Bursa Uludag Tour with Lunch & ( Cable Car option )

When it comes to experiencing Turkey beyond Istanbul, Bursa often gets overlooked, yet it’s packed with charm, history, and stunning nature. This Bursa Uludag Tour offers a well-rounded day that combines scenic mountain views, historical sites, tasty local treats, and a fun cable car ride. While some reviews praise the overall value and the guide’s professionalism, others highlight a few hiccups that are worth considering.

If you’re looking to get a taste of Turkey’s countryside, enjoy panoramic vistas from the mountain, and explore a city that balances past and present, this tour could be just what you need. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a structured day out that touches on culture, nature, and local flavors without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

What we love about this experience is how it blends multiple highlights — from tasting Turkish delights and jams to walking under a 638-year-old plane tree. The cable car ride is a standout feature, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the long duration and some variability in the pace, which might feel rushed or uneven depending on the day.

This tour is great for those who appreciate a mix of sightseeing with some relaxing and fun moments. If you’re traveling from Istanbul and want a comprehensive, reasonably priced day trip that showcases Bursa’s natural beauty and rich history, this is worth considering.

Key Points

• Diverse stops include tasting Turkish delights and jams, a historic plane tree, and cultural sites.
• Uludag’s cable car provides a memorable bird’s-eye view and is one of the longer rides available.
• Meals and tastings are included, adding value and local flavor to your day.
• Guides and transportation are generally praised for professionalism and punctuality.
• Long day (around 12 hours) requires good energy, but the variety keeps it interesting.
• Some reviews mention uneven quality in shops and food, so be prepared for variability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Bursa Uludag Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Pickup and Early Travel

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Istanbul, which means you can relax knowing transportation logistics are handled. The bus journey to Bursa takes roughly two hours — a good opportunity to catch up on sleep or chat with fellow travelers. The coach is usually comfortable, but as with most group tours, be prepared for a long day ahead.

First Stops: Turkish Delight and Jam Shops

Once in Bursa, your first taste of local culture hits you at the Turkish delight shop. Guests often enjoy free tastings of various delights, and many find themselves tempted to buy souvenirs. It’s a sweet way to start the day, with the added bonus of learning about Turkey’s famous confectionery.

Next, a jam shop offers organic jams — a popular stop for both tasting and shopping. As one traveler put it, “We tasted a variety of organic jams, and the quality was impressive.” These stops are often viewed as pleasant, although some might see them as slightly commercialized, especially if you’re not into shopping.

Lunch: A Hearty, Local Meal

A key highlight for many is the included lunch at a local restaurant. Guests typically enjoy traditional Turkish dishes, with some describing the meal as “more than expected,” featuring chicken, red meat, salad, and bread. The meal hits a good balance between satisfying and authentic, giving you energy for the rest of the day.

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Visiting the Historic Plane Tree

After lunch, a serene walk to the 638-year-old plane tree provides a peaceful break. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the natural surroundings. The tree isn’t just a photo op; it’s a symbol of Bursa’s long-standing connection with nature.

Uludag Mountain: The Peak and Scenic Views

The highlight for many is heading up to Uludag’s summit by vehicle and then taking the cable car from the mountain peak back down to the city. The ride lasts about 25 minutes and offers sweeping views of the landscape, making it a memorable experience for landscape lovers.

You might find that the views are especially spectacular in good weather, but some reviews mention cloud cover or rain obscuring the scenery. Still, riding a long cable car — nearly 10 kilometers in total — is an experience that many rate as a major highlight.

Free Time at the Peak

Once at Uludag, you’re given about 2 hours to explore. In winter, the mountain is popular for skiing and motor skiing, although the tour doesn’t include equipment rental or lessons. If winter sports aren’t your thing, simply enjoying the mountain’s fresh air and panoramic vistas is worthwhile. Some travelers noted that the mountain looks stunning in summer as well, with lush greenery and fewer crowds.

Visiting a Historical Bath turned Souvenir Shop

Back in Bursa city center, a visit to a historic bath turned souvenir shop offers a chance to pick up unique keepsakes. Visitors often find it a charming spot to browse local crafts and gifts.

Cultural Stops: Yeil Mosque and Yeil Tomb

The tour winds down with visits to Yeil Mosque and the adjacent Yeil Tomb. These sites are valued for their cultural significance and architecture, giving travelers a glimpse into Bursa’s religious history.

Wrapping Up and Return to Istanbul

After a full day packed with sights, tastings, and views, the bus heads back to Istanbul, with drop-offs in the original pickup points. The return journey can be a good time to reflect on the day or rest after the busy schedule.

The Realities: What to Expect

The value for money seems reasonable — especially considering the inclusiveness of meals, tastings, and the cable car ride. According to reviews, guides are generally well-informed and attentive, with some travelers praising specific guides for their professionalism and kindness, like one who was commended for caring for a sick guest with genuine compassion.

However, a few reviews highlight some inconsistencies — for example, lengthy waits at shops, variable food quality, or less engaging guides. The long duration might be tiring, particularly if you’re not used to long bus rides, but if you enjoy a varied day out, it’s manageable.

The long cable car ride is undeniably a standout, offering spectacular views and a sense of adventure. But keep in mind that weather conditions can affect visibility, and some might find the ride’s length a bit taxing if they prefer quick trips.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a well-rounded day that combines history, nature, and local flavors, then this tour offers a lot. It’s particularly good for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see Bursa’s highlights without planning each stop. The inclusion of a cable car ride and the opportunity to explore Uludag in winter make it versatile.

It’s also suitable if you enjoy tasting local products and are comfortable with a structured schedule that runs from early morning until evening. But if you’re looking for a very personalized experience or prefer to explore at your own pace, this may feel a bit rushed or commercialized.

FAQs about the Bursa Uludag Tour

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, visits to the Turkish delight and jam shops, lunch at a local restaurant, a cable car ride from Uludag to Bursa, and visits to key cultural sites like Yeil Mosque and Yeil Tomb.

Is the cable car ride worth it?
Most travelers find the cable car ride to be a highlight due to the stunning views and the experience of riding nearly 10 kilometers across the mountain. Weather can influence the scenery, but the ride itself is generally appreciated.

How long is the drive from Istanbul?
The bus journey from Istanbul to Bursa takes approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable day trip.

Can I join the tour without paying in advance?
Yes, the tour offers the option to reserve now and pay later, so you can keep your plans flexible.

Are there options for winter sports on Uludag?
The tour mentions that you can try skiing or motor skiing on the mountain, although equipment rental isn’t included. It’s a popular winter destination.

How do reviews describe the guides?
Guides are generally praised for professionalism and knowledge, with some standout stories of helpfulness and kindness — like a guide caring for a guest who felt unwell.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the activities such as the cable car and sightseeing could be enjoyed by older children. However, check the weather and the long day if traveling with young kids.

What is the main downside?
Some reviews mention that the day can feel rushed, with long stretches spent in transit or shops, and the variability in shop and food quality. Weather can also impact the scenery and overall experience.

Final Thoughts

The Bursa Uludag Tour with Lunch & Cable Car offers a compelling mix of scenic beauty, cultural sites, and local delicacies, all wrapped into a single day. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a structured, hassle-free experience that covers a lot of ground without the need to plan every detail.

You’ll love the panoramic views from the cable car and the chance to learn about Bursa’s history and natural treasures. The included tastings and hearty lunch add good value, making it a well-rounded trip. That said, expect a long day, potential variability in shop and food quality, and weather-dependent scenic views.

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys guided tours that balance sightseeing with tasting and a touch of adventure, this trip will likely meet your expectations. Just be ready for a full day and some unpredictable moments — and you’ll walk away with plenty of memories to cherish.

Feel free to ask any further questions or share your own experiences in the comments — happy travels!

You can check availability for your dates here: