Princes Islands Tour From Istanbul Lunch Included

The Princes Islands, just a short boat ride from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, offer a serene escape for those seeking a peaceful day trip. Join a guided tour that includes a delightful lunch, and discover the charming towns, picturesque harbors, and rich cultural heritage of these idyllic islands. As you explore the tranquil streets and savor the local cuisine, you’ll find yourself wondering why you haven’t visited this hidden gem sooner.

Key Points

• A guided tour of the tranquil Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara, accessible only by boat from Istanbul.
• A scenic 30-45 minute boat crossing with stunning views of the Istanbul skyline and Asian shore.
• A guided walking tour through the charming island towns, exploring their culture, history, and daily life.
• A traditional Turkish lunch featuring meze platters, fresh seafood, and other local dishes.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off services from the Old City and Taksim, with a flexible cancellation policy.

Exploring the Princes Islands

What makes the Princes Islands such a captivating destination for visitors to Istanbul? These tranquil oases in the Sea of Marmara offer a respite from the bustling city.

Visitors can explore the car-free islands by foot, bicycle, or electric carriages, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and scenic vistas. Each island has its own distinct character, from the lush greenery and historic mansions of Büyükada to the laid-back charm of Kınalıada.

Travelers can wander through quaint villages, visit charming churches and monasteries, and savor fresh seafood at waterfront cafes.

The Princes Islands provide a unique glimpse into a gentler pace of life, just a stone’s throw from Istanbul.

Boat Crossing to the Islands

To reach the Princes Islands, visitors take a scenic boat crossing across the Sea of Marmara. The 30-45 minute ferry ride offers stunning views of the Istanbul skyline and the Asian shore in the distance.

Guests can enjoy the salty sea breeze and watch the waves as the boat glides across the waters. The crossing is an integral part of the tour experience, allowing visitors to truly enjoy the island’s tranquil atmosphere.

The journey includes:

1. Scenic views of the Istanbul coastline

2. Relaxing time on the open-air deck

3. Opportunity to admire the surrounding islands

4. Transition from the bustling city to the peaceful islands

Guided Tour of the Islands

Upon reaching the islands, the guided tour begins. A local guide leads the group to explore the charming towns and scenic landscapes.

Visitors stroll along the picturesque harbors, admiring the colorful houses and historic buildings. The guide shares insights into the islands’ culture, history, and daily life.

Travelers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, away from the bustling city. The guide navigates the group through winding streets, pointing out notable landmarks and the best spots for photos.

The tour allows visitors to enjoy the tranquil island lifestyle and gain a deeper appreciation for this unique destination.

Lunch and Local Cuisine

After exploring the picturesque towns, the tour includes a delightful lunch highlighting the local cuisine.

The meal typically features a selection of traditional Turkish dishes, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the Princes Islands.

The meal typically features a selection of traditional Turkish dishes, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the Princes Islands.

The lunch often includes:

1. Meze platters with various dips and appetizers

2. Fresh seafood dishes, showcasing the island’s coastal location

3. Hearty meat-based entrees, such as kebabs or stews

4. Seasonal vegetables and salads, complementing the main courses

This lunch provides a well-rounded culinary experience, immersing participants in the authentic flavors of the region.

Electric Car Carriage Ride

Following the delightful lunch, the tour continues with an electric car carriage ride through the quaint streets of the Princes Islands. This eco-friendly mode of transportation allows visitors to explore the islands’ charming neighborhoods and admire the stunning views at a leisurely pace.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Vehicles | Electric-powered, silent, and emission-free cars |

| Duration | Around 30-45 minutes |

| Experience | Relaxing, scenic, and informative as a local guide shares insights |

The electric car carriage ride is a unique and sustainable way to discover the Princes Islands, providing a memorable and environmentally-friendly addition to the overall tour experience.

Pickup and Drop-off Arrangements

The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul offers pickup and drop-off services to make the experience more convenient for participants.

The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul offers pickup and drop-off services to make the experience more convenient for participants.

Hotel pickup is available from the Old City and Taksim areas, with limited pickup from other zones (extra charge may apply).

The meeting point is at Cibali, and participants should be ready by 9:15 AM if they don’t require transfer. The tour ends at the same meeting point.

The tour has specific guidelines:

1. Pickup locations: Hotels in Old City and Taksim areas.

2. Limited pickup from other zones; extra charge may apply.

3. Meeting point: Cibali, 34083 Fatih/Istanbul.

4. Start time: 08:30 AM, be ready by 09:15 AM for those without transfer.

Accessibility and Group Size

The Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul is not wheelchair accessible, though it is located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. The maximum group size is 60 travelers.

| Accessibility | Participation |

|—————|————–|

| Not wheelchair accessible | Infants must sit on laps |

| Near public transportation | Maximum 60 travelers |

| | |

| | |

| | |

The tour’s accessibility and group size limitations ensure a comfortable and manageable experience for all participants. Travelers should keep these factors in mind when booking the Princes Islands Tour.

Cancellation Policy and Additional Information

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour also provides additional conveniences, such as:

1. Confirmation received at booking.

2. Guide contact information provided 1 day in advance.

3. Reviews indicate mixed experiences, with some highlighting delays in pickup and the quality of lunch.

4. Pickup locations are available in the Old City and Taksim areas, with limited options in other zones potentially incurring an extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to the tour details, guests can bring their own food and drinks. However, a full lunch is included in the tour price, so bringing one’s own may not be necessary.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour’s itinerary and duration are fixed. There’s no option to extend the tour. Guests must follow the scheduled activities and timings. Bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed, as lunch is included in the tour package.

Will There Be Any Stops for Shopping or Souvenir Purchases?

The tour does not include any scheduled stops for shopping or souvenir purchases. However, guests may have free time to explore the islands and potentially find local shops and vendors during the tour.

Can I Request a Specific Dietary Requirement for the Lunch?

Yes, you can request a specific dietary requirement for the lunch. The tour provider will accommodate your dietary needs if you inform them in advance. However, it’s best to confirm this directly with the tour operator before booking.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Group?

Yes, there’s a group discount available for the tour. The more people in the group, the greater the savings. Inquire about group rates when booking to take advantage of the discounted pricing.

The Sum Up

The Princes Islands tour from Istanbul offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy the serene island atmosphere, explore charming towns, and savor authentic Turkish cuisine, all while enjoying stunning views of the Istanbul skyline. It’s an ideal way to experience the tranquil island lifestyle and learn about the local culture.