The Definitive Guide to taking a Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch in Istanbul

To fully experience the beauty of Istanbul and its surrounding areas, it makes sense to spend a full day touring Princes Island. With its beach-side eateries, and majestic architecture, the island will transport you to a unique and exciting atmosphere, which is entirely different than what you experience in the city centre of Istanbul.

This guide is developed to answer any questions you may have as you prepare to embark on a Princes Island Tour during your stay in Istanbul. We will cover the essential information such as when to go, what to bring, and where to book, offering you valuable tips from our experience and suggesting a top package for you. So let us get started!

When is the Best Time to Visit Princes Island?

Princes Island is a popular destination both in summertime and wintertime. During the summer months, visitors flock to the four islands comprising the Princes Islands chain (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada) for swimming, snorkeling, and sunny days at the beach. However, wintertime can be equally thrilling, as fog often covers the islands, creating a beautiful, other-worldly atmosphere ideal for dreamlike holiday photos.

The summer months usually bring higher temperatures, as well as large crowds. For this reason, many people prefer visiting in wintertime, when there are far fewer tourists and hotel prices usually follow suit. Although temperatures tend to be cooler, it’s a great opportunity to explore the historical churches and stunning mansions that the island is famous for.

What is included in a Princes Island Tour?

A Princes Island Tour typically includes round-trip boat transportation from the Kabataş or Bağcılar docks, a visit to all four islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada), lunch at a waterfront restaurant (depending on the tour package you choose), and a professional tour guide who can explain the rich history of the islands. Many packages also offer stops at local cafes and shops where you can sample some of the delicious Turkish cuisine, discover unique souvenirs and explore stunning locations such as the Aya Yorgi Church on Büyükada Island and the old tradition of carriage rides around the island.

What Should I Bring on my Princes Island Tour?

Since your time on Princes Island may involve some physical activities depending on your itinerary (like carriage rides or swimming), you should bring ample clothing that is suitable for the season. It’s a good idea to bring sneakers or other comfortable shoes for walking around, a hat for protecting your head from the sun, sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare off the water, and a light raincoat or windbreaker in case it rains or gets windy. A sunscreen is always a good idea as well.

Your camera is also an essential tool in capturing memories of your trip. Make sure you bring extra batteries and memory cards if you plan to take lots of pictures. Finally, if you plan to swim, some board shorts or swimming costume may be necessary.

Where Can I Book a Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch?

The internet has many reliable sources where you can book such full-day tours with ease. We recommend GetYourGuide, which offers multiple full packages for experiencing all that Princes Island has to offer. They have reliable availability and great customer service for their all their various packages –including full-day touring with lunch –at competitive prices.

Booking with them ensures that you will have an unforgettable experience on Princes Island with no stress or headaches. Furthermore, GetYourGuide provides flexible timeframes; you can customize your tour so that it fits your schedule perfectly.

My Opinion

I had an absolutely fantastic experience on my full day tour of Princes Island with GetYourGuide when I was visiting Istanbul last summer! As soon as I arrived at Kabataş dock, I was met with a friendly guide who provided so much useful information about the rich history and culture of the islands. After we roamed around Burgazada and explore Kınalıada, our luncheon by the beach was simply luxurious; my friends and I spent hours just chatting away while looking out at the beautiful view! To top it off, our carriage ride around Büyükada was nothing short of magical –it truly felt like a real fairytale.

If you’re looking for an unbeatable experience on one of Istanbul’s most beautiful historic sites, then I cannot recommend this full-day tour enough! With its stunning landscapes and friendly locals, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t forget!

To make sure you get the most of your full-day Princes Island Tour with lunch inIstanbul, I highly suggest booking through GetYourGuide, so that your experience will go smoothly without any hiccups or unexpected problems. Whether you plan to explore with family or friends –or even by yourself– you’re sure to have an amazing time that you won’t forget anytime soon!