Full Day Princes Islands Tour ( Private )

The Princes Islands, a captivating archipelago just off the coast of Istanbul, offer a unique escape from the bustling city. A full-day private tour of these serene islands, with a focus on the largest, Buyukada, promises a delightful experience. Visitors can expect a scenic boat ride, a comprehensive bus tour, and opportunities for walking and biking, all while immersed in the island’s historic architecture and lush landscapes. This tour presents an intriguing opportunity to explore a car-free haven and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s distinct charm.

Key Points

• A private, full-day excursion to the car-free island of Buyukada, the largest of the Princes Islands, with an English-speaking local guide.
• Includes transportation via boat and bus tour, along with opportunities for walking and biking, as well as a lunch at a restaurant on the island.
• Highly rated by previous travelers, with a 4.9 score based on 49 reviews, making it a highly recommended activity for Istanbul visitors.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off options, ensuring convenience and ease for travelers, with the tour operating daily from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
• Offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Istanbul, allowing for immersion in the island’s tranquil atmosphere and well-preserved late 19th-century architecture.

Tour Overview

The Princes Islands Tour is a full-day private excursion that allows travelers to explore the car-free island of Buyukada at their own pace, accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.

The tour includes transportation via boat, a bus tour of the island, and a visit to local attractions. Guests can enjoy walking and biking on the island, as well as a lunch with alternatives at a restaurant.

The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities. With a 4.9 rating based on 49 reviews, the Princes Islands Tour is a highly recommended experience for those visiting Istanbul.

Inclusions

Included in the Princes Islands Tour are coffee and/or tea, an island tour via bus, an English-speaking local tour guide, boat tickets, and lunch with alternatives at the island restaurant. The tour also includes an air-conditioned private vehicle for transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off service, and gratuities. This comprehensive package ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Tour Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Private vehicle for transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off
Guides	English-speaking local tour guide
Activities	Island tour via bus, walking, biking
Meals	Lunch with alternatives at the island restaurant
Extras	Coffee/tea, boat tickets, gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

How is the meeting and pickup arranged for the Princes Islands Tour?

For convenience, the tour includes private vehicle pickup from the specified location at the time of booking. Alternatively, guests can choose to meet the guide at Piers 1-2 and 3.

After the tour, the private vehicle will drop off guests at their preferred location.

The tour provides the following pickup and drop-off options:

• Private vehicle pickup from specified location
• Option to meet guide at Piers 1-2 and 3
• Private vehicle drop-off at preferred location after the tour

Schedule and Availability

The Princes Islands Tour is available for booking from July 18, 2022 to February 27, 2026.

The tour operates daily, with pickups and drop-offs provided between 9:00 AM and 11:30 PM. Guests have the flexibility to choose their preferred schedule and pickup location, whether at their hotel or at Piers 1-3.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing convenience for travelers.

The tour’s schedule and availability cater to the needs of visitors, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience exploring the Princes Islands.

Pricing and Reviews

The Princes Islands Tour offers a starting price of $85.23 per person, with the exact cost varying based on group size.

The tour has received an impressive 4.9 rating based on 49 reviews.

Positive traveler feedback highlights several unique experiences, including:

• The scenic ferry ride to the islands
• Exploring the car-free Buyukada at one’s own pace with a local guide
• Visiting a charming museum and indulging in local ice cream during the tour

Exploring Buyukada

What makes Buyukada, the largest of the Princes Islands, such a captivating destination for visitors? The car-free island offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Istanbul.

Visitors can explore the island’s scenic beauty by foot or bike, taking in the charming sights of historic mansions, quaint churches, and lush vegetation.

The island’s main attraction is its well-preserved late 19th century architecture, a legacy of the wealthy Greek and Armenian families who built summer homes here.

With its laid-back atmosphere and unique character, Buyukada invites travelers to enjoy the tranquil island life.

Highlights of the Princes Islands

Venturing beyond the tranquil island of Buyukada, the Princes Islands offer an array of compelling highlights that captivate visitors.

The islands boast a rich cultural heritage, with historic Greek Orthodox monasteries and ornate mansions dotting the landscape. Visitors can explore the car-free streets by bike or on foot, seeing the islands’ laid-back atmosphere.

Plus, the islands’ scenic natural beauty, including secluded beaches and lush pine forests, provide ample opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

From the ferry ride to the local cuisine, the Princes Islands promise a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

• Historic Greek Orthodox Monasteries
• Car-free Biking and Walking Paths
• Scenic Natural Beauty and Beaches

Getting to the Princes Islands

Conveniently located just off the coast of Istanbul, the Princes Islands are easily accessible via a scenic ferry ride from the city’s main piers.

Visitors have the option to either meet the tour guide at the piers or arrange for private pick-up from their hotel or specified location.

Once at the pier, guests board a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle for the short transfer to the ferry terminal.

The ferry ride itself offers stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Istanbul skyline, setting the stage for a memorable day exploring the car-free, tranquil Princes Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

The attire should be comfortable and suitable for the activities. Casual clothing, walking shoes, and a light jacket or sweater are recommended for the varying weather conditions and terrain on the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it is recommended to check with the tour operator as some may provide meals or have restrictions on outside food and beverages.

How Long Is the Ferry Ride to the Islands?

The ferry ride to the Princes Islands typically takes between 40-60 minutes, depending on the specific island destination. The duration of the ferry journey allows visitors to take in the scenic views of the Bosporus Strait.

Are There Restrooms Available on the Islands?

The Princes Islands in Istanbul have public restrooms available throughout the islands. Visitors can access restroom facilities at various locations during their exploration of the car-free islands by walking or biking.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions specified for this tour. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, allowing families and individuals to explore the Princes Islands at their own pace with a knowledgeable local guide.

The Sum Up

The Princes Islands Tour offers a chance to escape the bustling city of Istanbul and explore the largest of the car-free Princes Islands, Buyukada. Accompanied by a local guide, visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride, a comprehensive bus tour, and opportunities for walking and biking, while also savoring a delicious local lunch and taking in the island’s historic architecture and lush landscapes.