Setting out on a full-day guided tour of the Princes Islands from Istanbul is an excellent way to experience the city’s natural beauty. For just $42.69 per person, travelers can enjoy a scenic boat ride, explore the charming islands, and savor a delicious Turkish lunch. With a professional guide leading the way in English and Arabic, this 7-hour adventure promises an enriching and memorable experience. Visitors can expect a mix of sightseeing, leisure time, and the chance to enjoy the tranquil island atmosphere. What more could one ask for in a day trip from the bustling city?
Key Points
- A full-day guided tour of the Princes Islands near Istanbul, including transportation, a Turkish lunch, and leisure time for exploration.
- The tour lasts 7 hours and is conducted in English and Arabic, covering the islands of Heybeliada and Büyükada.
- Inclusions cover hotel transfers, a professional guide, Turkish cuisine lunch, round-trip ferry tickets, and beach entrance fees (in summer).
- Participants should bring a valid passport or ID card, as it is required for the tour.
- The tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 72 reviews, with positive feedback on the guide assistance and transportation.
Tour Overview
The "Istanbul: Full Day Princes Islands Guided Tour with Lunch" offers a comprehensive day trip to the serene Princes Islands, located off the coast of Istanbul.
Priced from $42.69 per person, the 7-hour tour is conducted in English and Arabic. Pickup is available from multiple locations in the city, and the tour includes hotel transfers, a professional guide, a Turkish lunch, and round-trip ferry tickets.
Guests can explore the islands of Heybeliada and Büyükada, with free time for leisure activities. The tour also includes a stop for shopping before returning to the hotels.
Looking for more options in Princes Islands? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary
Morning kicks off with pickup from hotels between 08:00 and 09:15, followed by a boat ride across the Marmara Sea that takes approximately 1 hour to reach the first island.
A morning boat ride across the Marmara Sea transports guests to the first island, taking approximately an hour.
The tour explores:
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Heybeliada, known for its greenery, with free time for independent exploration.
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Büyükada for a Turkish cuisine lunch.
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After lunch, free time to explore or swim (available in summer).
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A stop for shopping before returning to hotels.
The return journey includes a shopping opportunity before guests are dropped off at their hotels.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel transfers, a professional tour guide, a Turkish cuisine lunch with one water, return ferry tickets, a visit to a gift and leather shop, and beach entrance fees for swimming during the summer months.
Gratuities and personal expenses aren’t included. Guests are required to bring a passport or ID card, as copies are accepted.
Pets and non-folding wheelchairs aren’t allowed. The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Important Information
Guests must bring their passport or ID card, as copies are accepted, for this Princes Islands tour.
Guests are required to bring their passport or ID card, as copies are accepted, for the Princes Islands tour.
Pets and non-folding wheelchairs aren’t allowed on this tour. This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.
The tour covers the following important information:
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Acceptable ID: Passport or ID card (copy accepted)
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Not Allowed: Pets, non-folding wheelchairs
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Not Suitable For: People with mobility impairments
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Gratuities and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price.
Maintaining these guidelines ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants on the Princes Islands guided tour.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
Customers have left a mix of feedback on this Princes Islands guided tour.
With an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 from 72 reviews, the tour has received praise for its organization and the assistance provided by the guide, who earned a 4.3 rating.
The transportation also received a 4.3 rating, and the value for money was rated 4.1.
However, some customers noted the lengthy pickup process and desired more stops during the island tour.
While the majority seem to have enjoyed the day, a few areas for improvement have been highlighted.
Exploring Heybeliada
After departing the Marmara Sea by boat, the group arrives at Heybeliada, the second-largest of the Princes Islands. Known for its lush greenery, the island offers visitors an opportunity to explore at their own pace.
Key highlights include:
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Tranquil hiking trails through pine forests.
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The historic Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George.
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Charming horse-drawn carriages for leisurely sightseeing.
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Scenic seaside promenades perfect for strolling and taking in the views.
With its car-free streets and peaceful atmosphere, Heybeliada allows travelers to enjoy the tranquility of island life during this guided tour.
Dining and Leisure in Büyükada
After the group departs Heybeliada, they proceed to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes Islands.
Here, they enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch featuring local flavors.
With free time after the meal, visitors can explore the island’s charming atmosphere or take a refreshing swim at the beach, weather permitting.
The island’s narrow streets and car-free environment make for a pleasant stroll.
Some may choose to rent bicycles to cover more ground.
As the tour winds down, the group stops for some shopping before returning to their hotels in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour overview, it does not mention allowing guests to bring their own food and drinks. The inclusions indicate that lunch and one water are provided as part of the tour.
Is There an Option for a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch?
Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and halal lunch options. Guests can request these dietary requirements when booking the tour. The lunch is included in the tour price and features Turkish cuisine.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Swimming in Büyükada?
The tour itinerary includes free time to explore or swim on Büyükada island during the afternoon. However, the specific duration allocated for swimming is not clearly specified in the provided details.
Can I Leave the Group to Explore the Islands Independently?
No, you cannot leave the group to explore the islands independently. The tour has a set itinerary, and participants are expected to stay with the group during the scheduled activities and visits.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. Prices are the same for all participants, regardless of age. However, children under a certain age may be able to join the tour for free.
The Sum Up
This guided tour offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the enchanting Princes Islands near Istanbul. With convenient hotel transfers, a professional guide, and a delicious Turkish lunch included, it’s an enriching and affordable experience. Enjoy the scenic boat ride, discover the charming islands, and have leisure time for activities or swimming during the summer. It’s a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this remarkable destination.
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