Discovering the stunning Princes Islands off the coast of Istanbul is a must for any visitor to Turkey. This 6-hour cruise offers a chance to savor the azure waters, enjoy a delicious onboard lunch, and explore the car-free Buyukada island with its Byzantine-era landmarks and local cuisine. With an English-speaking guide to lead the way, this tour promises a day of scenic beauty and culture that’s hard to beat. But the real question is, what secrets might these enchanting islands hold?

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Key Points

A 6-hour tour that includes a cruise to the car-free Princes Islands, with 1.5 hours of free time to explore Buyukada.
Lunch with drinks served onboard, along with an English-speaking guide providing insights throughout the journey.
Opportunity to visit historical sites like the Byzantine-era Aya Yorgi Church and the Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as wheelchair accessibility for a seamless experience.
Breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline and the natural beauty of the Princes Islands during the scenic cruise.

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Overview and Pricing

The Princes Islands cruise offers visitors an opportunity to experience the serene beauty of these car-free islands, located just a short distance from the bustling city of Istanbul.

Priced from $31.48 per person, the 6-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Highlights include cruising across azure waters, disembarking on Buyukada for 1.5 hours of free time, and exploring Byzantine-era monasteries, fragrant pine forests, and colorful flower gardens.

Lunch with drinks is served onboard, and an English-speaking guide accompanies the journey.

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Itinerary Highlights

Cruise across azure waters to reach the car-free Princes Islands, where visitors can disembark on Buyukada for 1.5 hours of free time.

Explore the Byzantine-era Aya Yorgi Church, offering panoramic views, and wander through fragrant pine forests and vibrant flower gardens.

Continue to Kinaliada, the smallest island, known for its quiet beaches and historical sites like the Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church and Hristos Monastery.

This diverse island itinerary provides a glimpse into the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Princes Islands.

Onboard Experience

While cruising to the Princes Islands, passengers can enjoy a delicious lunch served onboard, with drinks included.

The onboard experience provides a wonderful opportunity to savor local cuisine and refreshments as the boat glides across the azure waters.

A live tour guide is available throughout the journey to share insights about the islands and their rich history in English.

This all-inclusive package ensures travelers can fully enjoy the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of the Princes Islands without worrying about additional expenses during the 6-hour excursion.

Accessibility and Logistics

Wheelchair users can comfortably join the Princes Islands cruise, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

The meeting point is at the port across from Kadir Has University, and the boat returns to the Ahirkapi İskelesi Port in Istanbul.

This tour offers:

Wheelchair accessibility for a seamless experience
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off for hassle-free transportation
Departure from a centrally located meeting point near the university
Return to the Ahirkapi İskelesi Port in Istanbul after the tour
A live tour guide available in English to provide informative commentary.

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Scenic Views and Natural Beauty

Visitors can embrace the serenity and natural beauty of the Princes Islands during the cruise. Sailing across the azure waters of the Marmara Sea, guests are treated to breathtaking vistas of Istanbul’s skyline.

As the boat approaches the car-free islands, the tranquil atmosphere is palpable. Leisurely walks through the fragrant pine forests and vibrant flower gardens offer a chance to take in the islands’ natural splendor.

Panoramic viewpoints, like that of the Aya Yorgi Church, provide sweeping perspectives of the serene surroundings. The Princes Islands’ untouched landscapes offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

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Exploring Buyukada

After disembarking on Buyukada, the largest of the Princes Islands, travelers have 1.5 hours to freely explore its charming car-free streets.

Travelers have 1.5 hours to freely explore the charming car-free streets of Buyukada, the largest of the Princes Islands.

The island offers a delightful array of experiences:

Stroll along the picturesque seaside promenade, taking in the stunning views of the Marmara Sea and Istanbul’s skyline in the distance.
Visit the iconic Aya Yorgi Church, a Byzantine-era monastery perched atop a hilltop, offering panoramic vistas of the island.
Enjoy the fragrant pine forests and colorful flower gardens, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling city.
Discover the island’s historical sites, such as the Hristos Monastery and the Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church.
Indulge in the local cuisine, sampling delectable seafood and traditional Turkish dishes at the charming waterfront cafes and restaurants.

Discovering Kinaliada

Departing Buyukada, the tour now ventures to Kinaliada, the smallest of the Princes Islands.

Known for its quiet beaches and historical sites, Kinaliada offers a peaceful respite. Visitors can explore the Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church, a Byzantine-era structure, and the Hristos Monastery, both showcasing the island’s rich cultural heritage.

As guests stroll through the island’s gentle terrain, they’ll find themselves surrounded by the serene beauty of the Marmara Sea and the lush greenery of Kinaliada’s natural landscapes.

This tranquil stop allows travelers to enjoy the slower pace of island life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

While the tour itinerary is pre-set, travelers can customize their experience by selecting optional add-ons or exploring the islands independently during the free time allotted. The tour provider offers flexibility to suit individual preferences.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, from families with young children to seniors. Guests of any age can enjoy the scenic cruise, island exploration, and onboard lunch.

Is Vegetarian/Halal/Kosher Food Available Onboard?

The tour offers a variety of lunch options, including vegetarian, halal, and kosher dishes. Customers can request their preferred dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure their dietary needs are accommodated.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat tour. However, a delicious lunch with drinks is already included in the tour price, so bringing your own may not be necessary.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for students and seniors. Students can get a 20% discount, while seniors 65+ can receive a 15% discount off the regular tour price when booking the Princes Islands cruise.

The Sum Up

The Istanbul: Princes Islands Cruise offers a delightful 6-hour journey that showcases the scenic islands and allows travelers to savor local cuisine, explore the tranquil landscapes, and enjoy the island’s rich history and culture. With an affordable price tag of $31.48 per person, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of the Princes Islands.