Full-Day Princes Island Tour With Lunch From Istanbul

Exploring the enchanting Princes Island from Istanbul is a must-do experience for any visitor. This full-day excursion offers a delightful blend of scenic ferry rides, captivating Ottoman architecture, and ample time to take in the island’s unique ambiance. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, a tasty lunch on the boat, and the freedom to explore the picturesque streets by electric car, this tour promises an unforgettable day. But the real magic of the Princes Island lies in its ability to transport you to a peaceful world, far removed from the bustling city. What secrets and surprises await those who venture beyond the ferry terminal?

Key Points

A full-day excursion from Istanbul to the largest Princes Island in the Sea of Marmara with a scenic ferry ride and electric car travel.
Ample free time to explore the island’s Ottoman architecture and charming local shops, with a tasty lunch provided on the boat.
Comprehensive tour package including hotel pickup/drop-off, local guide, and admission to Unkapani Pier.
Rated 4.0 from 22 reviews, indicating a quality and seamless tour experience.
Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and a lowest price guarantee starting from $16.58.

Tour Overview

The Princes Island Tour provides a full-day excursion from Istanbul to explore the largest island in the Sea of Marmara.

Travelers will enjoy a scenic ferry ride and electric car travel around the island. With ample free time, they can browse the shops and admire the Ottoman architecture.

The tour has received 22 reviews with an impressive 4.0 rating, indicating a quality experience. Highlights include the opportunity to take in the island’s tranquil atmosphere, as well as the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, and a tasty lunch served on the boat.

This comprehensive tour offers an ideal way to discover the natural beauty and cultural charm of the Princes Islands.

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off depending on the booking option, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.

Travelers will enjoy a round-trip boat crossing to the island and have the services of a local guide.

Plus, a tasty lunch is provided on the boat, and admission to the Unkapani Pier is included.

The inclusions cover the essential elements for a seamless and enjoyable full-day tour of the Princes Islands from Istanbul.

With transportation, ferry rides, meals, and a knowledgeable local guide, travelers can focus on taking in the scenic island landscapes and Ottoman architecture without worrying about logistics.

These inclusions provide excellent value for the price of the tour.

Pickup Information

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available for those staying in the Old City and Taksim areas, though an additional charge may apply for other locations.

This tour doesn’t provide service from hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul. Guests should meet the group at the designated meeting point, Cibali, opposite Kadirhas University, by 9:15 AM.

Here’s what you can expect:

Convenient pickup and drop-off service for central Istanbul hotels
Additional fees for pickup from other areas
No service available from hotels on the Asian side of the city
Meeting point at Cibali, opposite Kadirhas University, by 9:15 AM

This streamlined pickup process ensures a smooth start to your Princes Island adventure.

Tour Details

The tour starts at 8:30 AM, with a maximum of 50 travelers. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants must sit on laps. Guests will receive confirmation of their booking.

The tour includes a scenic ferry ride and electric car travel around Princes Island, the largest in the Sea of Marmara. Visitors will have ample free time to explore the island’s Ottoman architecture and shops. A local guide will be on hand to provide insights and information throughout the day.

Lunch is served on the boat, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. With a rating of 4.0 from 22 reviews, this tour offers an excellent way to discover the natural beauty and rich history of Princes Island.

Cancellation and Pricing

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, travelers can flexibly plan their Princes Island excursion. The tour is available at the lowest price guarantee from $16.58, and guests can also opt for the reserve now and pay later option.

This makes booking the tour a hassle-free process, allowing visitors to focus on enjoying their day trip.

The tour includes:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off (depending on booking option)
Round-trip boat crossing
Lunch on the boat
Admission at Unkapani Pier

Scenic Ferry Ride

Travelers embark on a scenic ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara to reach the largest of the Princes’ Islands, where this full-day tour takes place. The boat crossing offers stunning views of the Istanbul skyline and the surrounding waters. It’s a relaxing journey that sets the tone for the day’s exploration.

Once on the island, travelers can disembark and hop into electric cars to further explore the car-free streets and Ottoman-era architecture. This mode of transportation allows visitors to soak in the peaceful, car-free atmosphere of the island.

The ferry ride is a highlight of the tour, providing a serene start to a day of discovery on the Princes’ Islands.

Free Time for Exploration

Once on the island, visitors enjoy ample free time to explore the charming streets, browse local shops, and admire the island’s distinctive Ottoman architecture at their own pace.

They can wander through quaint neighborhoods, browse artisanal crafts and souvenirs, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere away from the bustling city. This free time allows travelers to fully enjoy the island’s unique character and uncover its hidden gems.

Some of the top things to do during the free time include:

Strolling through the car-free streets and taking in the island’s peaceful ambiance
Browsing the local shops and markets for handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs
Admiring the beautifully preserved Ottoman-era mansions and buildings
Enjoying a relaxing meal or refreshment at one of the charming waterfront cafes

Ottoman Architecture and Shopping

The island boasts a wealth of Ottoman-era architecture, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage. Charming streets are lined with beautifully preserved mansions, mosques, and other historic structures that showcase the distinctive style of the Ottoman empire. Travelers can freely explore these architectural gems, admiring the intricate details and ornate facades.

Beyond the architectural offerings, the island also features a variety of local shops and markets, where visitors can browse an array of handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. From traditional Turkish carpets and ceramics to artisanal jewelry and leatherwork, the island’s shopping opportunities allow travelers to find unique mementos and support local artisans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Expect on the Ferry Ride?

The ferry ride provides scenic views of the Sea of Marmara. It’s a relaxing journey that takes travelers to the largest island in the area. The ferry is comfortable and air-conditioned, making for an enjoyable trip across the water.

How Much Free Time Is Provided for Exploration?

The tour provides ample free time for exploring the island. Travelers can spend 2-3 hours exploring the Ottoman architecture and browsing shops at their leisure before returning to the ferry for the trip back to Istanbul.

What Types of Ottoman Architecture Can I See?

Visitors can see a variety of Ottoman-era architecture on the Princes’ Islands, including historic mansions, elegant villas, and buildings showcasing the region’s unique architectural style. These structures provide a glimpse into the islands’ rich cultural heritage.

Are There Any Special Items I Should Purchase?

During the tour, visitors can browse local shops and markets for unique Ottoman-inspired souvenirs like handmade pottery, textiles, and jewelry. These special items make great mementos of the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a lunch is provided on the boat, so guests may prefer to enjoy the included meal rather than packing their own.