Discover Ottoman Heritage on a Full-Day Trip from Istanbul to Söüt and Bursa

This full-day tour offers a deep dive into the origins and early history of the Ottoman Empire. Priced at $794 per group of up to two people, it includes visits to Söüt, the birthplace of the Ottomans, and the historic city of Bursa. The tour lasts approximately 16 hours, making it a comprehensive exploration of key Ottoman sites with lunch and shopping included.

The tour begins early from your hotel in Istanbul, with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transportation. What sets this experience apart are its unique stops, such as the tomb of Erturul Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman dynasty, and the chance to wear traditional Ottoman clothes for memorable photos. While the tour offers rich cultural insights and excellent service, it’s worth noting that one review mentions a guide who wasn’t fluent in English, so some explanations might be limited.

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Key Points

Early morning pickup from Istanbul hotels ensures an efficient start.
Visit Söüt, the Ottoman Empire’s birthplace, with a walking tour of its archaeological sites.
Erturul Gazi’s tomb and Sheikh Edebali’s tomb highlight important Ottoman founders.
Tour of Bursa’s historic sites, including the Grand Mosque built between 1396-1399.
Option to wear traditional Ottoman clothes for immersive photos.
Includes lunch, entrance fees, and transportation, with private or group options.

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Starting Your Journey in Istanbul Before Dawn

The tour kicks off early, with pickup between 6:00 AM and 6:15 AM from your Istanbul hotel. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the long drive, which lasts around 16 hours total. This early start allows ample time to explore both Söüt and Bursa without feeling rushed, making it ideal for those eager to gain a thorough understanding of Ottoman origins.

The guide team is responsible for a smooth experience, providing transportation and coordinating stops. The professional English-speaking driver and guide ensure that you stay on schedule and have all your questions answered—though one review notes that in some cases, guide commentary may be limited in English.

Exploring Söüt: The Birthplace of the Ottoman Empire

Upon arrival in Söüt, the guide leads a walking tour of the area, tracing the steps of Erturul Gazi, the legendary founder of the Ottoman dynasty. You’ll visit Erturul Gazi’s tomb, where he was laid to rest in 1288, and learn about his significance in Ottoman history.

A fun feature of this tour is the opportunity to wear traditional Alp or Hatun clothing, allowing visitors to feel like Ottoman heroes and capture memorable photos. The experience of dressing in traditional clothes adds an engaging and immersive touch for those interested in history and culture.

Next, the trip includes a visit to Sheikh Edebali’s tomb, who was a spiritual mentor to Erturul Gazi and considered a key figure in Ottoman history. The Orhan Gazi Mosque, built in 1332 and notable for being the first Ottoman mosque with a lead dome, is also part of the Söüt visit.

Visiting the Tomb of Alp: A Warrior’s Legacy

The tour also takes you to Alp’s tomb, commemorating one of the greatest Ottoman warriors and a close confidant of Erturul Gazi. As a successor to Erturul, Alp’s tomb showcases the martial and leadership qualities that shaped the early Ottoman state. This stop provides an opportunity to appreciate the military roots of the empire.

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Transition to Bursa: The First Ottoman Capital

After exploring Söüt, the journey continues to Bursa, the initial capital city of the Ottoman Empire. The drive offers views of the Turkish landscape and prepares visitors for a day immersed in Ottoman history. In Bursa, the Tophane area hosts the founders’ tombs, located within ancient Byzantine structures, emphasizing the city’s layered history.

The highlight in Bursa is the Grand Mosque, constructed between 1396 and 1399. Its impressive structure has withstood the test of time, and visitors marvel at its architecture and historical significance. This building exemplifies Ottoman engineering and religious architecture from the late 14th century.

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Shopping and Local Cuisine in Bursa

The tour includes a relaxed shopping stop at Bursa’s historic bazaar, where you can browse for souvenirs and local crafts. This is also a part of the traditional experience, adding a casual and vibrant atmosphere to the day.

Lunch is served during the trip, providing an opportunity to relax and enjoy Turkish cuisine. While some reviews mention the food quality as good, others note that the lunch may be slightly basic compared to the rest of the experience. Still, it’s sufficient for refueling after a full day of sightseeing.

Accessibility, Comfort, and Practical Tips

The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs. For comfort, travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, suitable for walking and outdoor exploration. Bringing along your passport or ID ensures smooth entry to various sites and activities.

The tour is operated in English, and private groups are available for a more personalized experience. Since entire entrance and museum fees are included, there are no additional costs for visits, but extra expenses may arise if choosing to rent traditional clothes or purchase souvenirs.

Service Quality and Guest Feedback

The service quality on this tour earns a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on three reviews. The timely start, efficient itinerary, and the kindness of guides and drivers are praised. The final shopping segment is also highlighted as a memorable, enjoyable part of the trip.

However, some caution is advised—if a guide’s English isn’t fluent, explanations may be limited, as one review indicates. Still, the overall experience remains positive, with many appreciating the value for money and culture.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour

This tour is well-suited for history enthusiasts eager to see Ottoman landmarks and learn about its founding figures. Those interested in authentic cultural experiences, such as dressing in traditional Ottoman clothes, will find this particularly engaging. The full-day schedule suits travelers comfortable with early mornings and long days on the road.

It offers a comprehensive look at Ottoman history, with guided visits to key sites, lunch, and the chance to shop for souvenirs. While some logistical aspects could be smoother if guide commentary is limited, the overall value and depth of experience make this a compelling choice for curious visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Söüt and Bursa Ottoman History Day Trip

This well-rounded tour delivers a thorough exploration of Ottoman origins and early development. The visit to Söüt provides insight into the dynasty’s roots, while Bursa’s historic sites showcase the empire’s first capital and architectural achievements.

The experience excels in service quality, site visits, and culture, especially with the option to wear traditional attire. It is ideal for those who want a full-day, culturally rich adventure with guided commentary and shopping. The $794 price includes all entrance fees and lunch, offering good value for a specialized historical tour.

While it may not suit travelers seeking light walking or casual sightseeing, it remains an engaging and insightful journey into Ottoman history—perfect for those who want to connect with Turkey’s past in a meaningful and memorable way.

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From Istanbul: Söüt and Bursa Ottoman History Day Trip

4.7

“Exceptional quality of service. The tour started in a timely manner and all of the activities were accomplished in an efficient way that was consis…”

— GetYourGuide traveler, August 1, 2023