Bursa Full-Day Tour From Istanbul With Cable Car

Key Points

• Affordable full-day experience for $60 per person, including transportation, lunch, admissions, and ferry ride
• Visit Bursa’s top highlights like the Green Mosque, a 600-year-old plane tree, and Uludag Mountain
• Enjoy a scenic cable car ride that takes around 30 minutes to Uludag Mountain, offering stunning views
• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off from Istanbul and a maximum group size of 40
• Balanced itinerary combining history, nature, and local culture, with free time for exploration
• Mixed reviews highlight excellent guides and scenery, but some mention lengthy stops at shops and pacing issues

This full-day tour from Istanbul costs $60 and is ideal for travelers looking for a hassle-free way to explore Bursa, Turkey’s first Ottoman capital. All transportation, entrance fees, and a traditional barbecue lunch are included, making it a convenient option for those who prefer not to plan details independently. The tour features an exciting cable car ride to Uludag Mountain, plus visits to significant sites like the Green Mosque.

While this tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Bursa’s sights, some reviews note that certain stops, like shopping at Turkish delight shops, can extend the day. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a moderate physical level and interested in a mix of culture, scenic views, and local food.

From Istanbul to Bursa: Comfortable Transfers and Ferry Ride

The tour starts at 8:30 am with hotel pickup in Istanbul, ensuring a smooth start to the day. A fully air-conditioned bus takes travelers from the city center to a ferry harbor, where a passenger ferry crosses the Marmara Sea to Bursa. The ferry ride lasts about 2 hours and provides beautiful views of the Bosporus and the bridges connecting Asia and Europe, adding a scenic element to the journey.

This smooth transfer setup is appreciated by many, as it eliminates the need for travelers to arrange their own transportation. The ferry ride, in particular, receives praise for its spectacular scenery and breaks up the drive, making the long day feel more relaxed.

Exploring Bursa’s Historic and Cultural Highlights

Once in Bursa, the tour guides lead visitors through key sites like the Green Mosque, known for its green tiles decorating the interior. The mosque also houses a library and tombs, and stands as a prominent monument in the city. The Green Mosque visit lasts approximately an hour, giving ample time to admire its beautiful architecture and decorative tiles.

A visit to a 600-year-old plane tree offers a unique photo opportunity, showcasing Bursa’s natural and historical heritage. The lunch break takes place at a local restaurant, where a delicious barbecue meal is served in a tranquil setting. Afterward, travelers have free time to explore the area around Uludag Mountain, adding flexibility and personal discovery to the day.

The Cable Car Experience: Real Trip to Uludag Mountain

A major highlight of this tour is the cable car ride to Uludag Mountain. Unlike many other tours that offer a basic chairlift, this tour includes a genuine cable car journey that takes approximately 30 minutes. The cabins are enclosed, providing comfort and panoramic views of the mountain landscape.

The cable car ride is praised for its scenic beauty and the sense of adventure it offers. Travelers can enjoy photo opportunities and marvel at the snow-capped Uludag if visiting in winter, as some reviews mention the mountain’s scenic foliage and snowy vistas. The ride itself is a memorable part of the day, elevating the overall experience.

Uludag Mountain: Free Time and Natural Beauty

After reaching the mountain, travelers visit a 600-year-old plane tree, which is a favorite photo spot. The lunch at a mountain restaurant provides a chance to enjoy local flavors in a peaceful setting. Post-lunch, the tour allows free time for exploration, enabling visitors to walk around, take pictures, or relax amidst nature.

Many reviews highlight the spectacular views and the mountain scenery, making this part of the trip worthwhile. The fresh mountain air, combined with the scenic landscape, creates a refreshing contrast to the urban environment of Istanbul.

Visiting Bursa’s Green Mosque and City Center

In Bursa’s city center, the Green Mosque stands out for its unique architecture and decorative tiles. The mosque includes a library and tombs, making it a significant spiritual and historical site. The one-hour visit allows for taking photos and appreciating the interior embellishments.

This stop provides a glimpse into Bursa’s religious and architectural heritage, and many appreciate the time allocated to truly experience the monument rather than rushing through it. The Green Mosque is often highlighted as a highlight of the trip.

Returning to Istanbul: Long Day with Flexible End Time

The return journey begins in the late afternoon, with the bus heading back to Istanbul along the same route. The travel time back is around two hours, during which many use the opportunity to relax or reflect on the day’s experiences. The tour concludes with hotel drop-off in Istanbul, typically during the evening, around late night.

While the overall day is long—lasting approximately 12 to 14 hours—the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off helps ease the journey. Some reviews note that the schedule can feel rushed or that the stops at shops extend the day, so travelers should be prepared for a full day.

The Guide’s Role and Tour Pacing

The English-speaking guides are generally described as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They provide explanations about the sites and facilitate the group’s movement between stops. However, some reviews mention that at certain times, guides play music or spend time at tourist shops, which can detract from the experience.

Pacing varies depending on the stops; some travelers find the day well-balanced, allowing enough time at each site, while others feel the stops are too long or too commercial. The guides seem to add value through their local insights and assistance.

Practical Information and Tips for Travelers

The tour starts at 8:30 am from Taksim Square, with hotel pickup included. Confirmations are provided immediately upon booking, and the tour is designed for those with a moderate physical fitness level. The group size is limited to 40 participants, ensuring a comfortable experience.

The tour includes admissions, ferry tickets, a barbecue lunch, and insurance, providing good value for the $60 price point. Travelers should note that personal expenses are not included. The tour also involves breaks at shopping malls—particularly Turkish delight shops—and some reviews suggest these can extend the schedule.

Who Will Enjoy This Bursa Day Trip?

This tour suits those interested in combining scenic adventures with cultural exploration. It’s an excellent choice for visitors who want a guided experience without the hassle of planning transportation and entrance fees. The inclusion of the cable car ride and visits to Bursa’s notable sites make it appealing to nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

However, those seeking a more relaxed pace or fewer commercial stops may find the schedule lengthy or slightly commercialized. The long day and potential stops at tourist shops require some patience, but the scenic views and cultural highlights generally make it worthwhile.

Bursa Full-Day Tour From Istanbul with Cable Car: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Bursa in a single day, combining historic sites, natural scenery, and the unique experience of a cable car ride. The $60 price covers most needs, making it a convenient choice for travelers eager to explore Turkey’s first Ottoman capital without the hassle of logistics.

While some reviews mention pacing issues and shopping stops, many travelers commend the knowledgeable guides, stunning mountain vistas, and delicious local food. For those wanting a well-rounded day trip that balances sightseeing and leisure, this tour provides a solid option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $60?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry ride, admission fees, lunch, insurance, and cable car ride (if selected).

How long does the cable car ride to Uludag Mountain last?
The cable car journey takes about 30 minutes, providing panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?
Yes, a moderate physical fitness level is recommended as the tour involves walking at sites and riding in a cable car.

What are the main sites visited in Bursa?
Highlights include the Green Mosque, the 600-year-old plane tree, and the Uludag Mountain area with free exploration time.

What is the typical schedule for this tour?
The tour begins at 8:30 am and returns around late night, with approximately 12-14 hours overall, including travel, sightseeing, and meals.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a barbecue lunch at a local restaurant is part of the tour package.

Are there any shopping stops?
Yes, the itinerary includes stops at Turkish delight shops and other malls, which some reviews suggest can lengthen the day.

What should I bring for the mountain part of the tour?
It is advisable to bring jackets, especially in winter when snow is present, and comfortable footwear for exploring the mountain.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It is ideal for history and nature enthusiasts who prefer a guided, all-inclusive experience and are okay with a full, sometimes lengthy, day.