The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul offers a chance to escape the bustling city for a day of tranquility. Visitors can explore the car-free islands aboard eco-friendly electric carts, enjoy a buffet-style lunch on board, and take in the serene atmosphere with the guidance of a local expert. With round-trip boat transportation and hotel pickup included, it’s a convenient way to experience this unique archipelago just off the coast of Istanbul. The competitive pricing structure makes it an accessible option for those seeking a relaxing day trip from the city. What else can this tour offer that might surprise the curious traveler?
Good To Know
- The Princes Islands tour from Istanbul includes round-trip boat transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, local guide, and a lunch served on board the boat.
- The tour highlights historic mansions and offers electric car carriage exploration on the car-free streets of the serene archipelago.
- The tour has an average rating of 3.5/5 from 8 reviews, showcasing a tranquil side of Istanbul with mixed feedback.
- The tour is priced competitively, ranging from $25 to $32.23 per person depending on the group size.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the Old City and Taksim areas, with a maximum group size of 60 travelers.
Tour Overview

The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul offers visitors a chance to escape the bustling city and explore a serene archipelago just off the coast.
This full-day excursion takes travelers to the Princes Islands, a group of nine islands known for their laid-back atmosphere and car-free streets.
The tour includes round-trip boat transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a local guide to provide commentary.
Visitors can expect to see historic mansions, enjoy an included lunch, and explore the islands via electric car carriages.
With an average rating of 3.5/5 from 8 reviews, this tour provides a glimpse into a more tranquil side of the Istanbul region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Istanbul
Inclusions

The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul includes several key features to enhance the experience.
Travelers will enjoy round-trip boat transportation to the islands, as well as the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, depending on the booking option. The air-conditioned vehicle and local guide ensure a comfortable and informative journey.
Lunch is also included, served on board the boat for added convenience. Guests will also experience transportation by electric car carriage, providing a unique and environmentally-friendly mode of exploring the islands.
Meeting and Pickup Information
According to the available information, pickup points for the Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul are located in the Old City and Taksim areas. Travelers should inquire about pickup from other zones, as an extra charge may apply. The meeting point is at Cibali, opposite Kadirhas University, and guests should be ready by 9:15 AM. The tour starts at 8:30 AM and ends back at the meeting point.
| Pickup Points | Meeting Point | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Old City, Taksim | Cibali, opposite Kadirhas University | 8:30 AM |
| Inquire for other zones (extra charge may apply) | Ready by 9:15 AM | Activity ends back at meeting point |
Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
This flexible cancellation policy allows customers to make last-minute changes to their plans without penalty.
It’s worth noting that the tour operates with a maximum of 60 travelers, so it’s a good idea to book early to secure a spot.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle and electric car carriage, and a local guide.
With a mix of positive and negative reviews, travelers should weigh the included features against any potential drawbacks before deciding if this tour is the right fit for their needs.
Traveler Feedback

Reviewers have provided a mixed assessment of the Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul.
While some praised the interesting islands and enjoyable lunch, others noted several drawbacks. Several travelers reported delayed pickups, with the actual departure time nearly an hour and a quarter later than scheduled.
Plus, the tour lacked a guided component, and the lunch was served as a buffet on the boat rather than a sit-down meal. Some reviewers felt the experience provided limited culture.
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Pricing

The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul is priced from $32.23 per person, with the final cost varying based on the size of the group. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, round-trip boat crossing, a local guide, lunch, and transportation by Electric Car carriage. The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
| Group Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | $32.23 |
| 5-9 | $30.00 |
| 10-19 | $27.50 |
| 20+ | $25.00 |
The pricing is competitive, making the Princes Islands Tour an accessible and affordable way to explore the islands from Istanbul.
Location and Reviews

Exploring the Princes Islands from Istanbul offers a unique and picturesque experience. Located just off the coast of Turkey’s largest city, the Princes Islands are a group of nine small islands accessible only by boat.
The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul boasts an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews. Travelers note the islands themselves are interesting to visit, and the included lunch is good.
However, some report issues with the tour, such as delayed pickup times and a lack of guided exploration. The tour provides a scenic day trip from Istanbul, though the experience may not fully immerse visitors in the islands’ culture and history.
Additional Details

Generally, the Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul includes a number of convenient features. The package includes:
- Pickup and drop-off service from hotels in the Old City and Taksim areas.
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle and electric car carriage.
- A round-trip boat crossing to the islands.
- A local guide to provide commentary during the tour.
Plus, a lunch is included, though it’s served as a buffet on board.
The tour has a maximum group size of 60 travelers, and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Confirmation is received upon booking, and the activity is located near public transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Infants must sit on laps, but the tour is open to travelers of all ages. The maximum group size is 60 travelers.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes lunch, so there’s no need to bring your own. However, you’re welcome to purchase additional snacks or drinks during the excursion if desired.
Are There Any Activities or Sights Unique to Each Island?
Each island has unique activities and sights. Büyükada is known for its horse-drawn carriages, while Heybeliada has a naval school. Visitors can explore historic monasteries, charming streets, and scenic viewpoints across the different islands.
Can I Explore the Islands on My Own or Do I Have to Stay With the Group?
Visitors can explore the islands on their own during free time, though they’ll stay with the group for the guided portions of the tour. This allows for a mix of group activities and independent exploration.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?
There don’t appear to be any discounts or special offers mentioned for this tour. However, the price varies based on group size, so booking as part of a larger group could potentially lead to a lower per-person rate.
Princes Islands Tour From Istanbul Lunch Included
The Sum Up
The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul offers a serene day trip with round-trip boat transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and an electric car carriage to explore the car-free islands. Guests can enjoy a buffet-style lunch on board and a local guide for a competitive price, making it a charming escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With positive traveler feedback, it’s an excellent option for those seeking a relaxing island getaway.



























