Daily Bursa Uludag Mountain & Cable Car Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

Discover the Bursa Uludag Mountain & Cable Car Tour from Istanbul for $55.26

This full-day group tour offers a convenient escape from Istanbul’s hustle to explore the scenic landscapes and historic sites of Bursa and the Uludag Mountains. Starting at 9:00 am, the tour lasts approximately 12 to 14 hours, making it suitable for those with a full day to spend. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the European side of Istanbul, a cable car ride, and a lunch in the mountains, all for $55.26 per person. The tour is led by a professional English and Arabic-speaking guide, who brings the journey to life with insights into each stop.

While the overall experience is well-organized and comfortable, some aspects, such as the travel time, mean that the day is quite packed. The tour suits travelers eager to visit multiple sites in one day without the hassle of planning logistics. However, those seeking a more leisurely pace might find the itinerary a bit busy. With a rating of 4.0/5 based on 18 reviews, the tour strikes a balance between scenic exploration and cultural sightseeing, making it a solid choice for first-time visitors.

Key Points

• Hassle-free pickup from Istanbul’s European side makes the day stress-free.
• Visit Bursa’s historic sites, including the Green Tomb and Green Mosque.
• Ride the cable car in Uludag Mountains, with a mountain lunch included.
• Stops at scenic locations like Inkaya’s 600-year-old Plane Tree and Uludag National Park.
• Optional activities available in Yalova and at the shopping stop, but not included in the tour price.
• Tour operates year-round, except during specific holidays like Ramadan, 1st May, and 1st January.

Starting the Day: Convenient Hotel Pickup in Istanbul

The tour begins with hotel pickup from accommodations located on Istanbul’s European side, offering a comfortable start in an air-conditioned vehicle. The timing ensures an early departure at 9:00 am, which provides ample daylight for exploring the various sites. This service helps avoid the common hassle of arranging transport, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the city.

Once on the road, the group heads toward Yalova, a scenic town where a brief stop allows for rest and an optional quad bike ride. This stop lasts about an hour and provides a chance to stretch before continuing towards Bursa, about 70 minutes away.

Scenic Stop in Yalova and Optional Quad Bike Ride

The first stop in Yalova is a relaxed rest area, where travelers can enjoy the fresh air and scenery. Many choose to try an optional quad bike ride, adding a bit of adventure to the morning. The stop offers free admission, so if you’re not interested in the quad biking, you can simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.

This brief break sets the tone for a day blending natural beauty with cultural landmarks. It’s a good opportunity to appreciate the landscape and prepare for the upcoming visits.

Exploring Bursa’s Historic Sites: Green Tomb and Green Mosque

After a 70-minute drive to Bursa, the tour includes visits to two of the city’s most notable landmarks. The Green Tomb is a mausoleum of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed I, with its distinctive green-blue tiles that give it its name. Inside, visitors admire the intricate tile work and learn about its historical significance.

Next, the Green Mosque, part of a Kulliye complex, features interior tiles decorated in green and blue, creating a visually striking space. The mosque, türbe, madrasah, kitchen, and bath form a comprehensive complex, offering insight into Ottoman architecture and religious life. Both sites include admission tickets, making the experience seamless.

Lunch in the Mountains and Uludag Cable Car Ride

The day’s highlight is the scenic cable car ride in Uludag Mountains, the highest area in western Anatolia. The cable car ticket is included, allowing travelers to ascend and descend the mountain comfortably. The mountain lunch with a soft drink provides a satisfying break amid nature, often enjoyed with views of the rugged landscape.

The cable car ride offers stunning vistas of the surrounding forests and peaks, making it a memorable part of the trip. The mountain area also hosts the famous Uludag National Park, where the natural scenery impresses even seasoned visitors. The descent by cable car or, if unavailable, by bus, wraps up the mountain experience.

