Bursa Tour from Istanbul Included Lunch & Cable Car

The Bursa Tour from Istanbul offers an engaging full-day experience for those eager to explore Turkey’s first Ottoman capital. At $57.82 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded itinerary that includes hotel pickup, a ferry crossing, a cable car ride up Uludag Mountain, and visits to key landmarks like the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum. With an approximate 13-hour duration, it suits travelers interested in both history and nature.

Notably, the tour is designed for small groups of 15 to 22 people, which enhances the experience with more personalized attention from guides. It also features lunch with soft drinks and the cable car ride—a highlight praised for its stunning views. However, some reviews note that the trip can be quite long, with significant time spent traveling and in transportation, and that certain stops, like shopping at sweet shops, may feel excessive. This tour best fits travelers who are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and bus rides, and who appreciate a mixture of cultural landmarks and mountain scenery.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $57.82, the tour lasts about 13 hours, making it a full-day activity from Istanbul.
• Includes Notable Activities: Ferry crossing, cable car ride to Uludag Mountain, and visits to Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 15-22 participants, ensuring more personal guidance.
• Authentic Turkish Lunch: Enjoy a barbeque lunch with refreshments included.
• Tour Highlights: Spectacular views from the mountain top, exploration of Ottoman architecture, and shopping for Turkish delight.
• Mixed Reviews: While many praise the guide, views, and value, some mention long travel times and shopping stops that could take away from sightseeing.

Departure from Istanbul and Transportation Details

This tour starts early in the morning at 8:30 am with hotel pickup from central Istanbul locations. The transportation involves air-conditioned buses for comfort during the long drive. A ferry or Osmangazi Bridge crossing takes travelers across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, before continuing by minivan into Bursa. The ride includes a stop at a Turkish delight shop—a perfect place to pick up souvenirs.

The return journey concludes with a combination of coach and ferry transfer back to Istanbul, ending at the original meeting point. The total travel time is extensive, with some reviews mentioning that a large portion of the day is spent in transit.

The Historic Heart of Bursa: Green Mosque and Green Tomb

A primary focus of this tour is the Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) and the Green Tomb, both built in the early 15th century. Guides lead visitors through these sites, highlighting their pristine architecture and interior embellishments. The mosque’s intricate tile work and the tomb where Sultan Mehmet I is buried are particularly celebrated. This segment takes about 2 hours, and visitors often find the architecture captivating.

Uludag Mountain: Cable Car and Mountain Top Views

The mountain top experience begins with a lunch break, where traditional Turkish fare like kebabs is served at a local restaurant. Afterward, the cable car ride up Uludag Mountain is the tour’s highlight, offering breathtaking views of Bursa and the surrounding landscapes.

The tour emphasizes that this is a real cable car experience lasting about 30 minutes, not a basic chairlift. This ride is appreciated for its spectacular scenery and fun factor, though in some cases, weather conditions such as strong wind can lead to cancellations. At the top, travelers have free time to take photos and enjoy the panoramic vistas before descending back to the city.

Exploring Bursa City and Ottoman Heritage

Back in Bursa, the tour includes a visit to Yesil Camii (Green Mosque) and the Yesil Turbe (Green Tomb), both known for their architecture and beautiful interiors. These sites provide snapshots of Ottoman civil architecture and are often praised for their pristine condition and detailed tile work.

Authentic Turkish Delight Shopping Stop

A brief shopping stop at a shop specializing in Turkish delight gives visitors the chance to purchase authentic souvenirs. Many reviews mention this as a pleasant addition, although some feel the stops are overly commercialized or detract from sightseeing time. The shop offers a variety of delight flavors, making it an ideal place for those wanting a sweet memory from Turkey.

Visiting Cumalikizik Village and Traditional Ottoman Houses

The tour also includes a visit to Cumalikizik Koyu, a village with a 700-year history. Visitors can stroll through narrow alleys with old houses representing Ottoman civil architecture. The village’s car-free streets and charming ambiance make it a peaceful stop. A Hamami (Turkish bath) option exists, though the tour’s focus is primarily on sightseeing and cultural appreciation.

Uludag Mountain’s Photo Opportunities and Free Time

Following the cable car descent, there is the opportunity for photos and exploring the mountain surroundings. Many reviews highlight the scenic views along the way, especially from the mountain top. Some travelers note that weather conditions can impact visibility or activity options at the summit.

The Long Travel and Time Management

While the tour includes many stops, some reviews mention that travel time dominates the day, with long hours spent in transit. The bus journey from Istanbul to Bursa and back is approximately 2 hours each way, with additional time for ferry crossings. The total time in the bus can lead to fatigue and limited time at each site, especially in bad weather or if cable car rides are canceled.

Food and Dining Experience

Lunch is included and features Turkish kebap or similar traditional dishes, served with soft drinks. The quality of the food receives mixed reviews: some praise the delicious meal, while others describe the restaurant experience as average. The tour provides ample refreshment, ensuring travelers stay energized for the day ahead.

Crafting the Perfect Day: What to Expect

This full-day tour balances sightseeing, culinary delights, and mountain scenery. It is well-suited to those who enjoy cultural landmarks and nature, though travelers should be prepared for long hours in transportation and potential shopping stops. The small-group setting enhances the experience with more interaction with guides and fewer crowds.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

The tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, photo lovers, and those wanting to see Uludag Mountain without the hassle of organizing transportation. It offers a rundown of Bursa’s top attractions, including the cable car ride, which is often highlighted as an unforgettable part of the day. However, it may be less suited for visitors seeking relaxed sightseeing or free time in Bursa.

Final Thoughts on the Bursa Day Trip

The Bursa Tour from Istanbul offers a cost-effective way to explore Turkey’s historic Ottoman capital, combining cultural landmarks, mountain views, and authentic cuisine. The inclusion of a real cable car ride distinguishes it from many other tours, providing a memorable experience. While some reviews caution about long travel times and commercial stops, many travelers appreciate the value for money and guided insights.

This tour best suits adventurous travelers who don’t mind a full schedule and bus-heavy day. It provides a thorough glimpse of Bursa’s historic sites, mountain scenery, and local flavor, making it a solid option for those looking to maximize their day trip from Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 13 hours, starting around 8:30 am and returning late evening.

Is the cable car ride included?
Yes, the tour features a 30-minute real cable car ride to the Uludag Mountain peak, offering spectacular views.

What sites are visited during the trip?
Visitors see Green Mosque, Green Mausoleum, Cumalikizik Village, and Uludag Mountain, with a stop at a Turkish delight shop.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour provides a barbeque lunch with soft drinks at a local restaurant.

Are there any optional activities?
Some reviews mention Hamami (Turkish bath) options, but these are not part of the standard itinerary.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, especially for mountain visits, and cash for souvenirs or extra expenses, as some stops may have additional costs.

Can this tour accommodate non-English/Arabic speakers?
The tour is available in English and Arabic.

What if the cable car is canceled due to weather?
In cases of wind or bad weather, the cable car ride may be canceled, which some reviews note has impacted the experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is accessible, but travelers with very young children should consider the long hours and elevation changes.

How many people typically join?
The tour group size is limited to 15-22 people, encouraging a more intimate experience.