Istanbul Princess Island Tour Include Lunch and Island Car Trip

Büyükada is the easy day trip fix. This Princes’ Islands tour pairs a long Marmara Sea ferry ride with car-free island time, so you get the escape without wrestling transit on your own. Büyükada is the star, and the licensed guide keeps the day moving in a sensible, story-filled way.

I especially like two things: you get round-trip ferry tickets plus lunch included, and the group stays small (maximum 20), which makes the day feel personal instead of hectic. You also get an island car option, so you can cover more ground even if you are not in hiking mode.

One possible drawback to plan for: the itinerary includes a leather shop stop, and lunch drinks are not included. If you are sensitive to cat activity around the lunch spot, that is worth taking seriously too.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Kabataş ferry start makes the day feel simple and scenic from minute one
• Small group cap of 20 means fewer people to manage during transfers
• Car-free Büyükada time plus an optional electric car shortcut for comfort
• Lunch at Fortunato is Turkish-set-menu style, drinks usually extra
• Leather shop visit is scheduled, so decide in advance how much time you want to spend

Why this Princes Islands tour feels easier than DIY

This is one of those Istanbul day trips that saves you effort. You leave with a clear plan, a licensed guide, and the big transport pieces already handled, meaning less hunting for docks, tickets, and timing.

The value is strongest if you want a guided day but still want time to wander on your own once you arrive. With a maximum of 20 people, you are not stuck in a huge crowd the whole time, and it is easier to regroup after ferry stops.

You also avoid a common DIY problem: ferry schedules, docking points, and island routes can be confusing if it is your first time. Here, you follow a ready-made flow from Dentur Avrasya Kabataş İskelesi to Büyükada and back.

Morning logistics at Kabataş, and what the 8:00am start means

Most days, the tour starts at 8:00am, with pickup offered. The guide meets you by holding a red flag signboard, so you can spot them quickly and avoid that stressful port chaos moment.

In real life, morning timing matters. If your hotel pickup is impacted by road closures, it can shift, but the tour is designed to start and finish around the promised window as weather and local conditions allow.

You should also plan for a long day clock. At about 9 hours, this is not a half-day stroller stroll, so set your expectations for a full island outing with ferry time that eats up a big chunk of your day.

The Marmara Sea ferry ride, photo stops, and how to use the water time

The ferry leg is a big part of the fun, not just a means to an end. From Kabataş, you take a scenic ride across the Marmara Sea, passing smaller islands along the way, with plenty of chances for photos.

One nice touch is that the ferry can stop briefly at other islands for passenger pickup and drop-off. That means your windows of photo time are still active, even if the boat is not straight through the whole way.

A practical tip: bring something for comfort on deck time. Even if the ride sounds simple, you will be spending a lot of it outdoors or near open areas, and the wind can change how cold you feel.

And yes, you should expect the ferry ride times to vary slightly by day. What stays consistent is the rhythm: you ride out, you arrive ready for island exploration, then you ride back with views the whole way.

Büyükada Tabiat Parkı and the optional electric car shortcut

Once you reach the island side, there is a short stop at Büyükada Tabiat Parkı. If your option includes it, you get a quick island ride on an electric car, about 25 minutes, which helps you cover key areas without spending all your energy on getting around.

This matters because Büyükada has a classic car-free feel, which is part of why people come. On the island, you mainly travel by walking or on small electric vehicles, so the electric car ride functions like a helpful “get oriented” segment.

Still, it is worth being honest about the trade-off. The electric vehicle is fast enough that you may not catch every photo you want from the window, and some people prefer to save their photo time for the walking parts.

If you are the type who likes a calm pace, the best strategy is to do the electric ride for orientation, then save your slow wandering for your free time.

Exploring Büyükada: car-free streets, shopping stops, and the viewpoint walk

Your visit on the island is built around real free time. You will have about 2 hours to explore Büyükada, including browsing small shops and soaking up the quiet car-free streets.

The island’s charm is practical, not just pretty. You get a break from dense city traffic, and the walking experience feels easy because the streets are geared for pedestrians.

If your group is in that mode, you may also get a viewpoint walk that takes you toward St. George Orthodox Monastery. Several guides escort the group up for the views, and it is described as a relatively inclined path, so wear shoes that can handle uneven footing and consider bringing water.

This is also where a guide adds real value. Guides such as Hamza and Ege are mentioned as giving clear explanations and keeping the day organized while still leaving room for you to wander. If you like a mix of structure and freedom, this balance is the whole point of the tour.

Lunch at Fortunato Cafe&Restaurant, set-menu style, and the cats note

Lunch is included at Fortunato Cafe&Restaurant for about 45 minutes. The meal is typically set-menu style with a good range of Turkish dishes, so you are not stuck choosing from a complex menu in a rush.

Two important, real-world details: soft drinks are not included, and lunch drinks are usually an extra cost. Also, there is a potential health and comfort issue for some people, because cats can hang around the restaurant and even get close while you eat.

If you have cat allergies, plan carefully. You might want to ask the guide in advance whether your lunch location is cat-friendly that day, or bring antihistamine if that is part of your normal routine.

Bottom line: the lunch itself is often praised for being fresh and filling, and you still get time to explore after eating. Just go in prepared for the cat reality and bring cash or a card for drinks.

The leather shop stop at Levinson Fur and Leather, and how to handle it

After you return to Istanbul, the day includes a short visit to Levinson Fur & Leather. It lasts about 30 minutes, and it can feel sales-focused, even if you are not pressured to buy.

Some guides add entertainment elements during the presentation, including a short fashion-show style moment and tea. Others describe it as a sales tactic, and one of the best ways to keep your day pleasant is to treat it like a scheduled stop, not a surprise.

If you are not interested in shopping, your best move is mental. Decide ahead of time how long you want to stay, then pace yourself and avoid getting pulled into a longer browse than you planned.

If you do like Turkish leather, this is one of the few moments on the trip specifically built around that shopping interest. Either way, it is easier to enjoy the day when you know this stop is part of the itinerary.

Price and value at $33.88, plus what costs extra

At $33.88 per person, this tour can be a solid deal because several expensive-feeling items are bundled. You are paying for pickup and drop-off, a licensed guide, 2-way ferry tickets, lunch, and an island visit that includes an optional electric car segment depending on your selection.

The extras are also clear. Soft drinks are not included, and personal expenses are on you, which usually means drinks, snacks, and any shopping you choose to do at the leather store or local shops on the island.

To judge value, think like this: ferry tickets plus guided coordination can easily eat the day budget on their own. Add lunch and you have already covered two of the biggest “day trip” costs most people end up paying anyway.

Final call: should you book this tour?

I recommend this tour if you want a stress-light day trip with a guide to help you get bearings fast and a realistic pace on Büyükada. It is also a good match for first-time visitors who want ferry views, car-free island time, and a guided walk moment without planning every detail.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you do not want any shopping stops at the end, since the leather shop visit is scheduled. And if cat activity at lunch would be a dealbreaker for you, take that seriously before you go.

If you like your travel days to feel organized but not rushed, and you are happy to trade part of your day for ferry time and island wandering, this is a practical way to experience the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

Pickup and drop-off, lunch, a licensed guide, 2-way ferry tickets, and a short ride on an island electric car if you selected that option are included. Soft drinks and personal expenses are not included.

How long is the tour, roughly?

The tour is listed at about 9 hours.

Where does the ferry depart from?

The start point is Dentur Avrasya Kabataş İskelesi.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00am.

Is pickup offered, and how do I find the guide?

Pickup is offered. The guide will welcome you with a red flag signboard.

Is lunch included, and what kind of meal is it?

Lunch is included at Fortunato Cafe&Restaurant and takes about 45 minutes. It is described as Turkish dishes from a set menu.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is there an electric car ride on Büyükada?

There is a short island electric car ride in Büyükada if that option is selected.