Istanbul: Bursa and Uludag Full-Day Trip with Cable Car Ride

If you’re looking for a way to escape Istanbul’s hustle and get a taste of Turkey’s natural beauty and historic charm, this Bursa and Uludag full-day tour might just be the ticket. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve looked into what it offers, and it seems like a solid option for anyone wanting a blend of cultural sights and mountain adventures.

What really catches the eye? First, the chance to see Bursa’s stunning Green Mosque and mausoleum, which are often praised for their impressive architecture. Second, the highlight for many: the cable car ride up Uludag Mountain—a trip that promises panoramic views and some winter sports if you’re visiting during the snow season.

Of course, there’s a tradeoff, as the tour has a long duration—about 12 hours—so it’s quite a day out, and some travelers find it a bit rushed. But if you love exploring multiple spots with a guide handling logistics, this could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a mix of culture, nature, and a bit of adventure without planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip covering Bursa’s historic sites and mountain activities.
• Affordable price point around $54, offering good value considering transportation, guide, and entry fees.
• Beautiful scenery and photo opportunities on the cable car and around Uludag.
• Variety of activities, from sightseeing to winter sports, depending on the season.
• Long but well-organized, with some reviews mentioning the day can feel a bit rushed.
• Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on This Bursa & Uludag Trip

Starting the Day: Pickup and Journey
The trip kicks off early, with hotel pickup from key areas in Istanbul like Sultanahmet, Taksim, or Sirkeci. From there, you’ll head toward Bursa, crossing either the Osmangazi Bridge or via ferry across the Izmir Gulf—both scenic routes that set the tone for a day out of the city.

Visit to the Inkaya Tree
Your first stop is a lovely, almost poetic one: the 600-year-old Inkaya Tree. This giant, ancient tree is a symbol of Bursa and provides an excellent photo opportunity. It’s a quick stop but a memorable one, especially for nature lovers or history buffs who appreciate the longevity of such natural monuments.

Uludag Mountain and Winter Activities
Next, it’s time for the mountain adventure. You’ll ride a bus up Uludag Mountain, which is known for its winter sports. The cable car ride offers breathtaking views—many reviews highlight how stunning the landscape is from above. Some travelers, like Roger, mention the snow and the excitement of seeing real winter conditions for the first time.

Once at the top, you get free time for activities such as skiing or motor skiing. If you’re into winter sports, this is a wonderful opportunity, though note that skiing equipment is not included and needs to be rented separately if you want to hit the slopes. For some, like those in the reviews, this was the highlight of the trip.

Lunch at the Mountain’s Foot
After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish mixed grill lunch at a restaurant located at the mountain’s base. Most reviews agree that the food is tasty and filling—an essential part of any long day trip.

The Green Mosque and Bursa Old Silk Market
Post-lunch, the tour visits Bursa’s impressive Green Mosque and Green Tomb—noted for their beautiful architecture and interior design. These sites give a glimpse of Ottoman craftsmanship and faith. Nearby, the Old Silk Market offers a chance to walk through Bursa’s historic trading hub and buy local products like Turkish delight, honey, and jam—although these shopping stops are on your own and not included in the tour price.

Shopping and Local Products
The tour allows time to browse local stores, especially those selling Turkish delights and other preserved goods. Several reviews praise these as good shopping opportunities, with some noting they can buy directly from manufacturers, which adds to the value.

Return to Istanbul
The long day wraps up with a scenic ferry or bus ride back to Istanbul, arriving in the evening. Some reviews suggest the return journey can be lengthy, but most agree it’s a fair trade for the experience gained.

The Pros and Cons Based on Travelers’ Feedback

What Travelers Like

• Guides are often praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep the group engaged. Several reviews mention guides like Yaqoob or Burak as highlights.
• The views from the cable car and the mountain are highlighted as spectacular—many say it’s the best part of the trip.
• The value for money is generally considered good, especially considering the included transportation, guide, and the entrance fee to the Uludag National Park.
• The variety of stops keeps the day interesting, balancing history, nature, and leisure.

What Could Be Better

• The long hours can make the day feel rushed. Multiple reviews mention that more time in certain spots—especially on the mountain—would improve the experience.
• The bus seats are sometimes described as small or cramped, which can be uncomfortable on a 12-hour trip.
• The cable car may be closed during heavy rain, so if you’re visiting in bad weather, the mountain experience might be affected. A backup plan (like a minibus ride) is in place, but the scenic ride could be missed.
• Some travelers found the pickups and drop-offs in Istanbul to be a little disorganized, adding to the long day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Is This Tour Right for You?

This trip is well-suited for travelers who enjoy sightseeing and nature, and are comfortable with a long day on a bus. If you’re a fan of winter scenery or snow, you’ll likely find this trip memorable, especially if you’re coming from a warmer climate. The guides’ knowledge and friendly service make it easier to navigate the day, even if it’s packed.

However, if you’re not very mobile or dislike lengthy bus rides, this might be a bit much. It’s also worth noting that unless you’re into winter sports, the snow activities are optional, and you can enjoy the scenic views from the cable car instead.

Final Thoughts

For around $54, this tour offers a diverse experience—from historic sites in Bursa to snowy peaks and mountain panoramas. You’ll get a taste of Turkish culture, architecture, and nature, all in one day. The trip’s biggest selling points are the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, which many travelers rave about.

Still, it’s not perfect—expect some rushed moments and long hours. The comfort of the bus and the weather-dependent nature of the cable car are factors to keep in mind. But if you’re eager for a full day of adventure, this trip delivers a lot for the price.

For travelers looking for a well-organized day that covers diverse highlights without the stress of planning each detail, this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off from various areas in Istanbul including Sultanahmet, Taksim, and others.

How long is the trip?
It lasts around 12 hours, making it a full-day adventure.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, a guide, entrance to Uludag National Park, a cable car ride (one way), and a traditional lunch with a soft drink.

Can I do winter sports on this trip?
Yes, during winter months, you can try activities like skiing or motor skiing if you want, but ski equipment is not included.

What if the cable car is closed?
If weather conditions prevent the cable car from operating, a minibus will take you down the mountain instead.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on winter sports and physical activities suggests it’s more suitable for older children and adults.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and your passport or ID are recommended. Keep weather in mind—layer up if needed.

How is the guide?
Most reviews praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep the group engaged.

Is there free time at any stop?
Yes, at Uludag for winter sports and at the Silk Market for shopping. The time varies but is enough for photos and browsing.

Would I recommend this trip?
If you enjoy combining cultural sights with mountain scenery and don’t mind a long day, absolutely. It’s especially good for those eager to see snow or experience Bursa’s historic sites without arranging everything independently.

This full-day tour offers a balanced mix of activity and relaxation, making it a solid option for those wanting to pack a lot into one Turkish adventure. It’s not without its flaws, but the overall value and memorable views make it worth considering, especially if you’re eager to see a different side of Turkey just a short distance from Istanbul.

You can check availability for your dates here: