Princess Island Tour With Lunch & Ferry Ride

Featuring a serene ferry ride and a horse-drawn carriage tour, the Princess Island Tour offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

The Princess Island Tour is a popular excursion for visitors seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city of Istanbul. Embarking on this journey, guests can look forward to a scenic ferry ride, a leisurely horse-drawn carriage tour, and a delectable lunch – all while seeing the natural beauty of the largest Princess Island, Büyükada. With a knowledgeable guide by their side, travelers can uncover the island’s rich history and culture, leaving them intrigued and eager to explore further.

Key Points

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  • The Princess Island Tour explores the largest of the Princess Islands near Istanbul, Turkey, with highlights including Topkapı Palace and Kız Kulesi.
  • The tour includes transportation via horse-drawn carriage on Büyükada, beach time, and a round-trip ferry ride.
  • Bilingual guides provide commentary in English and Arabic, and hotel pickup and drop-off services are provided.
  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and the group size is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers.
  • Reviews indicate some issues with delayed pickup, deteriorated facilities, and unpleasant operator experiences, though the tour give you an engaging experience.

Tour Overview

The Princess Island Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the largest of the Princess Islands, located off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey.

This guided day tour highlights landmarks like Topkapı Palace and Kız Kulesi. Travelers will experience the islands by horse-drawn carriage on Büyükada and have ample beach time.

Bilingual tour guides provide commentary in both English and Arabic. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, round-trip ferry ride, local guide, lunch, and all fees and taxes.

However, gratuities and drinks beyond what’s specified aren’t included.

Inclusions

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The Princess Island Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, and a round-trip ferry ride to the islands.

A local guide who speaks both English and Arabic accompanies the group. Lunch is provided as part of the tour.

All necessary fees and taxes are covered in the price. Gratuities aren’t included, and drinks are only provided if specified.

This full-day tour offers a hassle-free way to explore the largest of the Princess Islands, with ample time allotted for beach visits and sightseeing.

Meeting and Pickup Details

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Pickup from various locations, including Taksim, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Old City, Piyalapasa, and Aksaray Hotels, is available for this tour.

The start time is 08:30 am, but the exact pickup time varies based on the hotel location.

Some key details:

  • Tour you will be picked up and dropped off at their hotels.

  • An air-conditioned vehicle will be used for transportation.

  • The tour includes a round trip ferry ride to the Princess Islands.

Tour Accessibility and Participation

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed.

Public transportation is nearby, making it easy for visitors to reach the meeting point. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Public transportation is nearby, making it easy for visitors to reach the meeting point. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Participants should be prepared for a moderate level of activity, as the tour involves walking and traveling by ferry and horse-drawn carriage.

While the tour may not accommodate all accessibility needs, it give you an engaging experience for a wide range of visitors.

Reviews and Feedback

How have past participants rated this tour? According to the provided information, the Princess Island Tour has an average rating of 3.5 out of 8 reviews.

While some key issues were noted, such as:

  • Delayed pickup without communication

  • Deteriorated bus and ferry facilities

  • Basic service and lack of entertainment

  • Unpleasant experiences with operators

The tour does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, which may provide some flexibility for potential participants.

What to Expect on the Tour

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Travelers can expect a full-day excursion to the largest of the Princess Islands, Büyükada, during the Princess Island Tour.

After a scenic ferry ride, they’ll explore the island’s main landmarks, including the historic Topkapı Palace and Kız Kulesi. A horse-drawn carriage ride offers a charming way to see the island’s sights.

The tour also includes ample time to enjoy the island’s beaches and relax. Lunch is provided, though drinks aren’t included.

While the tour provides an English and Arabic-speaking guide, accessibility is limited, and infants must sit on laps.

Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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To get the most out of the Princess Island Tour, visitors should prepare themselves for a full day of exploration and relaxation.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking around the island. Bring sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, as the islands can get quite sunny.

Plus, consider packing a light snack or water to enjoy during the ferry ride or while exploring the island.

With these simple tips, travelers can ensure they’ve an enjoyable and memorable experience on the Princess Islands.

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes

  • Bring sun protection

  • Pack a light snack or water

FAQ

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What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code. Participants are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, as the tour involves walking and exploring outdoor areas. Casual attire is generally suitable for this activity.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour provider doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Travelers with special dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any accommodations that can be made.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour doesn’t allow guests to bring their own food and drinks. Lunch is included in the tour package. Bringing outside food or beverages is generally not permitted, as the tour operator provides the meal as part of the experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 16 travelers. Larger groups are not permitted, as the tour is designed for a more intimate experience with individualized attention from the guide.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts or special offers. The price is listed as starting at $32.00 per person, and there’s no indication of additional savings or promotions being available.

Sum Up

The Princess Island Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Büyükada. With a scenic ferry ride, horse-drawn carriage journey, and delicious lunch, the tour provides a well-rounded experience. Guests can soak in the island’s charm while enjoying moderate walking, making it an engaging day of exploration and relaxation. With hotel pickup and drop-off, and a bilingual guide, the tour is an accessible and enjoyable way to discover this stunning island.