The Princes Islands tour from Istanbul offers a chance to escape the bustling city and take in the tranquil charm of the Sea of Marmara. With round-trip transportation, a scenic cruise, and a local guide, the day promises a well-rounded exploration of the largest island. While reviews have been mixed, the tour’s accessibility and inclusion of lunch on board suggest it could be a compelling option for those seeking a respite from the mainland. What surprises might await those who embark on this island adventure?

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Key Points

Full-day tour of the largest island in the Sea of Marmara, including a cruise, lunch on board, and free time for shopping.
Transportation via comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup available from Old City and Taksim areas.
Round-trip boat crossing to Princes’ Islands included, with a local guide accompanying the group.
Lunch served on the boat and admission to Unkapani Pier are part of the tour.
Electric cars available for exploring the islands, though the tour may be less suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Tour Overview

The full-day Princes Island Tour from Istanbul allows visitors to explore the largest island in the Sea of Marmara.

The tour includes a cruise, lunch on board, and free time for shopping or admiring Ottoman architecture. Departing at 8:30 AM, the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Transportation is provided via a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup available from hotels in the Old City and Taksim areas. An additional charge applies for pickups from other locations, and no pickup is available from hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul.

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

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Transportation and Pickup

Guaranteed transfer options are available for this tour. Visitors can be picked up from hotels in the Old City and Taksim areas.

However, an additional charge may apply for pickup from other locations. Importantly, there’s no pickup service from hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul. Guests should meet at the designated meeting point, Cibali, opposite Kadirhas University, and be ready by 9:15 AM.

The tour includes:

Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transportation
Round-trip boat crossing to the Princes’ Islands
No pickup from Asian side hotels
Meeting point at Cibali, ready by 9:15 AM

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, depending on the booking option.

It also provides a round-trip boat crossing to the Princes’ Islands. A local guide accompanies the group, and lunch is served on the boat. Admission to the Unkapani Pier is included.

Travelers will also have the opportunity to explore the islands using electric cars. The tour has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, and most are able to participate.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.

Accessibility and Participation

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Key accessibility points:

Not suitable for wheelchair users
Strollers are permitted
Infants must be held on laps
Most travelers can participate in the tour

Given these accessibility considerations, the tour caters to a wide range of participants, though those with mobility challenges may find it less suitable.

Ultimately, the experience provides an opportunity to explore the Princes Islands with ease.

Reviews and Feedback

Based on 25 reviews, the Princes Island Tour from Istanbul has an overall rating of 3.6.

Feedback is mixed, with some praising the "fabulous service" and "nice activity," while others criticize the "poor organization" and "dirty boat with hundreds of people."

The tour’s accessibility is limited, as it’s not wheelchair-friendly. Reviewers suggest considering an independent visit for a potentially better experience.

Despite these concerns, the tour offers convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, a scenic boat crossing, a local guide, lunch, and transport on the island.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available.

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Exploring the Largest Island in the Sea of Marmara

Princes Island, the largest of the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, offers visitors a chance to escape the bustling streets of Istanbul.

Visitors can:

Stroll along the car-free streets, admiring the Ottoman-era architecture and lush greenery.
Rent an electric car or bicycle to explore the island’s interior.
Visit historic churches and monasteries, including the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George.
Relax on the island’s beaches, indulge in fresh seafood, and shop for locally made crafts and souvenirs.

With its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, Princes Island provides a delightful respite from the city.

Cruising and Enjoying Lunch Onboard

The tour includes a relaxing cruise across the Sea of Marmara to the Princes’ Islands, where passengers can enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard the boat.

The cruise provides stunning views of the Istanbul skyline and the surrounding islands. Passengers have the opportunity to savor traditional Turkish cuisine, including a variety of hot and cold meze dishes, as well as a main course.

The lunch is served in a comfortable setting, allowing visitors to replenish their energy before exploring the islands. The cruise lasts approximately one hour, ensuring a leisurely journey to the destination.

Free Time for Shopping and Ottoman Architecture

After the cruise and lunch, participants are afforded free time to explore the islands at their own pace.

This presents opportunities to:

Wander the quaint streets and admire the charming Ottoman-era architecture that dots the islands
Visit the local shops and boutiques, browsing handcrafted goods, traditional Turkish ceramics, and other souvenirs
Discover hidden cafes and enjoy a Turkish coffee or tea while taking in the serene island atmosphere
Simply stroll along the waterfront promenades, enjoying the scenic views of the Marmara Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code mentioned for the tour. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for walking and spending time outdoors. No formal attire is required.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour policy prohibits bringing pets to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Only service animals are permitted to accompany travelers on the Princes Island Tour.

Is Wi-Fi Available on the Boat?

The tour information does not mention if Wi-Fi is available on the boat. It’s best to assume there is no Wi-Fi and plan accordingly. Travelers should ensure they have all necessary connectivity before departing.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks on the Boat?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional food and drinks on the boat during the tour. The boat offers a full-service snack bar and bar where visitors can buy extra refreshments and meals as needed.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t specify any discounts for students or seniors. Participants should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any available discounts or special rates.

The Sum Up

The Princes Islands tour provides a scenic escape from Istanbul’s bustling city life. While reviews suggest some organizational issues, the opportunity to explore the largest island by electric car and enjoy a relaxing cruise with lunch makes this a worthwhile excursion for those seeking a tranquil day amidst nature and local culture. The tour offers a chance to experience the charm of this unique archipelago.