Bursa Uludag Tour with Lunch & ( Cable Car option )

The Bursa Uludag Tour with Lunch and Optional Cable Car offers a full day exploring the scenic and cultural highlights of Bursa, starting from Istanbul. Priced with flexible options, this tour lasts about 12 hours and combines visits to historic sites, a cable car ride to Uludag, and local food experiences. It is especially suited for those interested in experiencing both nature and history in one day, with a strong emphasis on the Uludag mountain scenery and the city’s cultural landmarks.

While the tour includes a wide range of stops, it also provides opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing or motor skiing on Uludag, making it appealing for adventure seekers. The guide-led experience is praised for its professionalism and punctuality, although some reviews suggest the tour’s pace can vary depending on the day. The cable car ride is a highlight, often described as lengthy and offering spectacular views, but it may be subject to weather conditions.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Istanbul to Bursa, lasting approximately 12 hours.
• Includes visits to the historic plane tree, Yeil Mosque, and Yeil Tomb.
• Highlights the Uludag mountain, with a cable car ride of about 20-25 minutes offering panoramic views.
• Offers a traditional lunch at a local restaurant with regional cuisine.
• Stops at a Turkish delight shop and jam shop for tastings and souvenirs.
• Optional winter sports like skiing and motor skiing are available at Uludag.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and provides transportation from selected pickup points.

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Starting from Istanbul to Bursa: Comfortable Transport and Pickups

This tour departs from Fatih or Beyolu in Istanbul. Travelers are transported by bus or coach for approximately 2 hours to Bursa, providing a relaxed journey to start the day. The comfortable coach ensures a smooth ride, and the trip begins early to maximize time in Bursa. With pickup options in two locations, the logistics are straightforward, making it easy to join the tour without hassle.

Once in Bursa, the day kicks off with a visit to a Turkish delight shop where guests can taste a variety of these sweet treats for free. This stop is both a chance to indulge and to purchase souvenirs before moving on to other local specialties.

Exploring Bursa’s Historic Sites and Local Flavors

The tour’s first stop after the delights and jams is a jam shop, where organic jams and spreads are available for tasting and purchase. This gives visitors a taste of regional flavors in a relaxed setting.

Next, a lunch at a local restaurant provides a hearty meal featuring regional dishes such as grilled meats, salads, and bread. The meal is described as delicious and filling, ensuring energy for the afternoon activities.

Following lunch, the tour visits the 638-year-old plane tree, one of Bursa’s most iconic natural landmarks. Visitors get a brief chance to take photos, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and learn about its history.

Uludag Mountain: From Vehicle to High Altitude Views

The journey continues to Uludag Peak, where a vehicle takes guests up to the mountain’s summit. Uludag is famous as a popular ski resort in winter and offers stunning scenery in summer. At the peak, there’s about 2 hours of free time for sightseeing, photo opportunities, or even some outdoor fun, such as trying winter sports.

A cable car ride follows, taking visitors from the mountain’s summit down to Bursa’s city center. The ride lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and provides a bird’s-eye view of Bursa’s landscape, which many find to be a memorable highlight of the trip.

Visiting Bursa’s Cultural Heritage: Mosques and Tombs

Back in the city, the tour visits a historical bath converted into a souvenir shop, where guests can browse traditional and locally made keepsakes. This stop adds a cultural touch and a chance to pick up unique gifts.

The final visits include the Yeil Mosque and the Yeil Tomb, both important historical and religious sites. These locations give insight into Bursa’s spiritual heritage and architecture, rounding out the cultural experience of the day.

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Optional Winter Sports and Recreation at Uludag

While the main focus of the tour is sightseeing and cultural visits, the free time at Uludag invites those interested in outdoor activities like skiing or motor skiing. During winter, the mountain becomes a hub for snow sports, providing a lively contrast to the historical sites and natural scenery.

Visitors can choose to enjoy the scenic views, take photos, or participate in some of the available winter sports, depending on weather and personal interest.

The Cable Car: Long, Scenic, and Popular

Many reviews highlight the cable car ride as a major highlight, often noted as one of the longest in the world due to the almost 10 kilometers of connected gondolas. The ride offers spectacular views of Bursa and the surrounding mountains, making it a memorable part of the trip.

Some reviews mention that the ride takes about 25 minutes, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take photos. Weather conditions can influence visibility, so clear days are preferable for the best experience.

The Experience at the Historical Bath and Souvenir Shop

Back in Bursa’s city center, the tour visits a historic bath that has been transformed into a souvenir shop. Visitors find a variety of traditional and locally crafted items, perfect for gifts or personal keepsakes. This stop is appreciated for its authentic atmosphere and the chance to browse Bursa’s craftsmanship.

The Yeil Mosque and Yeil Tomb complete the cultural itinerary, showcasing Bursa’s religious architecture and historical significance. These sites are relatively close to each other and provide a peaceful ending to the day’s sightseeing.

Practicalities and Tour Logistics

The tour is led by an English-speaking guide, ensuring explanations are clear and informative. Pick-up and drop-off are available at two convenient locations in Istanbul: Fatih and Beyolu.

The entire schedule is designed for comfort and efficiency, with plenty of free time at key stops and organized transfers. The length of the tour means travelers should be prepared for a full day, but the pacing generally receives positive feedback, especially for those interested in a mix of nature, history, and local culture.

Who Will Enjoy This Bursa Uludag Tour?

This tour suits history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. The combination of cultural visits, scenic views, and outdoor activities makes it a versatile choice.

While the optional winter sports are a bonus for active travelers, those looking just for sightseeing and cultural exploration will also find plenty to enjoy. The delicious regional cuisine and souvenir shopping are added bonuses, making this a well-rounded day trip from Istanbul.

Bursa Uludag Tour with Lunch & Cable Car: Final Thoughts

This full-day excursion offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural sites, and local flavors in Bursa. The cable car ride is often highlighted as a top feature, with the long, scenic journey providing splendid views.

The stops at historic sites like the Yeil Mosque and the old plane tree bring a sense of connection to Bursa’s past, while the outdoor activities and winter sports add an element of fun and adventure. The lunch at a local restaurant is hearty and showcases regional cuisine effectively.

The tour’s strengths lie in its professional guide service, variety of stops, and the opportunity to enjoy Bursa’s natural landscapes from the mountain. It is particularly suitable for those seeking a comprehensive day trip that combines history, scenery, and some active pursuits. Limitations mentioned by some travelers include the long travel time and potential weather dependency for the cable car and outdoor activities.

For anyone interested in experiencing Bursa’s mountain scenery and cultural landmarks, this tour offers a well-organized and enjoyable way to explore without the hassle of planning multiple stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cable car ride included in the tour price?
Yes, the cable car ride is part of the tour, with an option for guests to pay on the spot if they initially booked without it.

How long does the cable car ride last?
The ride lasts approximately 20-25 minutes, offering a panoramic view of Bursa during the ascent and descent.

What kind of food is served at lunch?
Lunch features local cuisine at a reputable restaurant, with dishes such as meat, salads, bread, and wheat rice.

Can I participate in winter sports at Uludag?
Yes, winter sports like skiing and motor skiing are available during the appropriate season, with around two hours of free time at the mountain.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The tour’s long cable car ride, visits to historic sites, and local shopping stops contribute to its popularity. The guides’ professionalism and well-paced schedule are often praised.

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