The Full Day Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, taking visitors to the charming islands just off the coast. With hotel pickup, a boat ride, and a local guide included, the tour provides an opportunity to explore the islands’ tranquil atmosphere. However, concerns have been raised about the lengthy transit times, limited activities, and potential sales tactics – factors that may impact the overall experience. Whether the tour lives up to its promise is a matter worth further consideration.

Contents show

Key Points

This full-day tour to the Princes’ Islands off Istanbul includes hotel pickup/drop-off, round-trip boat crossing, local guide, lunch, and shopping time.
The tour accommodates up to 100 travelers and is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Reviews indicate long transport times, limited activities on the islands, and concerns about air quality on the ferry.
Customers report pushy sales tactics at a leather shop not advertised in the itinerary, leaving them feeling misled.
An overnight stay may be suggested to allow more exploration time, as the majority of the day is spent in transit.

Tour Overview

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour is a full-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the stunning islands located just off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey.

A full-day excursion to explore the stunning Princes’ Islands located just off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey.

Priced from €58.44 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, round-trip boat crossing, a local guide, lunch, and shopping time.

The tour can accommodate up to 100 travelers and is wheelchair and stroller accessible, though not recommended for pregnant individuals.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul

Pickup and Accessibility

The tour offers pickup from all travelers at Europe side hotels, with a start time of 09:00 AM.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with transportation and surfaces accommodating these needs.

Infants must sit on laps.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

Most travelers can participate in this experience.

Reviews and Ratings

According to Viator and Tripadvisor, the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour has received a total of 8 reviews with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars.

There are no 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, 2-star, or 1-star reviews. Reviewers found the tour "not worth it" due to long transport times, limited activities on the islands, and poor air quality on the ferry from smoking.

Others felt the tour was "not as advertised," citing misleading lunch options, pressure for photos, surprise leather shop visits, and poor snack choices on board.

Lengthy Transport Times

As reviewers noted, the lengthy transport times were a significant drawback of the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour.

It took 2.5 hours to reach the ferry, 2 hours to get to the first island, and an additional 1 hour on each of the other islands.

This meant travelers spent the majority of the day in transit rather than exploring the islands.

The long commutes also led to concerns about air quality, as the ferry was reported to have poor ventilation and be affected by smoke.

Limited Activities on the Islands

Along With the lengthy transport times, reviewers noted that the limited activities available on the Princes’ Islands detracted from the overall tour experience.

Participants were primarily limited to walking and finding restaurants on the islands. With little else to do, the tour didn’t live up to its billing. Some suggested an overnight stay would provide a better experience, allowing more time to explore the islands.

While the islands’ air quality was cleaner than the ferry, the lack of engaging activities left many travelers disappointed with the overall tour.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul

Air Quality Concerns

Though the Princes’ Islands offered a respite from the urban air pollution of Istanbul, reviewers noted concerns about the air quality on the ferry transportation to the islands.

Passengers reported the air on the ferry was poor due to smoking, creating an unpleasant experience. The ferry ride itself spanned over 2 hours each way, adding to the exposure time.

Poor air quality on the ferry due to smoking, with a long 2-hour journey each way, detracting from the overall experience.

While the islands themselves had cleaner air, the long transit times and ferry conditions detracted from the overall enjoyment of the tour.

Travelers suggested an overnight stay on the islands could provide a more positive experience with better air quality.

Suggestion for Overnight Stay

Several reviewers suggested an overnight stay on the Princes’ Islands could provide a more positive experience for visitors.

With long transport times to reach the islands and limited activities once there, an overnight option could allow travelers to explore the islands at a more leisurely pace.

This could include visiting historic sites, hiking, and dining at local restaurants without feeling rushed.

An overnight stay may also provide an opportunity to experience the islands when they’re less crowded and the air quality is cleaner.

Pushy Sales Tactics

Reviewers expressed disappointment that the tour included pushy sales tactics not mentioned in the original advertisement.

According to their feedback, during the tour, travelers were pressured to make purchases at a leather shop, a surprise stop not advertised as part of the itinerary.

Some reported feeling uncomfortable with the sales pressure and found it detracted from the overall experience.

This misalignment between the marketed tour and the actual experience left several customers feeling misled.

While the tour offered sightseeing opportunities, the unwelcome sales tactics dampened the positive aspects of the day’s activities.

Ask Away

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour is comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Layering is advised as the weather on the islands can be cooler than mainland Istanbul. Casual, comfortable outfits that allow for easy movement are best.

Are There Any Restrictions on Luggage or Personal Items?

The tour does not have any specific restrictions on luggage or personal items. Travelers can bring what they need for the day’s activities, though it’s recommended to pack light for comfortable movement and transport.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on the Included Lunch?

The tour doesn’t specify if dietary requirements can be accommodated for the included lunch. It’s best to contact the tour provider in advance to inquire about any special meal options or substitutions available.

Is There an Option to Explore the Islands Independently?

There are no options to explore the Princes’ Islands independently on this tour. The tour includes transportation, a guided visit to the islands, and limited free time to explore. Travelers must stay with the group during the itinerary.

Are Any Discounts or Packages Available for This Tour?

There don’t appear to be any discounts or packages advertised for this Princes’ Islands tour. The tour price is listed as €58.44 per person, and no mentions of bundled offers or promotional savings were found in the available details.

Final Words

The Full Day Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour offers a scenic escape, but it’s not without its drawbacks. While the tour includes essentials like transportation and a guide, concerns around lengthy transit times, limited activities, and pushy sales tactics suggest room for improvement. Travelers should weigh the pros and cons and consider an overnight stay to make the most of the islands’ charm.