Exploring the enchanting Princess Islands is a captivating day trip from Istanbul. Visitors can enjoy the car-free streets, historic Ottoman mansions, and panoramic viewpoints of these idyllic islands. With a guided tour and delightful Turkish lunch included, it’s an opportunity to discover the unique charms that have long drawn travelers to this scenic archipelago.

Contents show

Key Points

A full-day sightseeing tour of the Princess Islands in the Sea of Marmara, including a scenic boat ride, exploring car-free streets, and a traditional Turkish lunch.
Comprehensive package with air-conditioned transportation, professional guide, ferry tickets, and a delicious seafood-focused lunch.
Visits to highlights like the 19th-century Büyükada Greek Orthodox Monastery and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Marmara Sea and Istanbul.
Pickup and drop-off at central locations in Istanbul, with a maximum group size of 27 for a personalized experience.
Tour operates on a fixed schedule, starting at 8:30 am and returning to the original meeting point, with the exact pickup time communicated a day prior.

Tour Overview

The Princess Island Tour Full Day with Lunch is a popular sightseeing experience in Istanbul, Turkey.

The tour takes visitors to the Princess Islands, a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. For $36.27 per person, travelers can enjoy an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, ferry tickets, and a delicious lunch.

The tour departs at 8:30 am from central locations in Istanbul, and returns to the original meeting point. With a maximum of 27 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience.

Advance booking is recommended, as free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul

Inclusions

The Princess Island Tour Full Day with Lunch includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport travelers, a professional guide to provide insights, ferry tickets to access the islands, and a delicious lunch.

Personal expenses aren’t covered. This combination of inclusions ensures a comfortable and informative experience for visitors exploring the picturesque Princess Islands off the coast of Istanbul.

The tour package give you a comprehensive day trip, allowing participants to fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage without worrying about the logistics of transportation or meals.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup areas for the Princess Island Tour Full Day with Lunch include Fatih, Eminönü, and Beyoğlu, all available free of charge.

The meeting point is at The Marmara Taksim, located on Osmanlı Sk. No:1 D:B in Beyoğlu, Istanbul.

Exact pickup time will be provided one day prior to the tour date. The tour ends at the same meeting point.

The tour starts at 8:30 am and can accommodate up to 27 travelers. Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible with infants required to sit on laps.

Schedule

The Princess Island Tour Full Day with Lunch starts at 8:30 am.

Guests will embark on a journey to explore the beauty of the Princes’ Islands. The tour has a maximum capacity of 27 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The schedule is designed to provide ample time for sightseeing, relaxation, and dining. The tour concludes at the same meeting point where it began, allowing for a seamless return to the starting location.

Travelers should plan accordingly, as the exact pickup time will be provided the day before the tour date.

Additional Information

What else should travelers know about the Princess Island Tour? The tour has a number of important additional details.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring travelers have the necessary information. The tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, and infants must be held on laps. Certain health conditions like back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical issues aren’t recommended.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour without penalty. Lastly, there’s a reserve now, pay later option available, providing flexibility for booking.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul

Exploring the Islands

After being transported to the ferry terminal, travelers embark on a scenic boat ride to the famed Princess Islands. The tranquil islands offer a welcome respite from the bustling city.

Visitors can:

Explore the car-free streets by foot or bicycle, admiring the charming Ottoman-era mansions and churches.
Indulge in a traditional Turkish lunch featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies at a seaside restaurant.
Hike up to panoramic viewpoints, taking in the stunning vistas of the Marmara Sea and the Asian side of Istanbul in the distance.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the highlights of the Princess Island Tour is the opportunity to explore the car-free streets of the islands.

Visitors can stroll leisurely through the quaint villages, admiring the traditional Ottoman-style wooden houses and charming boutiques.

A leisurely stroll through quaint villages, admiring traditional Ottoman-style homes and charming boutiques.

The tour also includes a stop at the 19th-century Büyükada Greek Orthodox Monastery, offering a glimpse into the islands’ rich history and religious heritage.

Lunch is provided, allowing travelers to savor local Turkish cuisine in a picturesque setting.

The ferry ride to and from the islands provides stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and the city skyline.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the Princess Island Tour, travelers should ensure they’ve comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves extensive exploration of the car-free streets on the islands.

Plus, it’s recommended to bring the following:

Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the islands offer little shade.
A light jacket or sweater, as the sea breeze can be cool, especially during the ferry ride.
Cash or a credit card for any personal expenses, as the islands have a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

The Sum Up

The Princess Islands tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the car-free streets, historic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty of this enchanting destination. With a delicious lunch and personalized guidance, this full-day experience is an excellent way to take in the charm of Istanbul’s offshore islands. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or a glimpse into the region’s rich history, this tour provides an unforgettable day trip from the city.