Visiting Inkaya’s 600-Year-Old Plane Tree

A unique stop outside the mountain area is the Inkaya Village, home to Turkey’s largest and over 600 years old Grand Plane Tree. This impressive natural monument provides a perfect photo opportunity. Travelers appreciate the peaceful village atmosphere and the chance to admire such an ancient tree, which has witnessed centuries of history.

This stop lasts about 35 minutes, offering a brief but meaningful encounter with Turkey’s natural heritage. It’s a calming break amid the day’s busier sightseeing moments.

Uludag National Park and Scenic Views

The Uludag National Park stands as a highlight of the tour, offering magnificent scenery and a chance to experience nature at its best. The park’s mountain landscape is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in outdoor activities, including skiing during winter months.

Here, the group spends about 2 hours exploring and enjoying the natural environment before taking the cable car back down to Bursa city. The free admission to the national park makes this stop accessible and rewarding, although some may find the pace of the visit fast.

Optional Activities and Additional Costs

The tour includes many highlights, but some activities remain optional and not included in the price. These include the Quad Bike (ATV Safari) in Yalova, chairlift tickets in Uludag, and additional shopping at a Turkish delights factory in Bursa. Travelers interested in these options should plan accordingly, noting they come at extra cost.

The tour operates all year round, except during Ramadan, 1st May, and 1st January, which might affect availability. Weather conditions can also influence the cable car operation, with alternative transport such as buses used during service interruptions.

Group Size and Tour Logistics

With a maximum of 25 travelers, the tour maintains a comfortable group size that allows for easy communication and flexibility. The group is led by a professional guide fluent in English and Arabic, who provides insights at each stop and ensures smooth transitions throughout the day.

The meeting point is conveniently located, and the return is back at the original meeting spot, ending the day around 9:00 pm. The itinerary is quite full, so good mobility and punctuality are helpful for making the most of the experience.

Evaluating the Tour’s Value and Limitations

Priced at $55.26, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see diverse highlights of Bursa and Uludag in one day. The included lunch, cable car ticket, and guided commentary enhance the value, especially for visitors short on time.

However, the long travel times—including a 70-minute drive each way—and the packed schedule mean some stops may feel rushed. While the scenic sites and historic landmarks are highlights, those with a preference for a slower pace may find the day somewhat tiring.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Bursa and Uludag in a single day, with minimal planning. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, adventure seekers, and nature lovers who appreciate guided tours with organized transportation.

Those seeking more leisure time or a deep-dive into any specific site might find the itinerary too busy. The cost-effective price and inclusive features make it an appealing option for most, though travelers should prepare for a full day of sightseeing.

The Sum Up: A Practical Day Trip to Bursa and Uludag

The Daily Bursa Uludag Mountain & Cable Car Tour from Istanbul offers a well-structured itinerary that combines cultural exploration, natural beauty, and scenic adventure. It provides hassle-free logistics with hotel pickup, guided commentary, and inclusive transportation.

While the long travel times and tight schedule may limit time at each stop, the highlight attractions—such as the Green Tomb, mountain cable car, and Uludag National Park—are well-chosen and memorable. The lunch in the mountains is a particular highlight, adding a warm, local touch to the experience.

This tour is a solid choice for those eager to see Bursa’s highlights and Uludag’s scenery in one day without the stress of planning. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Istanbul wanting a guided, all-in-one trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Istanbul’s European side.

What is included in the tour price?
The price of $55.26 includes air-conditioned transportation, lunch with a soft drink, cable car ticket (one way), and guidance in English and Arabic.

Can I do the quad bike ride?
The quad bike in Yalova is optional and not included in the price. It’s available during the stop in Yalova if you wish to try it.

What happens if the cable car is out of service?
In case of cable car downtime, the ascent and descent are replaced by bus transport.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the full-day pace and walking involved.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the lunch provides a vegetarian option if advised at the time of booking.

When does the tour operate?
The tour runs year-round, excluding Ramadan, 1st May, and 1st January.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.