Bursa And Uluda Tour From stanbul Included Lunch & Cable Car

A full-day tour from Istanbul to Bursa and Uludağ for just $46.26 per person offers an intriguing mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Starting early at 8:30 am, the journey includes hotel pickup, a ferry crossing, visits to historic sites, and a cable car ride to Mount Olympos. The trip is designed for those interested in exploring Turkey’s first Ottoman capital and enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas. While the tour offers great value with lunch included and guided commentary, some reviews highlight issues with organization and stops that may extend the day beyond expectations.

This tour particularly suits travelers who appreciate cultural landmarks, nature views, and mountain scenery. It’s perfect for those willing to tolerate long travel times of around 10 hours, with limited free time at each stop. The cable car experience, the historic Green Mosque and Mausoleum, and the Uludağ ski lift are among its standout features. However, prospective participants should be mindful of unnecessary shopping stops and possible delays, as reflected in some mixed reviews.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day tour with lunch, ferry ride, and cable car included
• Departs from Istanbul with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Visit to Bursa’s Green Mosque and Mausoleum, with photo opportunities
• Cable car ride to Mount Olympos offers spectacular views
• Some reviews mention delays and multiple shopping stops, which can extend the day
• Tour size limited to 30 people for a more personalized experience

Starting from Istanbul: Early Morning Pickup and Ferry Ride

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Istanbul around 8:30 am, using an air-conditioned vehicle. This ensures a comfortable start to what is a long day of travel. The bus takes you to a harbor for a ferry crossing over the Marmara Sea, offering panoramic views of the Bosporus and the bridges connecting Asia and Europe. The ferry ride lasts approximately 2 hours, giving plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take photos. This part of the trip is free of charge, though it adds to the overall travel time.

The ferry segment is a highlight for many, providing an authentic Turkish experience and stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline as you leave the city behind. The boat journey is a relaxing way to transition from the urban environment to the more rural landscapes of Bursa.

Exploring Bursa’s Historic Landmarks

Upon arrival in Bursa, a guide accompanies the group to visit iconic sites. The Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) impresses with its lush green tiles and beautiful interior decoration. Next, the Green Mausoleum (Yesil Turbe) offers a glimpse into Ottoman tomb architecture. These sites are key highlights for understanding Bursa’s significance as Turkey’s first Ottoman capital.

The interior decor of the mosque stands out as a notable feature, with green tiles creating a vibrant atmosphere. The visit to these landmarks is typically limited to about an hour, allowing enough time to appreciate their architectural beauty and historical importance.

The Turkish Delight Stop: Sweets and Souvenirs

A visit to a traditional Turkish delight shop is part of the itinerary, offering visitors the chance to sample and purchase this world-famous dessert. This stop tends to be short, around an hour, but it’s an opportunity to bring home a local treat. The shop sells authentic Turkish delights, and the sampling experience is often highlighted as a delicious memory of the trip.

Some reviews mention the shopping stops as being excessive, with some feeling they detract from the historical experience. The Turkish delight remains a popular souvenir for many visitors.

Uludağ Cable Car Experience: From Forest to Mountain Peak

One of the trip’s most exciting features is the cable car ride toward Uludağ National Park. This 30-minute cable car is more authentic than the common 7-minute chairlift, providing a more immersive experience. Travelers ascend through wooded areas before reaching the mountain summit, with views of Bursa and surrounding landscapes.

The cable car ride is well-rated, offering spectacular scenery and a thrilling journey. It constitutes a major highlight and is often praised for its scenic beauty, with some reviews calling it unforgettable.

Lunch and Free Time at Uludağ Mountain

Following the cable car, the group visits a 600-year-old plane tree for photo opportunities. Afterwards, a lunch is served at a local restaurant situated in the mountain area. The meal is typically described as delicious and set in a peaceful environment. After lunch, participants have free time to explore the mountain surroundings or relax.

The duration of this stop is about three hours, providing ample opportunity for a leisurely exploration or rest. Some reviews note that the overall time at Uludağ can feel short, especially considering the long travel hours involved.

Return to Bursa and the Green Mosque Revisited

After the mountain visit, the tour bus returns to Bursa city center to visit the Green Mosque again. The interior decoration of the mosque continues to impress, with its intricate tile work and spacious rooms. The library and tombs within this complex are also part of the visit, offering more insight into Ottoman architecture.

The guides often lead the group through these historic sites, providing descriptions that deepen the appreciation of Bursa’s cultural significance. The visit duration is approximately an hour.

Traveling Back to Istanbul: Same Route and Final Drop-off

The return journey to Istanbul follows the same route back, including a ferry ride. The bus departs Bursa around 4:30 pm and arrives in Istanbul by late evening. The drop-off is made at your hotel or a convenient nearby location, making the trip comfortable and straightforward.

The total duration of the trip, including all stops and transfers, is about 12 hours. While some reviews mention delays and extended stops, the drop-off at the hotel is generally appreciated as a convenient finish to the day.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

This tour operates with a maximum of 30 travelers, helping to keep the group manageable and more personalized. The meeting point is close to public transportation, and pickup and drop-off are included in the price. Travelers should have moderate physical fitness to handle walking and the cable car ride comfortably.

The tour is priced at $46.26, which includes lunch, ferry crossing, guided commentary, and cable car. Additional expenses are personal, such as souvenirs or extra activities.

Analyzing the Experience: Strengths and Limitations

The main strengths of this tour are the value for money, the scenic cable car ride, and the chance to visit Bursa’s key landmarks. The guides are often praised for their helpfulness and knowledge. The lunch and scenic views add to the overall appeal.

However, some limitations are evident from reviews: long travel times (around 10 hours), multiple shopping stops that can extend the day, and occasional organizational issues such as delays or late timing for lunch. These factors could impact the overall enjoyment, especially for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is best suited for budget-conscious travelers who want an organized day trip that covers both cultural sites and mountain scenery. It appeals particularly to those interested in Ottoman architecture, nature views, and the thrill of the cable car ride. Participants should be comfortable with long hours and walking, and prepared for some busy shopping stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient for guests staying in Istanbul.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry crossing lasts approximately 2 hours, passing over the Marmara Sea with views of the Bosporus.

What are the main attractions in Bursa?
Visitors explore the Green Mosque, the Green Mausoleum, and enjoy the scenic cable car ride to Mount Olympos.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, a lunch is included, typically served at a local restaurant on Uludağ Mountain.

How long do we stay at Uludağ?
The mountain stop lasts about three hours, giving plenty of time for exploration or rest.

Are shopping stops frequent?
Yes, some reviews mention frequent shopping stops, which can extend the day and may feel unnecessary.

What is the group size?
The tour limits group size to 30 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Is the cable car ride worth it?
Absolutely, the cable car provides spectacular views and is a highlight of the trip.

Are there any physical requirements?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness to manage walking and the cable car ride comfortably.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for solo female travelers?
Many reviewers recommend the tour as safe and well-organized for solo women, especially with group size limits and hotel pickup.