Bursa PRIVATE Tour From istanbul (VIP MINIVAN) Best Quality

The Bursa PRIVATE Tour from Istanbul offers an engaging escape from the busy streets of Turkey’s largest city. For $414.20 per person, travelers enjoy a 14-hour personalized day exploring the historic sites of Bursa, combined with a scenic ferry crossing over the Sea of Marmara. This VIP minivan experience is ideal for those seeking comfort, flexibility, and a deeper look into a city often missed by travelers.

The tour includes private transportation, all fees and taxes, and a bottled water refreshment. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a customized day trip with the convenience of pickup from their Istanbul hotel and the flexibility to design the day around their interests. While the cable car to Uludag is not included, optional upgrades are available. This tour tends to book 26 days in advance, signaling its popularity among those craving a smooth, hassle-free adventure.

Key Points

• Private, all-inclusive transportation ensures comfort and flexibility throughout the day
• Ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara sets a scenic tone at the start of the trip
• Visit Bursa’s city center with free sightseeing to explore historical sites
• Optional cable car ride to Uludag available at an extra cost, offering mountain views and outdoor activities
• Relaxing stop at Inkaya Plane Tree provides a cultural and culinary break under a historic tree
• Tour is highly rated with a 5.0/5 score based on 12 reviews, emphasizing punctuality and quality service

Scenic Ferry Ride from Istanbul to Yalova

The tour begins with a ferry crossing from the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, taking approximately 30 minutes. This part of the journey adds a touch of maritime charm and offers views of Istanbul’s skyline from the water. The ferry is free of charge and provides a relaxed start, setting a leisurely tone before arriving in Bursa.

Travelers can enjoy the gentle sea breeze and take photos of the passing scenery. The ferry ride is a highlight for many, offering a different perspective on the city and an experience that feels both scenic and refreshing.

Exploring Bursa’s Historic City Center

Upon arrival, the city sightseeing in Bursa’s center lasts about 2 hours. Visitors get to see key landmarks and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic Turkish city. The tour doesn’t include admission tickets, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Bursa’s city center features a mix of traditional architecture, bustling markets, and notable mosques. The flexibility of the private tour means you can prioritize interests such as shopping, photography, or simply soaking in the local vibe.

Uludag Mountain and the Cable Car Experience

A major highlight of this tour is the optional cable car ride to Uludag. The cable car ticket is not included, but travelers can choose to add this experience for an extra $70. The cable car takes you to the mountain’s summit, where you’ll find sweeping views and ample outdoor activities.

The Uludag area also offers the chance for free time to explore and enjoy the mountain’s fresh air. Keep in mind that heavy winds can sometimes affect the cable car operation, as noted in some reviews. The drive up to Uludag takes about 4 hours, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the mountain scenery and possibly engage in outdoor pursuits.

Cultural Break at Inkaya Plane Tree

The tour includes a one-hour stop at Inkaya Tarihi Cinar, a historic plane tree known for its impressive size and age. Under this shade, visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or sample local cuisine, soaking in a peaceful atmosphere.

This stop combines leisure with a cultural touch, giving travelers a taste of local hospitality and tradition. It’s a perfect spot to relax after the mountain and city explorations, and many reviews praise this part of the trip for its authenticity and charm.

Comfort and Convenience of Private Transportation

Throughout the day, the group travels in a luxurious, air-conditioned private vehicle. The service is praised for its punctuality and professional drivers, with many reviews highlighting the excellent, flexible service provided by guides like Okan.

This setup eliminates the stress of navigating public transport or large groups, making the day smooth and enjoyable. The tour includes all fees and taxes, plus bottled water, ensuring no hidden costs.

Flexibility and Customization of the Tour

One of the main advantages is the customizable nature of the private tour. While the itinerary provides a structure, the tour can be tailored to your interests. Want more time in Bursa? Interested in adding a mountain outdoor activity? The private setup allows for adjustments, making it an ideal choice for travelers who prefer control over their schedule.

The tour operates every day from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, with pickup included. This flexibility helps accommodate different travel plans and ensures a stress-free experience.

Practical Considerations and Limitations

While the tour covers a lot of ground, it is a long day, lasting approximately 14 hours. Travelers should be prepared for the duration and the potential for weather-related cancellations, such as the cable car being halted due to heavy wind.

The cable car ride is not included in the base price, and costs $70 if you opt for it. It’s also worth noting that this trip is primarily a transport and sightseeing experience, with some reviews criticizing the lack of guided commentary during certain portions.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This private tour is perfect for those seeking comfort and flexibility. It suits travelers who want to explore Bursa and Uludag without the hassle of public transport. It’s ideal for families, small groups, or couples who appreciate personalized service.

Given its high ratings for punctuality and helpful guidance, this tour works well for first-time visitors wanting a curated experience. It’s less suitable for those on a tight schedule or looking for a highly guided, educational tour with detailed historical commentary.

Bursa and Uludag: A Well-Organized Day Trip with Personal Touches

In sum, this private day trip from Istanbul to Bursa and Uludag offers a comfortable, flexible, and scenic experience. The inclusion of ferry travel, city sightseeing, and optional mountain activities makes it a versatile choice. Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the driver and guide, particularly Okan, as a key strength.

The biggest consideration is the length of the day and the extra cost for cable car rides. Travelers who enjoy personalized itineraries, scenic mountain views, and cultural stops will find this tour well worth the investment. It provides a genuine glimpse into Bursa’s charm, away from the crowded tourist spots of Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ferry ride included in the price?
Yes, the ferry crossing from the Sea of Marmara to Yalova is included and free of charge.

Can I add the cable car to Uludag?
Yes, the cable car ride is optional and costs $70 if you choose to include it. The cable car ticket itself is not included in the base price.

What is the duration of this tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 14 hours, starting early in the morning and returning to Istanbul in the evening.

Is the tour customizable?
Yes, being a private tour, it offers the flexibility to modify the itinerary to suit your interests, within the overall schedule.

Do I need to prepare for a long day?
Yes, as the trip is long and involves travel between several sites, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full-day commitment.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during stops.

What is the main advantage of this tour?
The personalized service, all-inclusive transportation, and the chance to visit less touristy areas like Bursa make this a strong choice for those wanting a relaxed, tailored experience.

Are there any physical requirements or accessibility considerations?
The tour involves some walking at stops like Bursa city center and Inkaya Plane Tree. The private vehicle is comfortable, but travelers should be prepared for some outdoor activities at Uludag if they choose to participate.

How do I book this tour?
The tour is operated by Sevendays Tourism and can be booked in advance, with most bookings confirmed within a short time. It’s recommended to book at least 26 days ahead for availability.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time will not be refunded.

This Bursa private day trip combines practical comfort with authentic cultural experiences, making it an excellent option for those wanting to explore beyond Istanbul with ease and personalized attention.