committed to providing a seamless booking experience, ensuring customers have everything they need to enjoy their day trip to the Princes Islands.
- Easy online booking
- Flexible pickup locations
- Multiple payment options
- Prompt confirmation emails
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Children?
The tour is suitable for families with children. It has infant seats available and is stroller-friendly. The maximum group size of 40 travelers also allows for a comfortable experience for families.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. There’s typically a designated dining area where travelers can enjoy their own provisions during the tour’s free time on the islands.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for participating in the tour. The tour is accessible to most travelers, with infant seats available. Individuals of all ages can join the full-day guided excursion to Prince’s Island.
How Much Free Time Is Allocated for Exploring the Islands?
The tour provides free time for guests to explore the islands, with a duration of approximately 2-3 hours allocated for activities like swimming, shopping for souvenirs, and admiring the Ottoman mansions on Prince’s Island.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It is a fixed 6-hour tour, which includes the ferry cruise, lunch, and free time to explore the islands. Extending the tour would need to be arranged separately.
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The Sum Up
The Istanbul Cruise to the Princes Islands offers a delightful full-day escape. Guests will enjoy a scenic ferry ride, a four-course lunch, and ample free time to explore the charming Ottoman mansions and swim on Büyükada, the largest of the islands. This tour provides a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery, making it a memorable experience for visitors.