Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip With Lunch

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip offers a chance to escape the bustling city and explore the serene Büyükada Island. Theres some good a scenic cruise with views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and savor a freshly prepared seafood lunch. While the tour provides convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, some visitors have reported issues with waiting times and crowded conditions. With optional activities like horse-drawn carriage tours and bike rentals, this excursion promises a unique experience for those seeking a respite from the urban hustle.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands, with a scenic boat cruise, buffet lunch, and optional activities like horse-drawn carriage tours.
• Highlights include views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, a visit to the traffic-free Buyukada Island, and free time for shopping or relaxation.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, and an onboard tour guide providing commentary.
• Guest reviews mention positive experiences with the scenic views and food quality, but also concerns about lengthy waiting times and crowded conditions.
• The tour runs from 9:30 AM to late afternoon, with a maximum of 99 travelers allowed, and costs start at $23.27 per person.

Overview of the Boat Trip

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip is a full-day excursion that takes visitors from Istanbul to explore the four traffic-free islands in the Sea of Marmara.

A full-day excursion from Istanbul to explore the four traffic-free Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara.

The tour, which has an average rating of 3.3/5 from 12 reviews, costs from $23.27 per person and runs from 9:30 AM to late afternoon.

With a maximum of 99 travelers, the trip includes hotel pickup, a boat cruise, a visit to Buyukada island, a horse-drawn carriage tour, and a buffet lunch.

Guests can also opt for bike rentals and electric buggy tickets.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Highlights of the Cruise

Highlights of the cruise include a small-group experience exploring the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara.

Travelers can take in views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.

The boat docks at the traffic-free Buyukada Island, where guests can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour.

Lunch is served on board, featuring fresh seafood.

Visitors have free time to shop for local goods or simply relax.

Optional activities like bike rentals and electric buggy rides are available for those seeking a more active adventure.

The cruise provides a chance to immerse in the island’s serene atmosphere.

Included Amenities and Services

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip includes a variety of amenities and services to enhance the overall experience. Guests can enjoy a buffet lunch served on the boat as they cruise through the Sea of Marmara. Plus, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the European side and city center, as well as a tour guide on board to provide commentary. While beverages are not included in the price, visitors can purchase drinks on the boat. The tour also offers optional activities like bike rentals and electric buggy tickets for exploring the islands.

| Inclusions | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Hotel pickup and drop-off |

| Boat Trip | Cruise to the Princes’ Islands |

| Dining | Buffet lunch on the boat |

| Tour Guide | Commentary provided on board |

| Activities | Bike rentals and electric buggy tickets available |

Meeting and Pickup Details

To access the meeting point for the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip, guests can take the T-5 tram from Sirkeci and get off at the Cibali stop, which is located near the Kadir Has University.

The meeting point is easily reachable, as the university is well-connected via public transportation.

The tour includes complimentary pickup service from hotels in the European side and city center, ensuring a hassle-free start to the day.

Guests should be at the meeting point by 9:30 AM to begin the boat trip and enjoy the scenic journey to the Princes’ Islands.

Guest Experiences and Ratings

Guests have provided a mix of feedback on their experiences with the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip.

Positive reviews highlight the scenic views, friendly atmosphere, and well-organized nature of the tour. Some noted the good food and enjoyable onboard music.

However, negative comments mention lengthy waiting times for transfers and disorganization on the boat. Guests also felt misled about the advertised horse-drawn carriage tour, which was replaced by golf carts.

Concerns were raised about crowded conditions and a lack of clear communication from the crew.

Accessibility and Additional Information

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available for families.

Drinks aren’t included in the tour price, and guests must pay extra charges for beverages on board.

While the tour guide provides limited announcements in English, the primary language used is Turkish.

The tour includes opportunities to browse and purchase local goods during the island visits.

What to Expect on the Tour

As participants embark on the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip, they can expect a scenic cruise through the Sea of Marmara, offering breathtaking views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

The tour includes visits to four traffic-free islands, with a stop at Buyukada, where travelers can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour. Lunch is provided on the boat, featuring a buffet of local seafood dishes.

Throughout the day, guests can explore the islands, shop for souvenirs, and relax. While the experience is generally well-organized, past reviews suggest potential issues with crowding and communication, so travelers should be prepared for a lively, but potentially busy, tour.

FAQ

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

Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour package includes a buffet lunch, but extra charges apply for any beverages purchased separately on board.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, the tour duration is fixed at a full-day trip starting at 9:30 AM. There’s no option to extend the duration. The itinerary and inclusions are predetermined, and the tour typically lasts the entire day without any extensions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Trip?

There are no age restrictions for the boat trip. The tour is open to travelers of all ages, though infant seats are available for those with young children. Participants must be able to board and disembark the boat independently.

What Is the Dress Code Recommended for the Excursion?

The dress code for the excursion is casual and comfortable. Visitors are advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes as the boat trip involves some walking on the islands. Swimwear may also be appropriate for those wishing to swim.

Can I Get a Refund if I Miss the Pickup Time?

Travelers can generally receive a refund if they miss the pickup time, as long as they cancel the reservation at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. However, refund policies may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator.

Sum Up

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the serene Buyukada Island, with scenic views of Istanbul’s landmarks. While the tour includes a relaxing buffet lunch and optional activities, some guests have reported issues with waiting times and crowded conditions. The trip promises a memorable experience, though visitors should be aware of potential challenges.