Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Istanbul

Traveling from Istanbul to Bursa for a day can feel like stepping into a different world—one filled with lush parks, historic mosques, and mountain adventures. This particular tour offers a chance to see some of Turkey’s highlights in a single day, making it appealing if you’re short on time but eager to explore.

What we find promising about this experience are the guided visits to the Green Mosque and Mausoleum, which showcase stunning tile work, and the opportunity to ride a cable car up Mount Uludağ, especially for those who love nature or want a break from urban life. Plus, the ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara adds a touch of scenic charm to the day.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour runs long—about 12 hours—and, from some reviews, it seems there can be quite a bit of downtime. This might test your patience if you’re expecting a super tight schedule. Still, if you’re interested in a comprehensive look at Bursa with a knowledgeable guide, this trip might be worth it.

This tour is likely best suited for travelers who enjoy guided excursions, want a taste of Bursa’s key sights, and don’t mind a full day on the go. It’s practical for those who prefer organized trips that handle transportation and logistics, letting you sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Key Points

• Convenient all-in-one day trip from Istanbul, covering major sights and experiences in Bursa.
• Includes transportation, guide, and lunch, providing good value for the price.
• Highlights the Green Mosque and Mausoleum, famous for their beautiful tiles.
• Offers scenic views and adventure with the cable car ride to Uludağ Mountain.
• Features local shopping opportunities and a ferry crossing, adding variety.
• Potential for long waits and downtime, so patience is helpful.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Bursa: What to Expect

This tour kicks off early, around 8 a.m., from Taksim Square. From there, it’s a drive to Bursa via a ferry across the Sea of Marmara—a fun way to start the journey, with a chance to enjoy the water and the fresh air. The ferry ride alone is a scenic highlight, giving you a moment to relax before the sightseeing begins.

Once in Bursa, the day is packed with sightseeing and activities. The first major stop is the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum, renowned for their beautiful Iznik tiles that have made them iconic. You’ll have time to admire the intricate craftsmanship and learn about their historical significance. Our guide’s knowledge is often praised, making the visit more engaging and informative.

Next, there’s a visit to the Silk Market, which traces its roots to Bursa’s historic role in the Silk Road. This is a great spot to browse and bargain for souvenirs or local products. If you’re into shopping, you might enjoy testing your haggling skills here and picking up some Turkish delights or handmade crafts.

The most anticipated part of the day is the cable car ride up Mount Uludağ. This scenic cable car offers panoramic views and a chance to see the lush flora of the mountain. If the weather is bad, the cable car ride might be replaced with a drive to the mountain’s restaurant instead, which could limit that particular highlight. Still, the mountain’s atmosphere, even from the ground, is worth experiencing.

After lunch—a traditional barbecue—the tour allows some free time for you to explore the mountain’s surroundings or relax. It’s a good chance to breathe in the mountain air and enjoy the natural scenery. The next stop is the 600-year-old Plane Tree at İnkaya, another peaceful spot where you can stretch your legs and sip some tea.

On the journey back, there’s more shopping, giving you a final chance to pick up souvenirs or gifts before heading back to Istanbul. The return drive promises to be comfortable, with the group wrapping up around late evening.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

One of the things travelers consistently praise is the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Having someone who shares stories and insights makes a significant difference in how much you take away from a tour. It’s clear that the guides are passionate and well-informed, which helps to fill what might otherwise be long waiting periods or downtime.

On the flip side, some reviews mention that the tour feels a bit rushed or drawn out, especially with the long hours involved. One traveler noted that the tour could be shorter, “as it is a long day,” and that there was a lot of waiting around. This suggests that while the itinerary promises a comprehensive look at Bursa, the pacing might not suit everyone.

Price-wise, there’s some debate. While the tour costs $79 per person, at least one traveler found that others paid significantly less—around $33—highlighting how prices can vary depending on booking channels or discounts. This discrepancy might make some question the value for money, especially if the experience feels overly long or the activity logistics aren’t perfectly smooth.

Another point to consider is the weather. Since some activities depend on clear conditions—like the cable car ride—bad weather could limit the experience. The tour provider does mention that if the cable car isn’t operational, they’ll drive around the mountain instead, which might lessen the scenic impact but still allows for mountain views.

The Inclusions and Extras

The tour includes air-conditioned transport, a guide in English or Arabic, lunch, and the ferry ride. The cable car fee is also covered, which is a plus. You’re also covered for donations, VAT, and pick-up/drop-off from central Istanbul hotels—making logistics easier.

Drinks aren’t included, so if you want water or other beverages, you’ll need to bring some along or buy extras during the day. The tour is flexible—you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if you’re unsure about your plans.

For those seeking additional adventure, there’s an optional activity center where you can try ATV riding or snow motorbiking, but these come with extra charges.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip works well for travelers who want a guided overview of Bursa’s highlights without the hassle of planning transport and tickets. It’s ideal if you enjoy a full day of sightseeing and don’t mind long hours—perfect for those keen to fit a lot into one trip.

It’s also suitable for people interested in history, architecture, and scenic mountain views. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with small children, you might find the long hours and wait times a bit tiring.

Given the reviews, those who value a knowledgeable guide and don’t mind a busy schedule will likely appreciate this experience. However, if your main goal is to explore at your own pace or see the sights without waiting around, you might want a more customized or shorter option.

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Final Thoughts

The Bursa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Istanbul offers a practical way to visit a city often called the “Green” Bursa, packed with cultural landmarks and scenic mountain views. The inclusion of transportation, guides, and lunch makes it a reasonable deal, especially for first-timers wanting an overview without much fuss.

The guided visits to the Green Mosque, Mausoleum, and Silk Market are highlights, with the cable car experience adding that memorable touch. However, the long hours, some downtime, and price variations are worth considering before booking.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy guided day trips, are okay with a busy schedule, and want to see the main sights without worrying about logistics. If you’re after a more relaxed or personalized experience, you might want to look for options that offer more flexibility.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, it includes air-conditioned transportation from central Istanbul hotels, plus a ferry crossing and the cable car fee.

What time does the tour start?
It begins around 8 a.m., with pickups generally between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., depending on your hotel location.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included?
Yes, a barbecue lunch is included, but drinks are not.

Will I see Mount Uludağ?
You’ll have the chance to take a cable car up the mountain, weather permitting. If not, the guide will drive around the mountain instead.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly family-focused, the tour involves some walking and long hours. Check with the provider if traveling with small children.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, some activities like the cable car may be canceled or replaced with alternative sightseeing.

This experience provides a solid overview of Bursa with the convenience of organized logistics. Just be prepared for a long day and some waiting around—and you’ll come away with a good taste of Turkey’s Green City.

You can check availability for your dates here: