Istanbul: Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers

Leaving Istanbul for the Princes’ Islands is interesting because the day is mostly about being carried by water, then slowing down on islands where the pace is different. You’ll get ferry views of big-name sights from the sea, then spend real time walking, swimming, and taking in the car-free feel of Buyukada and Kınalıada.

I like that this tour handles the hardest logistics for you, including hotel pickup and drop-off (if you choose it), air-conditioned bus transport, ferry tickets, and lunch. I also like the “old-school boat” vibe and the live guide who helps you connect the dots between Istanbul and the islands.

One drawback to plan for: it’s not a deep, lecture-style history tour. You also need to go in with basic expectations for onboard food and facilities, and you may hear a lot more Arabic than English depending on the crew and the day.

Key Things That Make This Princes’ Islands Day Trip Worth It

• Ferry sightseeing from the water, including views of Topkapi Palace and Maiden’s Tower
• Two island stops in the Sea of Marmara, mainly Buyukada plus Kınalıada
• Lunch included, served so you can keep your day moving without extra meal hunting
• A car-free island experience on Buyukada, where you walk mansions, villas, and old streets
• Electric car time as an option on Buyukada (extra ticket required)
• Lively onboard energy on the boat, with music and even Turkish dancing on the return trip

Getting Out of Istanbul: Pickup, the Bus, and the Boat Name ASK

This is a full-day outing designed to get you off the city map without making you juggle tickets, transfers, and schedules. If you picked hotel pickup, you’ll meet the driver in the lobby about 10 minutes early, because the driver waits no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Once you’re onboard, you’ll ride to the pier by air-conditioned bus.

At the port, the setup is simple. When you arrive, show your ticket directly at the boat and step inside. The boat name is ASK. No ticket-print hunting, no extra paperwork run.

Then you settle in for the crossing. Expect a mix of relaxation and people-watching. Even before you reach the islands, the ferry route gives you a “sea-level Istanbul” view that you just don’t get from walking around the old city.

On the Water: Topkapi Palace, Leander’s Tower, Galata Tower, and the Return-Trip Fun

The ferry ride is a big part of the value here. In the highlights, you’re told to keep an eye out for Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, and Maiden’s Tower from the boat. In practice, that means you should spend the first stretch on deck, not with your head buried in your phone.

You’ll cruise past Topkapi Palace and Leander’s Tower as you head toward the islands. That matters because these are the sights you can spot while the city is still in your mind. Seeing them from the water turns them from “things you saw on postcards” into real geography.

And the trip doesn’t go dead quiet on the way back. One reviewer specifically called out the announcers or DJs on the return trip, with Turkish dancing that keeps the mood upbeat. If you like a day tour that feels like a shared experience instead of a quiet school trip, this part helps a lot.

Buyukada: The Car-Free Streets, Pine Air, and the Electric Car Add-On

Your first true island stop is Buyukada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. After about a 1.5-hour boat trip, you get off and start moving at island speed.

What I love about Buyukada is the way it strips away traffic anxiety. The island has streets without cars, so your walk feels calmer right away. You’ll pass old buildings, mansions, and villas belonging to local residents. It’s not a theme park. It feels like a place where people actually live, and that makes the strolling more satisfying.

What to do with your time on Buyukada depends on your energy level:

• If you want an easy pace, walk the old lanes near the coast and take your time with photo stops.
• If you want a beach break, you can head to sandy bays to swim and unwind.
• If you’d rather slow down under trees, there’s a pine forest walk option for calmer air and shade.

There’s also an electric car option on Buyukada. You can rent one to tour the island for around 25 minutes. It’s not included in the base price. You’ll need a separate roundtrip ticket, listed as 2€. I’d treat this as a convenience choice, not a must-do. If you’re comfortable walking and you’re more interested in the neighborhoods and shoreline, you can skip it. If the day feels too long for your legs, that short electric-car window can help you see more without exhausting yourself.

One practical tip from the reviews: there’s mention of cycling too, and the idea is that renting bikes directly from the tour setup may be pricier than going directly on the island. If you’re the type who loves covering ground, check costs locally before you commit.

Lunch on the Boat: How It Fits the Day and What to Expect

Lunch is included, and that’s a real plus for a tour that runs about 8 hours. You’re not stuck hunting down a late meal while everyone else is already boarding.

The lunch is served on the boat, which is smart because it keeps the schedule smooth. You get a break and you continue moving, with sea views while you eat.

