Buyukada Princes’ Island Guided Day Tour With Lunch From Istanbul

Exploring the largest of the Princes’ Islands, Büyükada, is a must-do day trip from Istanbul. This guided tour takes visitors on a scenic boat ride to the car-free island, where they can wander its charming streets, discover historic monasteries, and savor a delicious seafood lunch. With ample time to take in the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, this tour promises an enriching experience for those seeking a respite from the bustling city.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour to Büyükada, the largest Princes’ Island, including round-trip boat transportation, hotel pickup/drop-off, and a seafood lunch.
• Opportunity to explore the island on foot and via horse-drawn carriage, with insights into its history as a banishment site.
• Scenic boat journey from Istanbul, offering views of landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Kiz Kulesi.
• Exploration of Byzantine-era monasteries, such as St. George Krinithos and the Monastery of Hagios Nikolaos.
• Mixed reviews regarding the overall tour experience, with criticism for inadequate guiding and a rushed itinerary, but positive remarks about the island’s natural beauty.

Overview of the Tour

The Büyükada Princes’ Island Guided Day Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the largest of the Princes’ Islands off the coast of Istanbul.

The full-day tour includes round-trip boat transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a local guide. Travelers can expect to spend 5 hours on the island, with the opportunity to explore on foot and via horse-drawn carriage.

The tour also includes a seafood lunch at a local restaurant. While some travelers have praised the boat ride and lunch, others have criticized the tour for a lack of historical information and a rushed itinerary.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Departing Istanbul at 8:00 am, the tour begins with a scenic boat ride offering glimpses of Topkapi Palace and Kiz Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower) along the way.

Upon arrival at Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, travelers have the opportunity to explore the island on foot and via horse-drawn carriage, though availability may be limited.

The tour delves into the island’s rich history, including its role as a banishment site for aristocrats and the presence of Byzantine-era monasteries.

After the guided tour, guests enjoy free time to swim, visit local cafés, or browse the shops.

Journey to Büyükada

As visitors depart Istanbul at the early hour of 8:00 am, they embark on the scenic boat journey to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands.

The 45-minute ferry ride offers stunning views of the city’s landmarks, including:

1. Topkapi Palace, the former Ottoman imperial residence
2. Kiz Kulesi, the iconic lighthouse on a small island
3. The lush, hilly terrain of the Princes’ Islands

Passengers can relax and enjoy the fresh sea breeze as the boat cuts through the Marmara Sea, preparing to disembark on the peaceful, car-free island of Büyükada.

Exploring the Island on Foot and by Carriage

How does one explore the island of Büyükada once arrived?

The guided tour offers visitors the chance to explore the island on foot, taking in its unique ambiance and historic sights.

Travelers also have the opportunity to experience the island’s traditional mode of transportation – the horse-drawn carriage.

These quaint carriages allow visitors to leisurely tour the island’s picturesque streets and seaside promenades.

While some reviews suggest limited carriage availability, the walking portion of the tour provides ample opportunity to discover Büyükada’s Byzantine-era monasteries and learn about its history as a banishment site for aristocrats.

Island History and Monasteries

Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, holds a rich history as a site of exile and monastic retreat.

The island was once home to several Byzantine-era monasteries, including:

1. The Monastery of St. George Krinithos, which served as a place of exile for Byzantine nobles and royalty.

2. The Monastery of Hagios Nikolaos, founded in the 5th century and later used as a place of banishment for Ottoman sultans and princes.

3. The Monastery of Panagia, which housed a miraculous icon believed to have healing powers.

Exploring these historic monasteries offers a glimpse into Büyükada‘s storied past as a spiritual and political center.

Lunch and Leisure Activities

After exploring the historic monasteries, visitors can look forward to lunch and leisure activities on Büyükada. The tour includes a delectable seafood lunch at a local restaurant, providing an authentic taste of the island’s culinary offerings. Following the meal, travelers have free time to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, with opportunities to relax on the beach, browse local shops, or sip coffee at cozy cafes. To make the most of this leisure time, the table below outlines some recommended activities and their estimated durations.

Activity	Duration
Swimming	1-2 hours
Shopping	1-1.5 hours
Café Visit	0.5-1 hour
Strolling	1-2 hours
Bike Riding	1-2 hours

Traveler Feedback and Concerns

Many travelers have provided mixed reviews for the Büyükada Princes’ Island Guided Day Tour. While some enjoyed the boat ride and lunch, others criticized the tour for its lack of historical information and limited time on the island.

Common complaints include:

1. Inadequate guiding, with travelers feeling the tour lacked depth and context.
2. A rushed itinerary, leaving little time for exploration and leisure activities.
3. Issues with transportation, including problems with the horse-drawn carriage rides.

On a positive note, many travelers highlighted the natural beauty of the island and the efficiency of the hotel pickup service.

Booking and Additional Information

Travelers can book the Büyükada Princes’ Island Guided Day Tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, so moderate physical fitness is recommended. Confirmation is received at booking, and alternative meeting points are provided for hotels that are inaccessible.

Based on feedback, travelers may want to consider independent exploration of the island instead of the guided tour, which has received mixed reviews for inadequate guiding, rushed itinerary, and transportation issues, despite positive comments about the island’s beauty and efficient hotel pickups.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour overview doesn’t mention any restrictions on outside food or beverages, so participants are free to pack their own provisions if they prefer.

Are There Restrooms Available on the Island During the Tour?

Yes, there are public restrooms available on Büyükada during the tour. Visitors can use the facilities at various points throughout the island, including at the ferry dock and in the main village areas.

Is There an Option to Extend My Stay on the Island?

There’s no option to extend the stay on the island. The tour package includes 5 hours on the island, after which travelers are transported back to Istanbul. Extending the visit would require arranging separate transportation back.

Can I Book Private or Customized Tours for This Experience?

Yes, you can book private or customized tours for this experience. Many tour providers offer personalized itineraries and smaller group sizes to cater to specific interests and needs of travelers.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Attire for the Tour?

The tour does not require any special equipment. Comfortable walking shoes and casual, weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Bring swimwear if planning to swim during free time on the island.

The Sum Up

Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, offers a unique day trip from Istanbul. Visitors can explore the car-free island’s rich history, including its notable monasteries, while enjoying a scenic boat ride and delicious seafood lunch. With five hours to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and cultural significance, this guided tour provides an enriching experience for those seeking to discover the charm of this tranquil island destination.