Istanbul: Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers

The best part of this day is the change of pace. You leave Istanbul’s traffic behind, watch Topkapi Palace and Maiden’s Tower slide past from the ferry, then spend time among old villas, pine trees, and quiet coastal roads. I like the generous full-day format and the simple price of $29, which covers transport, ferry tickets, and lunch. The main catch is that you spend many hours on the boat, while stops on the islands can feel short.

I also like the lively onboard atmosphere, especially on the return sailing, when music and Turkish dancing may turn the ferry into a party. Just keep your expectations sensible: lunch is basic, the toilets may be poor, and this is more a relaxed island outing than a detailed history tour.

Key points to know before booking

• Two island stops, but check the exact route: The detailed schedule names Buyukada and Kınalıada, while the overview also refers to Heybeliada.
• The ferry ride is part of the experience: Allow roughly 1.5 hours each way, with Istanbul landmarks visible from the water.
• Buyukada gives you the most time and choice: Walk, swim, visit the pine forest, or pay about €2 for the optional electric car ride.
• Lunch is included but modest: Drinks cost extra, and the meal is best viewed as practical fuel rather than a dining event.
• The atmosphere is lively: Arabic and English are used, and music may be a major part of the ride back.
• The tour is strong on convenience, not deep guiding: It handles transport and tickets well, but history commentary may be limited.

Leaving Istanbul by ferry

This tour begins with a hotel pickup if you choose that option. You wait in your lobby 10 minutes before the arranged time, and the driver is scheduled to wait no more than five minutes. The air-conditioned bus takes you to the port, where you board the boat named ASK. If you arrange your own way to the pier, you can show your ticket at the boat and enter directly.

The opening stretch is one of the most enjoyable parts. From the water, you can see Istanbul from a different angle, including Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, and Maiden’s Tower. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours, so bring a camera, wear comfortable clothes, and choose a place on deck if you want the clearest views.

You should think of this as a proper day on the water, not a quick transfer to the islands. That is good news if you enjoy the motion of a boat, open views, and a social atmosphere. It is less appealing if you want to maximize time ashore or dislike long rides.

Refreshments are available to purchase on the boat, but drinks are not included. Bring cash for drinks, personal purchases, the electric car, and anything else you might want during the day.

Buyukada: old villas and car-free streets

Buyukada is the largest of the Princes’ Islands and the main stop of the day. It has old buildings, large villas, coastal paths, and local homes. The lack of regular cars gives the island a calmer feel than central Istanbul, although the island can still be busy around the arrival area.

A walk through the streets is the easiest way to enjoy the setting. Look for the older homes and the contrast between grand villas and ordinary island life. You are not simply passing through a museum district. This is a lived-in place, and that makes the visit more interesting.

The island also offers several ways to spend your free time:

• Walk along the coast and around the older streets.
• Visit the pine forest for a quieter setting.
• Go to one of the sandy bays for swimming and rest.
• Rent a bicycle independently if you want to cover more ground.
• Pay about €2 for the optional round-trip electric car ride.

The electric car is useful if you want a short island overview without walking far. The ride lasts around 25 minutes. You should not assume it replaces a full guided tour, though. It is best treated as a quick way to see more of Buyukada and get a feel for its roads and scenery.

If you prefer cycling, ask about prices on the island before renting through the tour arrangements. One practical tip is that bicycle rentals on Buyukada may cost less directly on the island than through a guide. Bring comfortable shoes even if you plan to cycle, since the day still includes walking at the port and around the stops.

A small look at island history

The Princes’ Islands have long been linked with the Byzantine Empire, when princes and other members of the ruling family were sent there. The tour uses that background to explain why these islands matter, but you should not expect a long historical lecture at every stop.

One especially unusual sight is a pharmacy dating from 1870. It gives the visit a time-capsule quality, particularly when paired with the older houses and quiet streets. Details like this are easy to miss if you only stay near the waterfront, so pay attention during the walking portion.

The guiding varies in depth. English and Arabic are listed as the tour languages, and the guide Kardelen has been praised for clear English, good organization, and staying available for questions. At other times, the commentary may lean more toward Arabic, with only brief English explanations from a crew member. If historical detail is your main reason for visiting, this limitation matters.

If your priority is making the journey easy, the lighter commentary may not bother you. You are still getting transport, island access, and a general introduction. But if you want a detailed account of Byzantine politics, island architecture, and local life, you may want to read up beforehand.

Lunch on the boat

Lunch is served on the boat, with views of the islands from the sea. This arrangement saves time and means you do not need to search for a restaurant during the tour. It also keeps the group together and makes the schedule easier to manage.

The food is described as basic, with portions considered reasonable for the cost. Some people find it perfectly acceptable, while others may find it mediocre. I would plan for a practical meal rather than a Turkish food highlight.

Drinks are not included, so carry cash. You may also want a snack if you have a large appetite or are particular about lunch. The value of the meal is not its culinary quality. It is the convenience of having food provided during a long day that includes ferry travel.

