Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip With Lunch

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip offers a truly unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the serene, car-free environment of the Princes’ Islands. Departing from the heart of Istanbul, this small-group cruise takes passengers on a journey across the tranquil waters of the Sea of Marmara, affording them stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks. But the real gem of this excursion lies in the chance to explore the enchanting Buyukada, the largest of the islands, where visitors can indulge in a delectable seafood lunch and perhaps even discover a hidden gem that’s…

About Your Stay

• A full-day excursion to the traffic-free Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, offering views of Istanbul landmarks and a stop at Buyukada for a horse-drawn carriage tour and seafood lunch.
• The archipelago provides a serene, car-free environment near Istanbul, with Buyukada featuring Victorian-style mansions and tranquil roads to explore.
• The leisurely cruise showcases stunning vistas of Istanbul’s iconic sites, including Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, while the onboard experience includes amenities like a buffet-style lunch.
• Transportation arrangements include hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a meeting point at Kadir Has University accessible via the T-5 tram.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with some guests enjoying the scenic views and friendly atmosphere, while others experienced issues with disorganization, crowded conditions, and inadequate service.

Overview of the Boat Trip

This Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip offers visitors a full-day excursion to explore the tranquil, traffic-free islands in the Sea of Marmara.

Operated by All Tours Istanbul-Azure, the tour departs from Istanbul at 9:30 AM and takes guests on a small-group cruise to the Princes’ Islands. Along the way, travelers can admire views of iconic Istanbul landmarks like Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.

The tour includes a stop at Buyukada, the largest of the four islands visited, where activities like a horse-drawn carriage tour, lunch at a local fish restaurant, and free time for shopping and relaxation are available.

Priced from €22 per person, this full-day experience provides an opportunity to discover the unique charm of these car-free havens just off the bustling city of Istanbul.

Exploring the Princes’ Islands

The Princes’ Islands, a captivating archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, offer visitors a chance to enjoy a serene, car-free environment just a short boat ride from the bustling streets of Istanbul. During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore the largest of the four islands, Büyükada, with its charming horse-drawn carriages and picturesque streets lined with Victorian-style mansions.

Activity	Details
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour	Explore the island’s tranquil roads and scenic vistas from the comfort of a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
Lunch at a Fish Restaurant	Savor a delectable seafood meal while taking in the island’s serene ambiance.
Free Time	Wander the charming streets, browse local shops, or relax on the beach.
Other Islands	Though the primary stop is Büyükada, the boat trip also provides glimpses of the archipelago’s other traffic-free islets.

Highlights of the Cruise

The leisurely cruise to the Princes’ Islands offers travelers a unique opportunity to soak in the stunning vistas of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

Along the way, guests can spot the majestic Topkapi Palace, the iconic Hagia Sophia, and the captivating Blue Mosque from the comfort of the boat.

Upon arrival at the islands, visitors can explore the traffic-free islets, with Buyukada as the primary stop. Here, they can enjoy a traditional Turkish fish lunch, take a horse-drawn carriage tour, and indulge in some free time for shopping, strolling, or relaxing on the beach.

The boat trip provides a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of this enchanting region.

Onboard Experience and Amenities

The boat used for the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip is a small-group, comfortable vessel equipped with essential amenities.

Once aboard, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks like the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque from the boat’s outdoor decks.

Inside, the boat features a cozy indoor lounge area with ample seating, allowing travelers to relax and take in the scenic voyage.

A buffet-style lunch is served on the boat, providing a chance to sample local Turkish cuisine while admiring the passing islands.

Getting to and From the Tour

Conveniently, the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip provides hotel pickup and drop-off services for guests staying at selected hotels on the European side of Istanbul and in the city center. This allows for a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.

The meeting point is at Kadir Has University in the Cibali neighborhood, which is accessible via the T-5 tram from Sirkeci. Travelers can follow these steps to reach the tour start:

1. Take the T-5 tram from Sirkeci station.
2. Alight at the Kadir Has University stop.
3. Look for the tour group at the designated meeting area.

The comprehensive transportation arrangements ensure a stress-free journey to and from the Princes’ Islands boat tour.

Considerations for Travelers

When embarking on the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip, travelers should consider several factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but infant seats are available. With a maximum capacity of 99 travelers, the boat can feel crowded at times. Some reviewers noted issues with disorganization and poor communication from the crew.

While the included buffet lunch receives praise, optional activities like bike rentals and electric buggy tickets come with additional costs. Travelers should also be aware that the horse-drawn carriage tour may not always be available due to local regulations.

Customer Feedback and Impressions

Travelers’ impressions of the Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip were mixed, with both positive and negative reviews. Some guests enjoyed the scenic views, friendly atmosphere, and good food.

However, others complained about disorganization, crowded conditions, and inadequate service. Issues with the horse-drawn carriage availability and communication from the crew were also noted.

The host addressed these concerns, emphasizing that certain aspects were communicated prior to booking.

The key takeaways from customer feedback include:

1. Positive experiences included scenic views, friendly atmosphere, and satisfactory food.
2. Negative experiences involved disorganization, crowded conditions, and poor communication.
3. The host acknowledged and responded to customer complaints.

Questions About Staying Here

Is the Cruise Wheelchair Accessible?

The cruise is not wheelchair accessible, according to the information provided. However, infant seats are available for this experience that has a maximum capacity of 99 travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Boat?

The customer is generally not allowed to bring their own food on the boat. The tour package includes a buffet lunch served on the boat, so bringing outside food is typically not permitted. Most boat tour operators have policies against outside food and beverages for catering and safety reasons.

Do I Need to Book the Horse-Drawn Carriage in Advance?

The horse-drawn carriage on Buyukada island is an optional activity, and it’s not necessary to book it in advance. However, availability may be limited, so it’s recommended to inquire about it with the tour provider prior to the trip.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Islands After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay on the islands after the tour. The boat trip is a full-day excursion, but travelers are free to remain on the islands and explore further once the guided portion is complete.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, the tour provider offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 6 can join the tour for free, while those aged 6-12 receive a 50% discount. Seniors aged 65+ also get a 10% discount on the tour price.

Worth The Stay

The Istanbul Princes’ Islands Boat Trip offers a delightful way to experience the tranquility of the Princes’ Islands. Guests can enjoy stunning views, a horse-drawn carriage tour, and a delicious seafood lunch, all while exploring the car-free environment of Büyükada. Priced at just €22 per person, this small-group cruise is a memorable and affordable way to explore the beauty of the Sea of Marmara.