Guided Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car From Istanbul to Uludag

Experience the Best of Bursa on a Full-Day Guided Tour from Istanbul

For those seeking an affordable yet comprehensive day trip, the Guided Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car from Istanbul offers a fantastic way to explore Turkey’s historic city of Bursa. Priced at $24.31 per person, this 14-hour tour departs early in the morning and covers key highlights such as the Historical Part of Bursa, the Green Social Complex, and Uludag Mountain with a cable car ride included. The tour is operated by Travel with Nehir and features pickup service, ensuring a smooth start to your day.

While the full itinerary involves a long day on the road, its variety of stops—from ancient trees and traditional delights to mountain scenery and Ottoman architecture—makes it well worth considering for travelers eager to maximize their time and see some of Turkey’s most iconic sites. The tour is especially suited for those who enjoy guided excursions, scenic mountain views, and cultural landmarks. However, note that lunch is basic, and the overall pace can be quite busy.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day tour with cable car ride included from Istanbul to Bursa
• Visits to Uludag Mountain, Green Mosque, Green Tomb, and Ottoman House
• Stops at historic sites, including the Sycamore Tree and a Turkish delight factory
• Tour duration of approximately 14 hours, with pickup and drop-off included
• Highlights include scenic mountain views, Ottoman architecture, and a cable car experience from mountain to city center
• Limited food options, with a basic included lunch and optional expenses for skiing equipment or chairlifts

Starting from Istanbul to Bursa: The Logistics

The tour begins at 9:00 am with pickup from central Istanbul, making it easy to start your day without worry. The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, providing comfort during the long drive. The group size is capped at 25 travelers, creating an intimate atmosphere for guided exploration. The return trip includes a ferry ride from Yalova to Gebze, offering a short sea journey and a chance to feed seagulls or buy snacks on the boat.

The tour concludes around 7:00 pm back at the original meeting point in Istanbul, with hotel drops included. The long travel time is a consideration, but the itinerary’s diversity helps keep the day engaging.

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

The Green Mosque is a highlight of Bursa’s Ottoman architecture, built during the Ottoman era and part of the Green Social Complex. The complex also includes the Green Tomb, an important mausoleum, and an example of traditional Ottoman houses. These sites showcase the intricate tile work and architectural elegance typical of Bursa’s Ottoman period.

The complex is a fitting end to the day’s sightseeing, offering a chance to appreciate Bursa’s rich cultural heritage. The tour ends here, giving visitors a chance to absorb the atmosphere and take photos before heading back to Istanbul.

Uludag Mountain and the Cable Car Experience

One of the most memorable parts of the tour is visiting Uludag Sarialan, a mountain restaurant on the road where visitors can enjoy a lunch—either mixed grilled or fish with salad and a soft drink. While the lunch options are basic, the setting offers a taste of local cuisine and a break before heading up the mountain.

The Uludag National Park is the star attraction. Known as the Great Mountain of Turkey, it offers a breathtaking natural landscape and is a popular winter sports destination. During the summer, it’s a serene spot for fresh air and scenic views. The group spends about 2 hours here, giving enough time to explore the area, take photos, and enjoy the mountain air.

The cable car ride is included in the tour, taking visitors from the mountain to the city center. The 45-minute ride offers panoramic views of Uludag’s forests and peaks—an experience praised for its beauty and thrill, especially for those new to cable cars.

Highlights of the Uludag National Park Visit

Uludag National Park is characterized by its vast forests and highest peaks, making it ideal for winter sports like skiing. In summer, the park becomes a peaceful retreat from city life, with clean air and nature trails. The park’s reputation as Turkey’s most suitable place for winter tourism underscores its importance as a natural haven.

The 2-hour stop here allows guests to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. The park’s reputation as the “Greatest mountain” in Turkey makes it a key highlight for mountain lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Visiting the Sycamore Tree and Turkish Delight Factory

The tour features a stop at the Inkaya Tarihi Cinar, an ancient Sycamore Tree planted during the Ottoman period. This historical tree is notable for its size and age, and the guide provides context about its history during the visit.

Before the mountain stops, the group visits Prussa, a Turkish delight manufacturing factory. Here, visitors see how traditional Turkish delight is made, making this an interesting cultural experience. Both stops last 45 minutes and are free of admission fees, providing insight into local traditions and history.

The Guided Tour: Professional Guides and Local Insights

The tour is led by professional guides who are praised for their involvement and knowledge, making the experience engaging and informative. Reviewers highlight the friendly and involved guides who enhance the trip with local stories and helpful explanations.

The tour’s team also includes drivers and staff dedicated to ensuring a smooth day. Their expertise helps keep the long day on schedule and allows guests to focus on enjoying each stop.

Food, Drinks, and Optional Expenses

The included lunch offers a choice between mixed grilled or fish with salad, accompanied by a soft drink. While the meal is considered basic, it provides necessary energy for the day’s activities.

Additional expenses include chairlift rides costing around 7, and ski equipment without clothes for approximately 20. These are not included in the package but are available for guests who wish to extend their mountain experience.

Price and Booking in Advance

At just $24.31 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and activities. The tour is booked on average 28 days in advance, indicating its popularity and reliability.

Most travelers find this tour convenient, thanks to the pickup service and clear schedule. The mobile ticket system allows easy access, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour ensures flexibility.

Final Verdict: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This guided Bursa tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day trip with cultural sites, mountain scenery, and a cable car experience. It’s ideal for those comfortable with long days of travel and looking for affordable exploration outside of Istanbul.

While the lunch is simple, the scenic views, historic sites, and mountain air compensate well. The tour’s professional guides and well-organized itinerary make it a trustworthy choice for first-time visitors to Bursa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though the long day and walking involved may require some physical stamina.

What is included in the price?
The guiding service, air-conditioned transportation, lunch, cable car ride (one way), and Uludag entry fee are included.

Are there any optional expenses?
Yes, guests can pay for chairlifts (~7) and ski equipment without clothes (~20), both outside the package.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, guests are offered a different date or full refund.

How long is the journey back to Istanbul?
The return trip includes about 1 hour and 30 minutes of ferry crossing and driving, which can be longer depending on traffic.

This guided Bursa tour combines cultural sights, natural beauty, and mountain adventure at a budget-friendly price, making it a solid choice for curious travelers eager to see more of Turkey outside Istanbul.