
Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 159 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer worth booking?
Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer is a 6-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $20 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 159 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (159)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $20 per person
Princess Island Tour gives you the opportunity to escape from the crowds of the city center, and visit the charming and picturesque Princess Islands. Feel the serenity of the setting, admire the quiet atmosphere, interact with the locals, and create some new memories. ✅ Escape from the busy streets and crowds of Istanbul for a full-day excursion to the Princes Islands. ✅ Get cruise in front of Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower and Maiden's Tower and glide across to reach the islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada. ✅ Learn about the princes of the Byzantine Empire who once relaxed on these islands as you discover the islands. ✅Enjoy free time to explore on your own, taking in the beaches and historic sites at your leisure before returning to Istanbul.
What you get
About this experience
Princess Island Tour gives you the opportunity to escape from the crowds of the city center, and visit the charming and picturesque Princess Islands. Feel the serenity of the setting, admire the quiet atmosphere, interact with the locals, and create some new memories. ✅ Escape from the busy streets and crowds of Istanbul for a full-day excursion to the Princes Islands. ✅ Get cruise in front of Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower and Maiden's Tower and glide across to reach the islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada. ✅ Learn about the princes of the Byzantine Empire who once relaxed on these islands as you discover the islands. ✅Enjoy free time to explore on your own, taking in the beaches and historic sites at your leisure before returning to Istanbul.
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 159 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
159 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Worst day trip ever
We were very disappointed. It was not what we expected. It wasn't a tour. It was just a ferry ride with hundreds of people. We were sat on hard plastic chairs at a table that was so crammed in you couldn't move. The noise levels from all these people....mostly locals....was horrendous and then they started to play very loud turkish music. We were dropped off at one island with no instructions on whete to go or what to do with our time there. Once back.on board, we were served with a pretty horrible lunch. Then dropped at the next island again with no instructions. We would have been better just getting the normal ferry across from Istanbul. They couldn't even be bothered to put rhe steps up to the boat ti get off. Everyone had to jump off. I complained as I can't jump with my bad knees and finally got the steps there to get off. With this many people on the boat, the toilets were putrid. On the trip back they statred trying to sell things to everybody then turned the music up loud and started to party. So many things wrong with this tour. Save your money and pay a bit more for something decent.
via Viator
Too Crowded and Not As Advertised. Just Take Local Ferry.
Too crowded and lunch was poor. Add said buffet lunch (it was not). Add said guided tour on islands (there was none). Can easily do this on your own by taking local ferry. Would not recommend.
Response from the operator: We are sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations. Please accept our sincere apologies. We will review the situation and promptly address your concerns, contacting the relevant teams to improve our services. If the issue is due to our error, we will be pleased to offer you appropriate compensation.
via Viator
Skip This Tour
Lots of driving for little in the way of interesting sights. Van was of poor quality w terrible seats. “Guide” didn’t really guide and just stayed around van. Provided little in the way of history or information. Reached out to tour company and must say they were supportive and committed to address. Offered another free tour as
Response from the operator: We are sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations. Please accept our sincere apologies. We will review the situation and promptly address your concerns, contacting the relevant teams to improve our services. If the issue is due to our error, we will be pleased to offer you appropriate compensation.
via Viator
Unsafe trip
Driver one hour late , tour guide no show, no seats on boat . Driver run red light!!!!
via Tripadvisor
Late and run red light driver! No show tour guide
One hour plus late pick up , driver run light!!!!!!!!! tour guide no show , no seats on ferry! All full, arrived princess island still can’t find tour guide! Pay for our own ferry ride back to istabul!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 56
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer cost?
+
Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer take?
+
Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 159 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer?
+
Around 56 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
+
On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What happens to Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer?
+
Across 159 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer.
Pick your date




