Exploring Bursa on a day trip from Istanbul offers a compelling glimpse into Turkey’s early Ottoman roots, stunning mountain scenery, and vibrant local life. This tour, priced around $17.36 per person, covers a lot of ground—from historic mosques and tombs to lush mountains and bustling markets—making it a rich experience for those craving culture, nature, and a taste of authentic Turkish hospitality.
Two aspects I particularly appreciate about this tour are the scenic cable car ride up Mount Uludağ and the inclusion of a delicious traditional Turkish lunch at the mountain’s summit. The ride offers sweeping views of Bursa’s rugged landscape, perfect for nature lovers or anyone wanting a memorable photo opportunity. The lunch provides a satisfying taste of local cuisine, while the guide’s insights help you understand the significance of each site.
One potential drawback to consider is that, according to some reviews, the itinerary can feel rushed and somewhat commercialized. Several participants pointed out that visits to certain historic sites, like the Green Mosque, might be brief, and some felt that the stops at markets and shops could be driven more by sales commissions than genuine interest. If you’re someone who values unhurried exploration of historical landmarks, this might be a factor to keep in mind.
Key points / Takeaways
Scenic cable car ride offers unbeatable views of Bursa and Uludağ National Park, perfect for nature lovers.
Value for money is high considering the mix of transportation, guided commentary, lunch, and cable car ride included in the price.
The guide (though unnamed in reviews) is often praised for being knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging.
It’s a long day, around 12-14 hours, so be prepared for early starts and a late return, especially in high season.
Market visits and shop stops add cultural flavor but may feel overly commercialized for some travelers.
Some key historic sites, like the Tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi, are included, but a few reviewers noted they felt rushed or disappointed with limited time.
Starting the Day: From Istanbul to Bursa
The tour kicks off early in the morning, with hotel pickups in Istanbul. The comfort of a fully air-conditioned bus makes the 2-hour drive more pleasant, and your guide provides helpful commentary along the way. Crossing the Sea of Marmara via ferry adds a charming touch—nothing beats the view of Istanbul’s skyline receding as you sail toward Bursa.
The first real stop in Bursa is at the Port of Pendik for the ferry ride, which lasts around 45 minutes. During this cruise, you’ll enjoy sights of the city and water, a relaxing start to your day. Many reviews mention this ferry ride as a highlight, offering a chance to see Istanbul from a different perspective.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bursa.
Exploring Bursa’s Historic Gems
Once on land, your guide will lead you through some of Bursa’s most evocative sites. The Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) and Green Tomb are key highlights. Built in the early 15th century, their colorful tiles and intricate architecture are breathtaking—even if your time there might be limited to 20 minutes, most travelers agree that it’s worth seeing.
Next, you’ll visit the Yesil Carsi Bazaar—a lively market where you can browse for spices, souvenirs, and regional delicacies. It’s a lively spot, and you might find it a bit touristy, but it offers a good taste of local trading life. One review noted that the market stops can sometimes feel a bit rushed or overly focused on shopping rather than appreciating the culture.
Uludağ Mountain: The Day’s Showstopper
The Bursa Teleferik (cable car) ride is the trip’s highlight for many. The 45-minute journey takes you from the city into Uludağ National Park, with panoramic views over the mountains, forests, and Bursa itself. Once at the summit, you can explore hiking trails, enjoy a meal at a mountain restaurant, or simply marvel at the scenery. The cable car’s smooth ride and breathtaking vistas make it a worthwhile experience, especially if you love being among the mountains.
A visit to a 600-year-old plane tree is also included before heading to Uludağ, giving you a sense of the area’s natural history. Many travelers appreciate this peaceful, ancient tree as a photo-worthy stop.
Lunch and Mountain Exploration
After the cable car adventure, you’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish BBQ lunch at a mountain restaurant. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that offers a real taste of local cuisine. Following lunch, you’ll have some free time—ideal for a quick walk, snacking, or simply soaking in the mountain air.
Next, a visit to a shop selling handmade jams and natural honey allows you to sample and buy products made with traditional methods. It’s a good opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs, though some might feel these stops are more about shopping than culture.
Historical Sites and Final Stops
The tour continues with visits to the tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi, founders of the Ottoman Empire. These sites are historically significant, and most travelers find them quite meaningful, even if the visit is brief (around 20 minutes). The guide and other visitors often share insights that help bring these sites to life.
After a full day of exploring, you’ll board the ferry for the return to Istanbul, which takes about 45 minutes. The last stop before your hotel is at an outlet mall for a quick 30-minute break—an opportunity to stretch or pick up last-minute souvenirs.
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
This trip suits travelers who want a full-day experience packed with variety—from scenic mountain vistas and historic mosques to bustling markets and a taste of Turkish cuisine. If you’re comfortable with long hours and a somewhat fast-paced tour, you’ll find the value is good for the price. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy guided trips that include transportation, lunch, and key sights, without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.
Families, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, though those seeking a leisurely, in-depth exploration of each site might prefer a more relaxed or private tour. Be prepared for crowds and some commercialized stops—this is part of the typical package, as noted in reviews.
Final Thoughts
This Bursa day trip offers a solid introduction to one of Turkey’s most historic and scenic regions. The cable car ride, panoramic mountain views, and the inclusion of local markets and cultural sites make it a well-rounded experience. While it may feel rushed at times, most travelers agree that the highlights—especially the mountain vistas and historic monuments—make the journey worthwhile.
The value for money is notable, especially when you consider the ferry rides, guided commentary, lunch, and cable car included in the price. If you’re looking for an active, diverse, and reasonably priced way to see Bursa’s top sights from Istanbul, this tour fits the bill. Just keep your expectations in check for a somewhat commercialized experience, and you’ll likely come away with memorable photos and a deeper appreciation for Turkey’s early Ottoman heritage.
FAQ
How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
The tour starts at 8:00 am, so plan to be ready a little earlier to ensure a prompt pickup from your hotel.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for all ages, with the cable car ride being smooth and accessible. However, it’s a long day, so children or seniors should be prepared for the duration.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle. A light jacket might be helpful at the mountain summit, especially if it’s windy.
Are the sites visited worth the time?
Most reviews say yes—sites like the Green Mosque and tombs are beautiful and meaningful, though some feel the time at each is limited. The cable car ride is universally praised.
Is the shopping stops worth it?
If you enjoy local markets and souvenirs, yes. If you’re more interested in historical sites, the shopping stops might feel a bit commercialized, as some reviews suggest.
What’s the ending time for the tour?
Most travelers finish around 11:00 pm, including a brief stop at an outlet mall before being dropped off at their hotels in Istanbul.
This tour is a good choice for those who want to pack a lot into a single day—mountains, history, markets, and a taste of Turkey’s natural beauty. Just be prepared for a full day and some busy sites, and you’ll come away with plenty of stories and photos to cherish.