Bursa City and Uludag Mountain Day Trip with Pick up & Cable Car

Discover Bursa and Uludag in a Convenient Day Trip from Istanbul

This full-day tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the highlights of Bursa City and Uludag Mountain for $27.27 per person. Starting early from Istanbul, it includes hotel pickup, a ferry ride across Izmit Bay, and exciting activities like cable car rides and snow fun at the ski resort. The 13.5-hour experience features visits to iconic sites such as the Green Mosque and a 600-year-old plane tree, alongside opportunities for winter sports.

While the tour boasts a competitive price and a variety of attractions, it is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness who enjoy active sightseeing and cultural highlights. It’s worth noting that the itinerary includes some busy souvenir stops, which might impact the time spent at certain locations. Still, this tour appeals to travelers eager to cover both urban and natural scenery in a single day.

Key Points

• Full-day experience combining Bursa City and Uludag Mountain
• Includes hotel pickup and ferry ride across Izmit Bay
• Visit the Green Mosque, 600-year-old plane tree, and Turkish delight factory
• Opportunity for skiing and snow activities at Uludag
• Cable car ride to enjoy spectacular mountain views (if selected)
• Price of $27.27 per person, booked about 17 days in advance

Starting from Istanbul: Pickup and Ferry Crossing

The tour begins with hotel pickup, ensuring a smooth start from your accommodation in Istanbul. Around 9:00 am, guests are collected, and the journey kicks off with a scenic crossing of the Bosphorus Bridge. After a 30-minute ferry ride across Izmit Bay to Yalova, the group arrives to start the day’s adventures.

This ferry ride offers a refreshing view of the Marmara Sea, setting a relaxed tone for the day. The group size is private, which means personalized attention from the guide, making it easier to ask questions or adjust plans. The entire trip, including travel between stops, takes up a significant part of the day, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Activities in Yalova: ATV and Quad Rides

Upon arrival in Yalova, the tour provides about 45 minutes of free time to explore activities such as Quad/ATV rides, offering an adrenaline boost for those interested. This stop is admission free, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy some outdoor fun.

The Yalova Province stop emphasizes active engagement with nature, giving visitors a chance to enjoy scenic landscapes. It’s a flexible part of the tour, allowing for some personalized fun before heading to the mountain. The optional ATV ride costs 1500 Turkish Lira per person, so travelers seeking this experience should budget accordingly.

Exploring Uludag National Park and Natural Wonders

Next, the tour takes you to Uludag National Park, renowned for its majestic mountain scenery and diverse natural features. On the way, visitors stop at a natural honey shop to sample local honey, highlighting regional food specialties.

A visit to the 610-year-old Inkaya Plane Tree provides an impressive glimpse into the area’s natural history. After exploring these sites, the group enjoys a lunch in a scenic green valley, offering a peaceful break amid lush surroundings. The mountain area is a hub for winter sports; guests have around 30 minutes of free time for skiing or riding a ski motor.

The cable car ride to the mountain’s summit forms a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the landscape. This ride can be included if the option is chosen, providing a scenic descent and ascent that showcase Uludag’s spectacular vistas.

Visiting Bursa’s Historic Landmarks

After descending from Uludag, the tour shifts focus to Bursa City for a cultural experience. The Green Mosque stands out as one of the main sights, with its distinctive architecture and significance in the city. The guide leads guests through the surrounding areas, revealing local history and architectural details.

The tour also includes a walk around Bursa’s urban core, allowing for photo opportunities and a chance to soak in the city’s lively atmosphere. This segment is about 2 hours and 30 minutes long, providing ample time to appreciate Bursa’s historic charm.

Optional Cable Car Ride and Scenic Views

If selected, the cable car ride offers a panoramic view of Uludag Mountain, making it a memorable highlight of the trip. It allows visitors to enjoy the mountain scenery from above, descending back to the base after reaching the summit.

This scenic ride provides a peaceful moment amid the busy day of sightseeing. The ticket for the cable car is included if the option is chosen, adding extra value to the overall experience.

Sample Stops at Unique Local Attractions

The tour emphasizes visits to local artisan shops, including a Turkish delight factory and a natural honey shop. These stops are designed to showcase regional culinary traditions and provide souvenirs, although they may extend the time spent in tourist shops.

Travelers should expect some additional time at these locations, which may limit the duration at other stops. Nonetheless, these visits give insight into traditional Turkish products and provide opportunities for tastings and purchases.

Logistics and Group Experience

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which can enhance the personalized experience. It starts at 9:00 am and concludes with a return to Istanbul in the evening.

The total duration includes road travel, ferry crossing, and site visits, making it a long but fulfilling day. The guide is licensed and bilingual in English and Arabic, helping ensure clear communication and cultural insights during the visits.

Value and Limitations

Priced at $27.27 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusion of transportation, lunch, and entry to significant sites. However, some reviews mention long waits in souvenir shops and less time at certain locations, such as Bursa City and Uludag.

One notable limitation is the potential for busy stops, which can affect the time spent at key attractions. Plus, the optional ATV ride costs 1500 Turkish Lira, which is not included, and some may find the itinerary quite packed for a single day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most

This tour suits active travelers eager to see both urban landmarks and natural scenery in one day. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a long day of travel and want a rundown of Bursa’s highlights and Uludag’s mountain activities.

It works well for families, groups, or solo travelers seeking an affordable, guided experience with personalized touches. Travelers must be prepared for moderate physical activity, especially if they plan to participate in skiing or ATV rides.

The Sum Up: A Practical Day Trip with Scenic and Cultural Highlights

This Bursa and Uludag tour offers a cost-effective way to experience Turkey’s diverse landscapes and historic sites in a single day. It combines scenic ferry rides, cultural visits, and mountain activities, making it attractive for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike.

While some stops may feel rushed or involve long souvenir shop visits, the guided tours and scenic cable car ride make up for it. The private nature of the trip ensures a personalized experience, perfect for those looking to maximize their day without the hassle of independent planning.

This tour provides good value for the price and suits active, curious travelers who want a rundown of Bursa and Uludag without the complexity of organizing multiple visits themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with ferry rides and transportation between sites.

Can I participate in skiing or snow activities?
Yes, free time for skiing and riding a ski motor is included at Uludag. The cable car ride is optional, if selected.

What is the cost of the ATV ride?
The ATV ride costs 1500 Turkish Lira per person and is not included in the tour price.

How long does the entire day last?
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time, visits, and activities.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for those with adequate mobility and good stamina.

What sites do I visit in Bursa?
You visit the Green Mosque and explore around Bursa city, including its historic streets and landmarks.

Does the tour include meals?
Yes, lunch is included, and there is one soft drink provided during the day.

Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time in Yalova, Uludag, and for skiing activities; however, it may be limited due to the packed schedule.

Can I customize this tour?
This is a private tour, allowing some flexibility, but the itinerary and stops are predefined.

What should I bring for this trip?
Bring comfortable footwear, moderate clothing for mountain weather, and cash or cards for additional purchases or optional activities.