Now the honest part: the included lunch is described as basic or “okay” by some, while others call it delicious with proper portions. So I’d file this under practical rather than gourmet. If you’re the kind of eater who needs complex flavors or lots of variety, plan to be mildly flexible and treat lunch as fuel for the islands, not the highlight of your trip.

Drinks are not included. That means you’ll want cash or a card plan in mind for water, soft drinks, or anything else you want during the day.

Kınalıada After Lunch: A Second Island Stop Without the Stress

After lunch, the tour continues with a calmer second island stop: Kınalıada, described as the second largest of the Princes’ Islands.

This stop tends to feel like the “second chapter” of the day. You already got your first island dose in Buyukada, so now your goal is more about relaxing and enjoying another pocket of the Sea of Marmara. The schedule is built so you’re not spending hours in transit between islands. You sail from one to the next, then return to Istanbul later.

Kınalıada gives you a chance to compare the feel of the islands with less effort. Since your day is already full of ferry time and walking time, this second stop helps justify the whole package. It’s basically: you get two island vibes rather than one long island that might leave you thinking, Okay, now what?

The Shopping Window and the Leather Goods Fashion Show Detour

On the way back, you get 30 minutes of free time for shopping. It’s short, but it’s better than nothing if you want a small souvenir or a quick snack stop before returning to your hotel.

Then there’s an extra stop connected to the tour timing. While waiting for your vehicle at the end of the tour, the group is taken to a leather goods fashion show free of charge. If you enjoy watching product demonstrations, great. If you hate sales energy, mentally prepare for it. It’s not described as optional, so I’d treat it as a time-filler you should not schedule anything important over.

Price and Logistics: Why $29 Can Work, and Where It May Fall Short

At $29 per person, the big story is value through inclusion. Your ticket typically covers:

• Air-conditioned bus transportation
• Ferry tickets and local taxes
• Lunch
• Hotel pickup and drop-off if you chose that option

That package matters because the Princes’ Islands can get pricey once you start adding ferry tickets, transfers, and meals separately. Here, you pay one lump and you get a structured day.

But the real-world tradeoffs show up in small details. Reviews point out:

• Toilet conditions are not good. Plan your expectations, and use restrooms when you can.
• Food can be mediocre to basic for some people. It’s included, but it’s not a top-tier dining experience.
• The informational content may not feel history heavy. The tour is more about making the trip easy than teaching you a deep Byzantine lecture.

Also note the language balance. The tour guide languages are listed as English and Arabic. One reviewer mentioned having Arabic mostly, with only limited English explanation. Another review praised a guide named Kardelen for good English and attentive care. So you may get a very helpful English experience, or you might mostly lean on the visual parts and follow along where you can.

Who This Day Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is a strong fit if you want an easy day away from Istanbul. I’d especially recommend it for:

• People who hate planning ferry schedules and transfers
• Travelers who want two islands in one day without doing it independently
• Anyone who likes a lively group atmosphere on the water, including music and dancing on the return

It’s not the best match if you want:

• A long, deeply detailed history tour with lots of structured commentary
• Premium food and clean facilities as part of the main experience
• A quiet, contemplative trip with minimal group energy

If your Turkish history appetite is high, you might pair this with a focused Istanbul day at a museum or two. Let the islands be about air, sea views, and slowing down.

Should You Book the Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers?

Yes, I’d book it if your main goal is a smooth day trip that buys you time and transport headaches solved. At $29 with lunch and ferry tickets included, this is one of those deals where paying separately would likely cost you more once you factor in time and logistics.

But book with the right expectations. Treat lunch as practical, not gourmet. Bring comfortable shoes, because you’ll be walking. And think of the island time as your payoff, not the depth of explanations.

If you want the car-free island experience plus sea views plus minimal planning, this tour hits the sweet spot. If you want a quiet, highly informative, sit-down-and-learn day, you may find the pace and onboard presentation a bit too casual.

FAQ

How long is the Princes’ Islands tour?

The tour duration is listed as 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Does the price include ferry tickets and taxes?

Yes. Ferry tickets and local taxes are included.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option.

Is the electric car included?

No. The electric car roundtrip ticket costs 2€ and is not included.

What happens at the end of the tour while waiting for transport?

While waiting for the vehicle at the end of the tour, the group is taken to a leather goods fashion show free of charge.