Exploring the picturesque Princes’ Islands just off the coast of Istanbul is a popular day trip for many visitors. This full-day tour provides a hassle-free opportunity to discover the tranquil island of Büyükada and the lesser-known Kınalıada. Travelers can expect a scenic boat ride, free time to wander the car-free streets, and a delectable lunch – all with the guidance of a knowledgeable local. Whether you’re seeking Ottoman-era architecture, a peaceful stroll, or simply time to unwind, this tour promises an immersive experience that leaves one wondering what other hidden gems await beyond the bustling city.
Key Points
- A full-day tour from Istanbul that explores the largest island, Büyükada, and the smaller Kinaliada in the Princes’ Islands.
- Includes transportation by air-conditioned bus, boat trip, and a tour guide, as well as a delicious lunch.
- Offers opportunities for photo stops, free time to explore, sightseeing, walking, swimming, and electric vehicle rental on Büyükada.
- Allows visitors to admire the captivating Ottoman-era mansions dotting the islands.
- Includes a private boat lunch while cruising across the Sea of Marmara during the summer season.
Tour Overview
The Princes Island Tour from Istanbul is a full-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the largest island, Büyükada, and the smaller Kinalıada.
Guests will cruise across the Sea of Marmara to reach the islands, where they can spend time at their leisure. The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned bus, a boat trip, and a tour guide onboard.
Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities, free time to explore the islands, sightseeing and walking, and even swimming or quad biking on Büyükada.
The tour also includes entrance fees to the islands and a delicious lunch, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for those seeking to discover the Princes Islands from Istanbul.
Inclusions
This full-day Princes Island Tour from Istanbul includes several key elements.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided if the option is selected. Visitors will travel by air-conditioned bus and take a boat trip to the islands. A knowledgeable tour guide accompanies the group throughout the journey.
Entrance fees to the islands are covered, and a delicious lunch is included as well.
The tour provides opportunities for photo stops, free time to explore the islands, sightseeing and walking, and even swimming or renting electric vehicles on Büyükada.
With these comprehensive inclusions, the Princes Island Tour offers a well-rounded experience for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this scenic archipelago.
Activities
Visitors can partake in a variety of activities during the Princes Island Tour.
They’ll have opportunities for photo stops at scenic locations, as well as free time to explore the islands at their own pace.
Sightseeing and walking are encouraged to take in the Ottoman-era mansions and the islands’ natural beauty.
Swimming is available on Büyükada, and visitors can rent electric vehicles to ride around the mansions.
For more adventure, quad bike rides and bike tours are also offered on Büyükada.
During the summer season, guests can unwind and enjoy lunch on a private boat while cruising across the Sea of Marmara.
Highlights
During the tour, visitors can admire the captivating Ottoman-era mansions dotting the islands.
In the summer season, they can unwind and enjoy a private boat lunch while cruising across the Sea of Marmara.
Plus, visitors have the opportunity to rent electric vehicles to explore the mansions of Büyükada at their own pace.
These highlights provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing travelers to step back in time and witness the architectural splendor of the islands.
Whether it’s admiring the historic mansions, savoring a private boat lunch, or cruising around Büyükada, the Princes Island tour offers a captivating glimpse into Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
Pickup and Transportation
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off services for select locations in Istanbul, providing convenient transportation to and from the islands.
Air-conditioned buses are used for the overland portion of the journey, ensuring a comfortable ride. Travelers are then transferred to boats that ferry them across the Sea of Marmara to the Princes Islands.
The tour’s transportation features:
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off at designated locations
- Air-conditioned bus for the mainland portion of the trip
- Boat transfer to shuttle participants between the mainland and the islands
This end-to-end transportation makes the tour hassle-free, allowing guests to focus on exploring the Princes Islands without worrying about logistics.
Boat Trip and Lunch
From the air-conditioned bus, travelers board the boats that ferry them across the scenic Sea of Marmara to the Princes Islands.
Once on the islands, they can indulge in a private boat-based lunch, savoring the fresh seafood and local cuisine while taking in the picturesque Ottoman-era mansions lining the shores.
During the summer season, the tour includes this relaxing lunch on a private boat, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy the island’s tranquil atmosphere.
The boat trip offers a serene experience, providing a chance to appreciate the stunning views of the islands and the surrounding waters.
This boat-based lunch is a highlight of the full-day tour, offering a delightful way to experience the Princes Islands.
Island Exploration
Once on the islands, visitors can freely explore the picturesque streets and landmarks at their own pace. They’ll find Ottoman-era mansions lining the shores, offering a glimpse into the islands’ rich history and architecture.
Travelers can wander through the tranquil neighborhoods, admiring the well-preserved buildings and soaking in the serene island atmosphere.
The islands offer a variety of activities for visitors:
- Rent an electric vehicle to ride around the mansions of Büyükada
- Go for a swim at the beaches of Büyükada (summer season)
- Set out on a quad bike ride or bike tour to explore the islands
With ample time to discover the islands at their leisure, travelers can enjoy the unique island life and culture.
Additional Information
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, but pickup service is available at select locations in Istanbul.
Visitors can also opt for an additional stop at a gift and leather shop.
While lunch includes a private boat ride during the summer season, drinks aren’t included.
The tour takes guests on a full-day exploration of the Princes’ Islands, with the largest island, Büyükada, and Kınalıada as the main destinations.
Travelers can admire the Ottoman-era mansions, rent electric vehicles to ride around Büyükada, and even enjoy some swimming during the warmer months.
The tour provides a comprehensive experience, with transportation, guide, and entrance fees all included in the package.
Recap
This full-day tour from Istanbul provides a well-rounded experience exploring the picturesque Princes’ Islands.
Visitors can enjoy a boat ride, free time to wander the islands, sightseeing, and a delicious lunch, all while seeing the Ottoman-era architecture and natural beauty of these remarkable destinations.
The tour’s inclusions and activities offer a comprehensive way to discover the islands’ charms.
