Princes’ Islands Tour from Istanbul Lunch Included

Exploring the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul offers a charming escape from city life, blending history, natural beauty, and leisurely outdoor pursuits. This tour, priced at around $38.40 per person, promises a full day of sightseeing with boat rides, walking tours, and a generous seafood lunch on Büyükada. While it’s a popular choice for travelers seeking a laid-back day, the experience comes with some mixed reviews—some praising the scenery and food, others highlighting the lack of guided commentary and certain missings like horse-drawn carriage rides.

What I like about this tour is the way it allows you to step back in time, with the islands serving as a reminder of their Ottoman-era use as royal exile spots. The boat trips offer memorable vistas of Istanbul’s skyline and the iconic Maiden’s Tower, which is almost always featured in photographs of the city. Plus, the included seafood lunch at Büyükada is consistently noted as a highlight, offering a tasty taste of local cuisine.

However, a key consideration is that this tour doesn’t provide a guided narrative at each stop—an aspect that disappointed some travelers, like Denise, who noted that “there was no guided tour,” and the commentary was limited to a translation on the boat. For those wanting deep historical insights or horse-drawn carriage rides, this might feel a bit superficial. Also, the optional electric car carriage ride is not included, which might be missed by those hoping for a nostalgic sightseeing experience.

Key points / Takeaways

• Historical Charm: The islands’ past as exile sites for princesses offers a unique backdrop, though the tour doesn’t focus heavily on interpretation.
• Scenic Boat Rides: The crossing over the Marmara Sea provides memorable views, especially of the Maiden’s Tower and Istanbul’s skyline.
• Flexible Free Time: The free time on Büyükada and Heybeliada allows you to explore at your own pace—whether relaxing at the beach, shopping, or grabbing a coffee.
• Food Highlights: The included seafood lunch gets high marks for flavor—an authentic taste of local seafood that many travelers enjoy.
• Limited Guided Detail: Expect minimal commentary beyond a translator, so don’t rely on the tour to bring the history to life.
• Group Size and Logistics: With a maximum of 60 travelers, the group can feel busy but also manageable, with hotel pickup options depending on your chosen booking.

A Detailed Look at the Princes’ Islands Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off with a pickup from your Istanbul hotel, which is convenient but worth confirming beforehand because pickup times can vary—some reviews mention a delay from 8:30 to 9:45 am. Traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle to the Unkapanı port sets a good tone for the day ahead.

The Boat Crossings: A Highlight of the Day

The boat rides are central to this tour. The trip from Istanbul to Büyükada and Heybeliada offers delightful views of the sea, and many travelers find the scenery a major highlight. As you sail past the Maiden’s Tower, it’s a moment that feels quintessentially Istanbul. The boat ride itself is included, making it a great value for the money, especially considering the scenic perspective you get of the city from the water.

Exploring Heybeliada: Pine Forests and Bays

On Heybeliada, you’ll have about an hour for a walking tour, which involves strolling through pine forests, passing old villas, and enjoying the fresh air. The tour doesn’t include horse-drawn carriages, which might disappoint those expecting a nostalgic ride, but the walk and views make for a peaceful experience. Expect to see picturesque bays and maybe spot some local life along the promenade.

Büyükada: Lunch and Free Time

The biggest island, Büyükada, becomes the tour’s centerpiece with a two-hour stop. The included seafood lunch often impresses travelers, with many describing it as “very good” and a true taste of local flavors. After eating, you’re free to lounge at the beach, take a dip, or explore the small shops and cafes along the coast.

Some reviews mention that the tour itself doesn’t offer guided explanations about the island’s history or architecture, so you might prefer to explore independently. The option to rent a bicycle or electric car is not included, but some travelers opt to walk or relax by the water, which is perfectly fine given the island’s relaxed vibe.

Shopping and Return

Before heading back, there’s a short stop at Kadir Has University for shopping. The final boat ride returns you to the Istanbul shore, with the end of the tour around an hour after your last stop. It’s a straightforward way to cap off a day of exploring.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day without the need for deep historical narration. If you’re keen on stunning views, a tasty seafood meal, and some free time to explore at your own pace, it’s a good pick. However, if you’re after a detailed guided experience or nostalgic carriage rides, you might find this tour lacking.

It’s also a solid option for those on a budget, giving you a taste of the islands’ beauty for around $38.40. Keep in mind that the tour doesn’t include some optional extras, so if horse-drawn carriage rides or guided history are priorities, you’d need to arrange those separately.

Price and Practical Considerations

$38.40 per person for this full-day experience resembles good value, considering the boat rides, lunch, and transportation included. Still, it’s important to weigh what you’re getting—mainly scenic trips and free exploration—against your own interests. The tour lasts roughly 6.5 hours, making it a manageable day trip, especially if you’re keen on seeing the islands without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

The logistics are straightforward: hotel pickup (depending on your booking), a comfortable bus ride, scenic boat crossings, and free time on the islands. The maximum group size of 60 ensures it’s not overly crowded but still lively.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

One of the best parts of this tour is the chance to see the islands from a distance and get a feel for their peaceful atmosphere. The boat rides alone make it worth considering. Although the tour doesn’t include guided commentary, the scenic views and the seafood lunch provide genuine moments of pleasure.

A notable point from reviews is that some travelers found the islands “uninteresting” or felt that they didn’t see “the past culture” they expected. That’s an honest reminder that these islands are more about quiet natural beauty and leisure than deep historical storytelling—so adjust your expectations accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

In all, this Princes’ Islands tour offers a laid-back way to experience a slice of Istanbul’s surroundings. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a hassle-free day with scenic boat rides and a delicious seafood lunch. Travelers who enjoy free time to explore, relax on beaches, or browse small shops will find it suits their style.

However, if you crave a guided historical narrative or nostalgic rides on horse-drawn carriages, you might feel a bit let down. The lack of detailed commentary and optional carriage rides means this is more about enjoying the scenery and atmosphere than enjoying the islands’ history.

For those on a budget or with limited time, the balance of sights, food, and relaxation makes this tour a reasonable choice. Just remember to go with flexible expectations—this is a scenic, leisurely experience, not a comprehensive cultural tour.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered depending on the booking option, but it’s best to confirm your pickup location in advance.

How long does the whole tour last? The total duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including boat rides, walking, and free time.

Is a guided commentary available? No, live guide commentary isn’t part of the experience. There’s an English interpreter on the boat who translates what’s said, but detailed historical narration isn’t provided.

Can I rent a horse-drawn carriage on the islands? Not through this tour. The electric car carriage is not included, so if you want that experience, you’ll need to arrange it separately.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, swimwear if you plan to swim, and some cash for souvenirs or extra snacks.

Is the seafood lunch vegetarian or vegan? The menu features tasty seafood, but there’s no specific mention of vegetarian or vegan options, so you may want to inquire or bring your own if you have dietary restrictions.

Is the tour suitable for families? Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s a relaxed outing suitable for families with children who enjoy scenic boat rides and outdoor exploration.

In the end, the Princes’ Islands Tour from Istanbul offers a peaceful, scenic day with good food and lovely views—perfect if you’re after a low-key escape. Just be prepared for a relaxed pace without too much historical narration, and you’ll leave with lovely memories of Istanbul’s charming offshore islands.