The boat itself is part of the social experience. Music, announcements, and Turkish dancing can make the return trip lively, especially if you enjoy an outgoing group setting. This is not a quiet sailing with soft commentary. The sound and energy may be fun, but anyone hoping for a peaceful ride should choose a seat away from the main activity if possible.

The second island and a short shopping stop

After Buyukada, the tour visits a second island. The detailed schedule identifies Kınalıada as the second stop, while the general description also names Heybeliada. Since the exact island sequence may change, check the confirmed route when you book or at the start of the day.

The second stop is described as quieter and more tranquil than the main visit. It gives you another taste of the Princes’ Islands, but the time ashore can be limited. You will get a sense of the island rather than a long, unhurried exploration.

This is where the itinerary’s tradeoff becomes clear. Visiting two islands sounds generous, but much of the eight-hour day is spent sailing. You see more places, yet each stop receives less time. If you want a slow afternoon in one island village, a single-island excursion may suit you better. If you like variety and do not mind a schedule, this two-stop plan works well.

On the return to Istanbul, there is about 30 minutes of free time for shopping. Treat this as a brief pause, not a major shopping session. The tour also includes a free leather goods fashion show while you wait for the vehicle at the end. You do not pay an extra admission fee for that stop, but it does add a commercial element to the day. If you are not interested, simply factor it into the return timing.

What $29 really gets you

At $29 per person, this is a strong value if you want the logistics handled. The price includes ferry tickets, local taxes, lunch, and air-conditioned bus transport when hotel pickup is selected. It also gives you access to two island stops without arranging the port, tickets, or return journey yourself.

The cost is especially appealing for visitors who want an easy break from Istanbul without paying for a private guide. You are buying transport and structure more than luxury or detailed instruction. The boat may be busy, lunch is modest, and the day has a mass-tour feel.

The optional electric car ticket costs about €2. That is a small extra charge, but it is worth knowing before you arrive. Bicycle rental, drinks, and personal purchases are also outside the main price.

Hotel pickup is optional, which gives you some flexibility. Pickup makes sense if you prefer not to work out the port transfer early in the morning. Going directly to the pier may suit you if you are staying near the departure point and want to avoid waiting for a group vehicle.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those policies are useful if your Istanbul schedule is still changing.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a low-cost change of scenery and like having transport arranged. It suits first-time visitors who want to see the Princes’ Islands without piecing together ferries and local connections.

It is also a good fit for families and mixed-age groups, since you can choose between walking, sitting by the water, taking an electric car, or stopping for lunch. The car-free streets and open spaces give you a break from central Istanbul traffic.

You will probably enjoy it if you like music and a social atmosphere. The return ferry may include Turkish dancing and lively announcements, and the crew is described as friendly and energetic. Arabic-speaking visitors may find the onboard atmosphere especially comfortable, though English support is available.

I would think twice if your ideal excursion means maximum time on land, silent ferry rides, or detailed historical talks. The island stops are relatively short, and the guide service may not provide the same amount of English information throughout the day.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Wear shoes you can walk in for several hours. Even if you take the electric car, you will move between the ferry, streets, waterfront areas, and meeting points.

Bring cash. You may need it for drinks, the €2 electric car ticket, bicycle rental, small purchases, and other personal expenses. A camera is worthwhile for the ferry views and old island houses.

Keep an eye on the meeting instructions. With hotel pickup, wait in the lobby 10 minutes early. Without pickup, the boat is named ASK, and you can show your ticket at the pier.

Do not plan a separate major activity for the evening. The advertised duration is eight hours, and the ferry rides plus the return transfer make this a full day. It is better to treat the outing as your main event rather than squeeze it between museum visits.

Finally, confirm which second island is included. The supplied details use both Heybeliada and Kınalıada, so the final route may depend on the day’s arrangements. That small check can prevent confusion.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an affordable, organized day away from Istanbul and you are happy to trade long ferry rides for island variety. The strongest points are the price, included transport, pleasant sea views, Buyukada’s old villas and car-free roads, and the fun onboard atmosphere.

Choose another option if you want a quiet private outing, a gourmet lunch, or serious historical guiding. For most people, the right expectation is simple: this is a practical island day with music, scenery, a basic meal, and limited free time. At $29, that is a fair deal, as long as you know you are paying for access and convenience rather than luxury.

FAQ

How long does the Princes’ Islands tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including transfers, ferry travel, island visits, lunch, and the return journey to Istanbul.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The detailed schedule names Buyukada and Kınalıada. The general tour information also mentions Heybeliada, so you should confirm the exact second island when booking or before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

What is the name of the boat?

The boat is named ASK. If you go directly to the pier, you can show your ticket at the boat and enter.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served on the boat. Drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.

Are ferry tickets included?

Yes. Ferry tickets and local taxes are included in the tour price.

Is the electric car ride included?

No. The round-trip electric car ticket costs about €2. It is an optional extra.

What languages are used on the tour?

The tour is offered with English and Arabic guides. The amount of English commentary may vary during the day.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.