Istanbul: Bursa & Uludag Tour with Lunch & Cable Car Option

You can explore Bursa and Uludag in a single day with this well-organized tour departing from Istanbul for only $29 per person. The trip lasts around 13 hours, making it a full-day adventure that covers key sights such as the Green Mosque, a Turkish delight factory, Uludag Mountain, and scenic cable car rides. This experience is perfect for those wanting to see a different side of Turkey, with plenty of opportunities for photos, delicious food, and optional mountain activities like skiing or motor skiing.

While the tour is quite packed, it offers good value considering the inclusions like lunch, ferry crossings, and entrance fees, with optional upgrades such as the cable car ride. Keep in mind that the trip involves long coach rides, and weather conditions can affect certain activities like the cable car. This tour suits travelers eager for a comprehensive day trip that combines history, nature, and local flavors.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $29 covers a full-day experience including transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
• Highlights include visiting the Green Mosque, sampling Turkish delights, and exploring Uludag Mountain.
• Optional activities such as cable car rides and mountain exploration add to the adventure.
• The tour duration is 13 hours, with pickup starting between 8:00 and 9:15 AM.
• Good reviews emphasize knowledgeable guides, stunning mountain views, and great value.
• Be prepared for long coach rides and potential weather impacts on mountain activities.

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From Istanbul to Bursa and Uludag in One Day

This tour makes it easy to visit Bursa, Turkey’s first Ottoman capital, in just a single day from Istanbul. Starting early with hotel pickups around 8:00 to 9:15 AM, the journey includes a crossing via ferry or Osmangazi Bridge over the Izmir Gulf, setting the scenic tone for the day.

The tour’s structure allows for a smooth flow from city sightseeing to mountain adventures, with a focus on convenience and efficient use of time. The transport includes crossing, coach travel, and optional cable car rides, making it a seamless experience to cover multiple highlights without the hassle of independent planning.

Visiting the Turkish Delight Factory and Bursa’s Historic Sites

The first stop in Bursa is at a Turkish delight shop, where sampling the variety of flavors is a sweet treat. Although it’s a shop rather than a factory, visitors get a chance to taste delicious Turkish delights, honey, and jams, which adds a flavorful start to the day.

Next on the itinerary is the Ancient Tree in Inkaya, a sycamore over 630 years old, offering a glimpse of nature’s durability. The tour then visits a Natural Home Made Jam Preserved House, showcasing traditional Turkish products and food preservation methods. These stops highlight Bursa’s local craftsmanship and edible traditions, with enough time to enjoy each site.

Lunch Featuring Turkish Cuisine

After exploring natural and historical sites, the group enjoys a lunch break featuring a mixed grill with salads and a soft drink. The meal is a highlight for many, offering a chance to savor authentic Turkish flavors in a relaxed setting. The value for money is clear, as the lunch is included in the price, and reviews praise the quality and taste.

Uludag Mountain: Skiing, Motor Skiing, and Scenic Views

The Uludag Mountain stop is a key highlight of the tour. Visitors receive free time to explore the mountain, which is Turkey’s most popular ski center. The chairlift to the peak is an optional upgrade, with many reviews emphasizing that it’s absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views and snowy scenery.

For those interested, the mountain offers winter sports such as skiing and motor skiing, adding a lively adventure component. The entrance fee to Uludağ is included, but ski equipment, jackets, and gloves are not, so travelers should bring or rent their own gear if planning to hit the slopes.

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Uludag Cable Car: Breathtaking Mountain Descent

One of the most praised features is the cable car ride from Uludağ to Bursa downtown. This optional activity provides spectacular vistas of the snow-covered landscape and surrounding areas when weather permits.

Although the cable car is weather-dependent, many reviews mention that the views from the cable car are unforgettable, making it a highlight of the day. It’s important to note that no refunds are offered if the cable car operation is halted due to weather conditions, so travelers should be prepared for possible cancellations.

Exploring Bursa’s Historic Sites: Green Mosque and Silk House

In Bursa, the Green Mosque and Green Tomb are central attractions. The Green Mosque impresses with its architecture and interior design, giving visitors a glimpse of Ottoman craftsmanship. The Green Tomb and Silk House further enrich the historical experience, offering insight into Bursa’s religious and commercial past.

This part of the tour provides cultural enrichment and photo opportunities, with guides explaining the significance of each site. The visits are well-paced and give enough time to appreciate each location without feeling rushed.

Return Journey and Tour End

After a full day of sightseeing, mountain exploration, and cultural visits, the group departs Bursa for Istanbul. The return journey involves traffic and weather considerations, so timing can vary. The whole trip offers a rundown of Bursa’s highlights and the natural beauty of Uludag in one accessible package.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour offers incredible value for $29, especially considering the inclusions like lunch, transportation, and entrance fees. The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, well-organized planning, and beautiful scenery as major strengths.

It is particularly suited for travelers who want a full-day experience covering nature, history, and local tastes without the hassle of independent travel logistics. The long coach rides and the busy schedule mean it’s best for those comfortable with a long day and moderate physical activity, especially in winter conditions.

Final Thoughts on the Bursa & Uludag Tour

This day trip from Istanbul showcases the natural beauty and historical richness of Bursa and Uludag. The scenic cable car rides, delicious Turkish lunch, and visits to Ottoman landmarks make it a memorable outing. While the weather-dependent cable car might limit some experiences, the overall trip is highly praised for its value and professional guides.

Travelers looking for a well-paced, affordable way to see Turkey’s first Ottoman capital and its mountain landscapes will find this tour a worthwhile choice, especially if they enjoy mountain scenery and cultural sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, with pickup starting between 8:00 and 9:15 AM.

What is included in the price?
The price of $29 includes pickup and drop-off, a ferry or bridge crossing, Uludağ entrance fee, lunch with soft drink, a local guide, and the cable car ride if selected.

Can I do the cable car ride?
Yes, the cable car is an optional activity. Weather can affect its operation, and no refunds are provided if it is halted due to weather.

What activities are available at Uludag?
You can enjoy scenic views, mountain exploration, and, if you bring or rent equipment, skiing or motor skiing. The chair lift is an optional upgrade and highly recommended for the views.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it generally suits those comfortable with long coach rides and moderate walking. Bring warm clothing, gloves, and warm shoes for mountain activities.

What are the main attractions in Bursa?
Highlights include the Green Mosque, Green Tomb, and the Silk House, along with natural sites like the Ancient Tree and jam preserved house.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour features a Turkish mixed grill lunch with salad and a soft drink, providing authentic local flavors.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, gloves, and comfortable warm shoes are recommended, especially for mountain activities.

How do reviews rate this tour?
The average rating is 4.2 out of 5, with many praising the guide’s knowledge, scenic views, and good value for money.

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