Buyukada Princes’ Island Guided Day Tour With Lunch From Istanbul

Exploring the enchanting Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, is a captivating day trip from Istanbul. We’ll embark on a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Marmara, taking in iconic landmarks along the way. Once on the island, we’ll savor a delightful seafood lunch and have ample time to swim, shop, and even enjoy optional horse-drawn carriage rides. This full-day adventure promises both relaxation and exploration in a picturesque setting – the perfect escape from the bustling city. Let’s dive in and uncover the island’s charm together.

Key Points

1. A full-day guided tour of Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, including round-trip boat transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off.

2. Exploration of the island’s history, Ottoman-era architecture, and scenic sea views, with a local guide providing insights during the tour.

3. Inclusion of a seafood-focused lunch at a restaurant on the island, featuring local specialties like grilled calamari, baked sea bass, and vegetable meze.

4. Opportunity for independent exploration, with ample free time for activities like swimming, visiting cafés, and shopping.

5. Mixed reviews from previous guests, with positive feedback on the boat ride and lunch, but criticism regarding limited historical information and inconsistent availability of horse-drawn carriage rides.

Tour Overview

The Büyükada Princes’ Island Guided Day Tour provides a comprehensive sightseeing experience, allowing us to explore the largest of the Princes Islands in Turkey.

The full-day tour includes round-trip boat transportation across the Sea of Marmara and hotel pickup/drop-off by air-conditioned coach.

We’ll enjoy the services of a local guide, have lunch at a restaurant on the island, and have leisure time to discover the serene atmosphere and lack of vehicles.

The tour duration is approximately 8 hours, starting at 8 AM, with a maximum of 15 travelers per group.

Itinerary Highlights

Crossing the Sea of Marmara by boat, we’ll enjoy views of Topkapi Palace and Kiz Kulesi as we make our way to Büyükada.

Once there, we’ll explore this serene island, known for its absence of vehicles. The highlights of our visit include:

1. Learning about the island’s history as a place of exile for Turkish aristocrats and its Byzantine Christian monasteries.
2. Discovering the island’s Ottoman-era architecture and beautiful sea views.
3. Optionally taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, though availability may be inconsistent.

With ample free time, we can swim at the beach, visit coastal cafés, or browse craft shops on this unique island getaway.

Transportation and Boat Crossing

We’ll begin our Büyükada adventure by crossing the Sea of Marmara aboard a boat, taking in the stunning views of iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Kiz Kulesi along the way. The round-trip boat ride is included in the tour, ensuring a seamless journey to and from the island. Once we disembark, we’ll have the chance to explore Büyükada at our own pace, free from the hassle of dealing with traffic or parking.

Transportation	Details
Boat Crossing	Round-trip journey across the Sea of Marmara
Sightseeing	Views of Topkapi Palace and Kiz Kulesi
Island Arrival	Disembark at Büyükada without the need for vehicles
Leisure Time	Explore the island on your own
Included	In the tour package

Exploring Büyükada Island

Once we’ve arrived on the island, we’ll have the chance to explore Büyükada at our own pace.

The island offers several highlights to discover:

1. Venture through the serene island streets without cars, taking in the charming Ottoman-era architecture.

2. Visit the Byzantine Christian monasteries that dot the island, learning about its history as a place of exile for the Turkish aristocracy.

3. Enjoy stunning coastal views and sea breezes as we wander along the island’s scenic paths.

With ample free time, we can truly immerse ourselves in the tranquil atmosphere that makes Büyükada so unique.

Lunch and Dining Options

After exploring the island at our leisure, we’ll enjoy a lunch featuring local seafood specialties at a restaurant on Büyükada. The menu offers a range of fresh seafood dishes, including:

Dish	Description
Grilled Calamari	Tender calamari grilled with olive oil and lemon
Baked Sea Bass	Whole sea bass baked with herbs and lemon
Mussels in Wine Sauce	Steamed mussels in a garlic-white wine sauce
Vegetable Meze Platter	Assortment of traditional Turkish cold appetizers

With stunning views of the Marmara Sea, this lunch will be a delightful way to refuel and recharge before continuing our exploration of this serene island.

Leisure Activities and Free Time

With free time to explore Büyükada at our leisure, we can take advantage of the island’s variety of activities and sights.

Enjoy a swim at the beach, grab a local pastry called simit, and feed the seabirds.

For a unique perspective, we can:

1. Visit the impressive Byzantine monasteries, like the Aya Yorgi Monastery, to learn about the island’s religious history.
2. Browse the charming craft shops and boutiques for handmade souvenirs.
3. Indulge in a classic Turkish coffee or tea while taking in the seaside cafés’ stunning views.

Meeting Point and Pickup Information

The meeting point for this tour is at The Marmara Taksim Hotel or Tamara Restaurante in Taksim Square.

We ask that you arrive at the meeting point by 8:15 AM.

Pickup is available for select hotels, but alternative arrangements will be made for hotels not listed.

Check with the tour operator about your pickup location if your hotel isn’t on the list.

The tour departs promptly at 8:00 AM, so please be on time to ensure the group can start the journey to Büyükada as scheduled.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

We see that the Büyükada Princes’ Island Guided Day Tour has received a mix of reviews from past guests.

While some praise the boat ride, lunch, and serene island atmosphere, others criticize the lack of historical information, limited time on the island, and issues with the horse-drawn carriage.

Here are three key takeaways from the reviews:

1. The tour may not live up to the promotional descriptions, so managing expectations is important.

2. Exploring the island independently could provide a more fulfilling experience.

3. The availability and quality of the horse-drawn carriage seem inconsistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

We recommend checking with the tour operator, as policies on bringing your own food and drinks may vary. Some tours allow it, while others may require you to purchase meals and refreshments from them. It’s best to confirm the details before your trip.

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour is available daily, departing at 8:00 am. However, be aware that some reviews note inconsistent availability of the horse-drawn carriage experience on the island. We’d recommend verifying details with the tour operator before booking.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers for the Tour?

We didn’t find any information about discounts or special offers for this tour. The pricing appears to be standard, but you may want to check with the tour provider directly to see if they have any current promotions or deals available.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Activities During the Tour?

We can’t customize the itinerary or activities during the tour. The tour package has a fixed schedule and inclusions. However, you’ll have free time on the island to explore at your own pace and pursue any additional activities you’d like.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

We recommend checking the tour operator’s cancellation and refund policy before booking. Policies vary, so it’s best to inquire about the specifics, such as any fees or deadlines for making changes or cancellations.

The Sum Up

Don’t miss the chance to discover the enchanting Büyükada Island on this guided day tour from Istanbul. Enjoy the scenic boat ride, explore the charming island, indulge in a delightful seafood lunch, and take advantage of the ample free time for relaxation and leisure activities. This full-day adventure offers the perfect blend of sightseeing, dining, and relaxation in a picturesque setting.